The definition of body positivity--Abbie

 

As google describes it, the definition of body positivity is “​Body positivity is a social movement initially created to empower and shed light on plus size women and men.” That can be the general idea, but my personal definition is more than just that. My definition consists of 2 essential topics that proves that the definition of body positivity is just that. The definition can be determined from personal experience and growth and confidence . The definition of body positivity can be determined by not a bunch of people, but from yourself.

Body positivity is from personal experience and growth. This topic is essential to determine what the meaning is, since the definition is more than just a few sentences on google. Growth with one’s body can help that person figure out their relationship with themselves, and how they treat themselves as well. Your body is the gateway to showing how you feel, your confidence, and yourself -assurance. According to Psychology today,“B​ody positivity means accepting the body you have as well as the changes in shape, size, and ability it may undergo due to nature, age, or your own personal choices throughout your lifetime. It's the understanding that your worth and what's going on with you physically”. Said Malorie Dunn, founder of a body positive fashion line (SmartGlamour). The whole theme of this message is that body positivity meaning should not be only determined by someone else's relationship with their body or experience, but your experience alone. How you felt with yourself and your weight, what made you grow to realize that you do not have to look just like a Victoria Secret model to feel beautiful. Body positivity should not only apply to the plus size audience. Body shaming and hating can also come to slim and skinny people as well. Whatever your current size is, the meaning is up to your personal growth.

Confidence is another topic that can help define the meaning of body positivity. The meaning of confidence can be overlooked as well, or overanalyzed. Generally, it means ​a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. As told by Google. Yet, confidence and body positivity must go hand in hand, to fully understand the meaning. According to Cliona Bryne, “​Body confidence is about an individual's acceptance of themselves whereas body positivity is about acceptance of marginalised bodies in society.”. Although some might think that confidence is way different than body positivity, my definition is that body confidence and body positivity is the same. Body positivity means that you also do not need society to tell you that you are accepted or beautiful to them. One needs to figure that out for themselves with how one treats their body and themselves. You need more than just society to feel positive about yourself and your body.

In conclusion, my definition of body positivity is that one must go through personal experiences with their body and have a relationship with their body, to grow their self-worth and to be happy with their body even when going through hardships and obstacles with it. Confidence is the prime factor to body positivity, because confidence in their bodies show they do not need the corrupt society to accept them for who they are, but they accept themselves for who they are and what they represent. They’re positive in how they look and would never wish to trade bodies with another because they feel inferior. You can never feel inferior without your consent and your consent only. If someone comes to the point that they see their body as positive than as negative, they have achieved the true meaning of body positivity.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/201608/what-does -body-positivity-actually-mean
https://clionabyrne.com/body-positivity-vs-body-confidence/