Body shaming is a prevalent but
damaging phenomenon in Indian society. The terms "mota" (fat),
"tinga" (short), "kaalu" (dark-complexioned), "chhota"
(short), "lamba" (tall), and "patla" (thin) are used freely
without realizing their emotional effect on a person. As a psychiatrist I know that such words have a
profound impact on one's self-worth, making them anxious, depressed, and
develop eating disorders. Body shaming, however, is not just done based on size
or skin color; people with disabilities or mental disabilities are also
targeted with abusive language that excludes them.
In India, words such as
"handicapped," "crippled," "deformed,"
"lame," "blind," "dumb," and "retarded"
are used to refer to individuals with disabilities in a mocking or
condescending manner. This is what feeds the social stigma and causes emotional
trauma to individuals suffering from these conditions.
Body Shaming Words and Their
Psychological Influence
"Mota" (Fat)
Being referred to as "mota"
can result in body dysmorphia and eating disorders. In a culture where thinness
is valued, the term makes one internalize the idea that their value is attached
to body size, resulting in poor mental health.
"Tinga" (Small)
This term usually denotes a person
who is regarded as weak or petite. It is particularly destructive in a society
where masculinity is related to strength, which makes men feel inferior and
apprehensive.
"Kaalu" (Dark-skinned)
The fixation with fair skin in India
is unhealthy, and being referred to as "kaalu" usually makes people
with darker skin complexions feel inferior. It can lead to low self-esteem,
depression, and a need to change to conform to unrealistic beauty norms.
"Sukha/Haddi" (Thin)
Being labeled as "Sukha/Haddi"
can cause such people to engage in unhealthy dieting habits and anxiety,
particularly for those who are thin but are made to feel as though they are
inadequate because they do not match societal ideals of body size.
Body Shaming of People with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are
subject to distinctive types of body shaming. Names such as
"handicapped" or "crippled" are used to reduce their
personality to a term. "Lame" is applied to individuals with mobility
impairment, while "blind" or "dumb" is applied to
individuals with visual or speech impairment. Such terms ostracize people and
lead to shame, discouraging social integration.
Psychological Impact of Disability Shaming:
As I am a psychiatrist in bhopal, many people come to me complaining about body shaming
acts that destroy their confidence. Constant use of derogatory terms can result
in depression, low self-esteem, and withdrawal from social interactions. Such
persons feel invisible or powerless, perpetuating social stereotypes and acting
as a barrier to participation in life.
Indian Laws and Self-Respect
Despite the psychological harm of
body shaming, Indian laws remain largely insufficient in protecting individuals
from such verbal abuse. The Indian Penal Code (Section 294) criminalizes
offensive speech, but body shaming isn't specifically addressed. The Rights of
Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD), 2016 does provide protections, but many
are unaware of these rights.
Although the law provides some
relief, cultural lack of awareness regarding body shaming and disability stigma
continues to exist, so it is crucial to create awareness and empathy to
safeguard self-respect and dignity. Help is available, Click the link to
contact us at our clinic at bhopal
