1.0 Introduction
Through the Renaissance and Victorian Britain, larger figures were idealised in Ancient Greece. This is because, the rich had access to food and didn’t have to work the land. Hence, they were larger and paler, two desirable physical characteristics. This sort of body was idealised during periods of unequal income distribution because it symbolised the affluence of that person. Whereas, losing weight as a result of tuberculosis and other illnesses increased the stigma attached to a smaller frame.
As we move into the modem era, lower food prices, and universal healthcare have changed how people view the “rich body.” Weight no longer reflects wealth as it formerly did because those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds still have access to food. The wealth divide has had to find new ways to show up physically, which sustains a different kind of ideal body. For those with enough money to purchase generally more expensive things, organic food, veganism, and workout courses were all within reach. The physical representation of this new wealth distribution became a trim, toned figure. Instead, a larger physique came to represent a “lazy,” lower socioeconomic status, a radical departure from the way it had previously been perceived.
Nowadays, we are maintaining the notion that a particular type of body is superior by literally moulding our bodies to fit our idea of the “acceptable” figure. And by implying that a particular body is superior, we allow other bodies to exist outside of this ideal, which is precisely the place where shame flourishes.
1.1 Background of the Study
Body shaming is the act of making inappropriate and negative comments about a person’s body. It can be about your own body or someone else’s. Body shaming manifests in different ways such as fat shaming, skinny shaming, pretty shaming, body hair shaming, food shaming and more. Some people believe that body shaming is justified in order to motivate others to change their behaviour for the better. But body shaming can be harmful, it can hurt people’s confidence and lead to negative health outcomes. For young people, growing up with negative comments about their bodies can have a negative impact on their mental health for the rest of their lives. According to a study, the prevalence of being bullied among young adults in Malaysia is 16.2%. Although body shaming is considered an offence under Section 233(1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), there are still instances of it taking place. Seventeen cases of body shaming were reported in Malaysia in between 2017 and 2021. Unreported cases are likely much higher, as many victims do not report these cases for fear of being ridiculed by their peers.
1.2 Problem Statement
Experiencing body shaming can cause low self-esteem which leads to poor social life. For young adults, this can be problematic because they are still trying to establish themselves in the world. Low-esteem caused by body shaming affects their school or work life as well as their personal lives and relationships. Their poor performance in social life can also cause anxiety and depression. Although there are many studies exploring the negative side effects of body shaming on mental health, there are lack of research conducted on how it affects one’s social life.
1.3 Research Objectives
1.3.1 RO1
To find out the types of body shaming young adults in Klang Valley experience
1.3.2 RO2
To find out the effects of body shaming on one’s social life
1.3.3 RO3
To find out how young adults in Klang Valley deal with the consequences of body shaming
1.4 Research Questions
1.4.1 RQ1
How body shaming affects one’s self-esteem?
1.4.2 RQ2
Do body shaming victims find it hard to meet and talk with people in real life?
1.4.3 RQ3
Do body shaming victims find it hard to maintain existing relationships?
1.5 Scope of The Study
This research will involve young adults from the age range of 18-29 in Klang Valley. They will be interviewed with a set of questions using Google Forms. This research will mainly focus on the self-esteem, mental health and social life of body shaming victims.
1.6 Significance of The Study
This topic is important to explore because a lot of people are silently struggling because of body shaming. Eventhough some come forward to voice out about this issue, they are often disregarded. This study also helps to understand the different kinds of struggles victims go through and encourage them to speak up more. Because if no one speaks up, then no one will try to make a change.
