Flaunt those flaws: The rise of healthy body image hashtags

On a daily basis, most of us are exposed to rather unrealistic concepts of beauty and fitness. Through images and information on magazine covers, billboards, television or online, one is taught that there’s a fixed definition of what’s beautiful. Of late, however, social networks have been attempting to break these stereotypes with hashtags promoting a healthier image, trending worldwide.

The hashtag #curvy or #curvee started trending as a way for bigger women to show off their bods with confidence. Thousands of women showed that they not only love but have embraced their curves to the fullest promoting a positive body movement. #rockthecrop and #fatkini (that was trending last year) gained popularity as a method to show that plus-size women too can sport swimwear and midriff-baring tops with ease. The former hashtag was in protest to an article in Oprah’s magazine suggesting a woman can wear a crop top only if she has rock-solid abs.

Body size issues aside, also what has been trending is an acceptance of one’s lines and scars. While we usually view Photoshopped images of celebs, those like model Chrissy Teigen were coming forward to show that they suffer from stretch marks too. The #loveyourlines movement suggested one should accept their imperfections and not be embarassed and hide them. #mombod celebrated moms everywhere, especially those who’d recently given birth and weren’t ‘back in shape’.

#BodyHairDay, that trended two months ago, had women showing off unwaxed body parts and while some may dismiss it for being gross, the idea was that women shouldn’t be under pressure to look hair-free. The #effyourbeautystandards movement was started by Tess Holliday, the first size-22 model and encourages women of all shapes and sizes to feel free to dress as they like. With thousands of women posting images with these hashtags, does this mean we are ready to embrace a healthier, more realistic image of ourselves?

Deanne Panday 
Celebrity fitness trainer
I think it’s all about changing people’s mindsets. I was part of a curvy issue of a popular fashion magazine and am proud of it. Everyone wants to be slim, but I’d rather be strong than be skinny! As for accepting imperfections, it will slowly happen. Earlier this year, an untouched photo of supermodel Cindy Crawford was released showing her strech marks proving she’s just like any of us. I think the concept of beauty will change in the next five to ten years. However, in India, it may take longer. People are still concerned with what society thinks of them. Actresses like Vidya Balan, Tabu, Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi are critiqued more for their figure rather than their acting abilities. I hope that changes someday.

Lubna Adam
fashion choreographer
I am all for women loving their bodies the way they are. However, I’m not in favour of unhygienic body parts/hair being exposed. But I am guessing it’s not ugly because I haven’t seen these images. So yes, be happy and proud of the way you are – man, woman or child. As long as you are healthy, I give a thumbs-up! The Indian woman today is confident and not scared to let the world (and her man know) that she is no longer ashamed of being herself and does not care what the world may think because she is happy the way she is.

Alesia Raut
model
Personally, I would not have the courage to openly flaunt my imperfections. I think it’s okay among friends, but not great to do so on social media. I’m all in support of fuller women, those that are size 12 and 14 and hope that more such women make it to magazine covers. I still remember the film Titanic with the beautiful Kate Winslet, who’s far from skinny. Cellulite and stretch marks are okay if they show while wearing a dress, but I wouldn’t post pictures of them. As for displaying body hair, that is plain ugly.

Clint Fernandes
make-up expert
The positive body image hashtags are definitely a good thing. In fact, in the past four to five years, I’ve noticed a slight shift with celebrities not wanting too much Photoshop on their images. The general public opinion has created a sort of body dysmorphia as most people are constantly worried about the way they look and what society will say. Beauty is you, yourself and not about anyone else. Slowly, people are getting more comfortable in their own skin. It’s also good for youngsters to grow up with a healthier body image. Indian fashion weeks now are making a conscious effort to take girls who are not overly thin, but more curvy and also those with  dusky complexions.