It can sometimes feel as though we’re constantly being inundated with new body-shaming stories, but I suspect something else is going on — and it’s truly a wonderful change to see happening.
We’re actually talking about the issue of women’s bodies. More than ever before, women and girls are publicly reaching out to support one another and bravely share their experiences so that others might learn from it.
The more we discuss an important problem, the less that problem will ultimately continue occurring. What better way to arm ourselves with than information?
Recently, former The X Factor star Stacey Solomon became the focus of this very topic when she responded to a tabloid spread of her in a bikini. The magazine had made extremely negative comments about her appearance — and even went so far as to compare her to another woman minding her own business!
And it doesn’t just happen to celebrities, either. Everyday women are facing public scrutiny from all angles, especially on the way to the gym.
It’s frankly quite disgusting to read some of the things that are being said, but it’s important that we continue listening to those who are affected by this awful form of bullying. One day, we’ll live in a world where this doesn’t happen to women and girls — especially if we don’t let this discussion disappear!
Sadly, the Team USA's Final Five gymnasts — specifically, Simone Biles, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman — received negative comments about their own bodies. Because, of course, someone had something nasty to say.
Thumbnail: Twitter, BuzzFeed, Instagram
"Rio beach day <3" Simone wrote, posing for a picture on the sandy shoreline alongside fellow Olympic gymnasts Madison and Aly. No one can deny these three have earned a very well-deserved vacation!
Not only did Simone sweep the competition by winning a whopping five gold medals at the Olympics this year, but she also became the first female gymnast to carry the American flag at Closing Ceremonies.
As for her teammates? Aly earned six medals, making her the "second-most decorated American Olympic gymnast," and Madison won a silver medal for the uneven bars, the first time in a long time that an American achieved such a feat.
Collectively, "This was the first time any U.S. team won two consecutive team golds." I think it’s safe to say these ladies are as talented as they are inspiring!
Except, jealousy is a horrible, all-encompassing emotion, and some people just can’t handle seeing others succeed. Right after Simone posted that beach photo, a self-proclaimed (and very appropriately named) "angry hippy" decided he had something important to contribute.
He wrote: "Y'all find this attractive? lmaaoo."
It’s clearly a reflection on his own character that he found an image of three amazing young women enjoying themselves to be funny in any way. But as we all know, men with little self-confidence have a lot to say about the women who have far more strength of character than they do.
That's when an incredible young lady joined the discussion and set social media on fire.
Crystal McDuffy is a student at the University of Florida. She regularly celebrates her own self-confidence and empowerment by posting selfies on Twitter. It can be a scary thing to put yourself out there for public scrutiny, but McDuffy does this with all the poise and grace of someone who knows exactly who she is. And that's so inspiring, particularly for other young women and girls!
But when she saw Simone, Madison, and Aly get brought down by a random guy on the internet? She knew it was time to step up for all women.
"Be it in sports, politics, business, and more, women continually seem to be evaluated based upon whether they’re attractive in a man’s eyes," McDuffy told BuzzFeed News, and it's a pervasive problem that she hopes to counteract.
"They're the best gymnasts in the world," Crystal wrote, beginning what would be a scathing, concise tweet seen the world over. "I promise you, they didn't get those abs to impress your dusty a**."
Oh my God. I don't know about you, but I literally cheered out loud when I first read this. It's really heartening to see Crystal's words being shared everywhere online — so much so, that the outpouring of support for her has been utterly staggering.
"Everything women do is not for male consumption or approval," she said to BuzzFeed News. I couldn't agree more!
Following her sudden rise to internet notoriety, Crystal posted this tweet regarding the news coverage of her story. "All I ever want to do is provoke thought," she wrote.
"When I tweet, aside from gaining a few laughs, my ultimate goal is to get people to reflect on why they do and say the things that they do," she told BuzzFeed News.
There's an important lesson in this story for all of us, and it goes beyond the issue of body-shaming. Crystal's thoughtful, deeply compassionate words are starting a revolution in the way we challenge outrageous beauty standards. It's thanks to incredible people like Crystal that bullies are finally being called out for their behavior!
Now, treat yourself to all the actual fun these super amazing ladies had soaking up the sun in Rio during their beach day. You'll be glad you did!
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