From victim to encourager

This English expression describes discrimination against people because of their body. "It started in kindergarten and got progressively worse over the years. Later on social media, the insults became particularly extreme,” the 21-year-old recalls the hate and agitation she was exposed to.

The young woman from Wetter is not alone with these experiences. According to a study, 25 percent of Germans have already experienced "body shaming", i.e. they were insulted because of their outward appearance. It is particularly common in women. Just like Michelle Schrand. The 26-year-old from Marburg had to endure humiliation for years. "I was always told to lose weight. That did something to me. I'm actually a very open-minded person, but that has changed the way I deal with people," says the Marburg student.

Michelle is not alone. According to research, victims of body shaming often suffer from self-doubt and low self-esteem. Due to the constant attacks and constant criticism of their appearance, their quality of life is restricted and mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders can occur. Sarah Olberg was also a victim of violence for years – and not just verbal. "It even got to the point where the boys pushed me around. I then had a phase in which I hurt myself because nobody accepted me for who I was," says the 34-year-old quite frankly.

Project "We are all beautiful"

Today the three young women are strong and self-confident. And they show that too - with the project "We are all beautiful", which Luisa Holzapfel brought to life. "I myself suffered from discrimination for so long that I wanted to see how I could support and encourage other women," explains the young woman from Wetter. Through social media, she found many women who have had similar cruel experiences as her and who want to make a statement: namely that all women are beautiful. It doesn't matter if they are fat, thin, have scars or blue hair.

Their joint fight against "body shame" recently took place in the community center in Burgholz - in the form of a very special photo shoot: Photographer Michael Kampmann skilfully staged the participants. The women also wore outfits "that society would tell us not to wear," as Luisa puts it. Because a sign should also be set against the so-called “slutshaming” (English for sluts to shame).

Slutshaming attacks or makes women feel ashamed for their sexual behavior, demeanor or dress. The message from the participants in the project is clear: “Everyone has beautiful sides and should be allowed to wear what they feel comfortable in. It doesn't matter whether you wear shorts with 100 kilos or wear baggy clothes as a very thin person," emphasizes Sarah from Burgholz.

The results of the photoshoot were published on the Instagram page "project.wsas". There the women show how beautiful and strong they are - and they share their stories of suffering. They break out of their role as victims and encourage other women. They show how important it is to always believe in yourself - and above all to love yourself.

By Nadine Weigel

viewpoint

Real beauty comes from within

Body shaming has always existed. Happy may he be who was not called "fat sow" in the schoolyard. Anyone who does not conform to the current ideal of beauty is quickly singled out as a victim and insulted.

Television, advertising and social media reinforce this idealized image of the perfect body. With dramatic consequences. Few can withstand this pressure without suffering damage to the soul. Many young people are driven into anorexia, harm themselves or even try to kill themselves.

Body shaming does not only affect people who have a little more on their ribs. Too fat, too thin, too short, too tall - bad people always find a reason to insult others. It is all the more important that there are women like Luisa, Sarah and Michelle. They have freed themselves from the role of victim and show that everyone is beautiful in their own way. They encourage and prove that real beauty comes from within. That's the only beauty that matters. It is the beauty that insulting people, no matter how perfect, can never attain.

By Nadine Weigel