It's around this time every year that I begin to feel bombarded with thousands of ads telling me it's time to get ready for swimsuit season.
The implication there is that you should only feel good going to the beach if you've got six-pack abs, a model figure, and nary an unsightly scar in sight. If ads were really reflective of real life, you'd think no one would be allowed onto a beach unless they look like a supermodel.
Recently, however, women have been stepping up and speaking out against the idea that their bodies have to be perfect to be suitable for a beach. Plus-size model Jessica Kane recently posted a photo of herself on the beach and let people know that she is "not brave" for simply being herself in public.
Similarly, blogger Rachel Hollis posted a photo of herself in a bikini and showed off her stretch marks and the excess weight on her stomach. She sees no shame in showing off the body that childbirth gave her.
Recently, an ad began running all over London's subway tunnels suggesting that women get their bodies ready for the beach. The response has not been positive…
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The ad in question asks "Are you beach body ready?" and suggests a protein powder meal supplement to aid in weight loss.
Thousands of London citizens have spoken out against the ad saying that it is "body shaming" and that any body should be welcome on the beaches.
Though such images have been prevalent in our society for years, thousands are ready to take a stand against such ads — especially as it is seen by so many young girls.
Critics have been outspoken online, making the images go viral.
And they are also purposefully defacing the ads to change the narrative: every body is ready for the beach.
Because the product markets itself as a "meal replacement," many people are concerned about the health issues associated with such products, and that the ad might imply eating disorders as a dieting method.
The backlash has inspired its own hashtag: #eachbodysready.
Supporters upload photos of themselves with the hashtag to show that the beach is for anyone, not just people with "ideal" bodies.
The cause is getting support from both men and women of all ages.
After all, as these two young woman said, the best way of getting a beach body is getting your body to the beach.
The company has been far from apologetic, suggesting that critics are just insecure.
Their twitter responses also seem to suggest that if one does not match the model in their ads, they must be unhealthy or "fatties."
Over 49,000 people have signed a petition to get the ads removed.
What do you think? Are the ads fair or are they promoting poor body image? Let us know your opinions in the comments!
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