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,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
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