Editorial
Let’s stand against body-shaming
Dear Editor,
Body-shaming is a phenomenon of criticising yourself or others because of some aspect of physical appearance.
Criticising another’s appearance in front of them, (i.e.: “With those thighs, you’re never going to find a date.”) Criticising another’s appearance without their knowledge. (i.e.:“Did you see what she’s wearing today? Not flattering.” “At least you don’t look like her!”)
Females are not the only ones who are body-shamed but males also, and it’s clear that ladies are the ones who are mostly criticized on their body sizes.
Body-shaming is not only talking bad about the physical appearance of both genders but also when someone receives insults such as “your head like car tyre” “your big eyes like eggs” “ your tiny legs like chopsticks” and a whole lot, are also body shaming.
People used to appreciate other forms of body stature and shapes but the story has changed. In this article I point out the problems and its various shades.
Whether you call someone “too fat” or “too slim,” one thing is clear: nobody should feel ashamed of their weight, clothing size, body-shape or have low self esteem on their beauty or looks.
The media is one of the main cause of body shaming. The media sometimes offer tips about how to lose weight “in days,” appear slimmer “instantly,” and hide our “imperfections.
Walden Behavioral Care however provides some tips on how to curb body- shaming. In order to challenge body shaming one most do the following:
Practise identifying why you are upset about a situation. Think of people who celebrate their body for what it can do, and people who refuse to comment on others’ physical appearances.
Spending time with these people can be especially helpful while you are struggling with your own internalised body-shaming, and help you view yourself – and others – more positively.
Find something (or things) you LIKE about your body. We spend so much time on advertisements about how to make our eyelashes millimetres longer and how to get whiter teeth that it’d be nice to counter some of that by celebrating what we.
Edward Nartey,
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism
Dear Editor,
I write to express deep concern about the increasingly harmful influence social media is having on children in our communities. What was once intended to be a tool for learning, creativity, and connection has now become a major source of distraction, pressure, and moral decline among many of our young people.
Today, children spend countless hours on platforms that expose them to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and harmful trends. Instead of focusing on their studies, developing social skills, or engaging in healthy activities, many are glued to their screens—losing sleep, losing confidence, and sometimes even losing their sense of reality.
The rise in cases of depression, anxiety, peer pressure, and poor academic performance among young people can no longer be ignored. Even more worrying is how quickly harmful content, violence, explicit material, and dangerous challenges can spread across these platforms, reaching children faster than parents or teachers can intervene.
It is evident that while technology has its benefits, the lack of proper regulation and supervision has left our children vulnerable. Parents must become more proactive in monitoring what their children consume online, schools must strengthen digital literacy education, and authorities should consider stricter policies to protect minors from harmful online exposure.
We cannot sit back and watch the future generation be shaped by uncontrolled digital influences. It is time for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that social media becomes a safer, more positive space for our children.
— James Brown,
Akosombo
Dear Editor,
Please permit me to use your respected medium to commend the Ghana Police Service (GPS) for the decision not to grant leave requests for personnel during the Christmas season. This annual ritual is a clear demonstration that the service is mindful of the need to observe the yuletide in a serene and peaceful atmosphere devoid of difficulties and crimes.
It may not be a pleasant piece of news for the men and women in uniform, but they would be the first to appreciate the fact that the nature of the celebration requires their presence at all times.
My concern, however, is that despite the police visibility, crimes were still perpetrated at certain places. This means that whenever the police take such decisions, criminals also find their way around. My observation is that because personnel are stationed at specific locations, perpetrators carry out their activities where police visibility is low.
I want to suggest that the police administration intensify patrols in areas identified as crime zones to avert attacks. I also wish to advise all agencies responsible for maintaining law and order not to go to sleep. They must be awake to control pubs, drinking bars, eating joints, beaches, and other public gathering spots.
Citizens must also put up their best behaviour to ensure that we have a peaceful Christmas season and reflect on the reason for the celebration.
— Sandra Owusuaa,
Kasoa
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