This is not going to be an article about the obscenely disgusting phenomenon known as body shaming and why it's so terrible. We already know this. To shame, embarrass, humiliate or even comment on someone else's appearance is not only wrong, it's indefensible.
But, like I said this is not going to be an article shaming all those cowardly offenders for their atrocious, ignorant and disrespectful behavior. Instead, this is an article about the inspiring reactions of most recent celebrity victims and how we can all learn to love ourselves a little more, thanks to them.
Kelly Clarkson:
Despite winning the first season of American Idol and becoming an icon in the music industry, Clarkson is known in the entertainment industry as one of the most hysterically funny and notoriously kind celebrities out there. Since the beginning of her time in the spotlight, there have been whispers about her weight fluctuations. The loudest and most hideous criticisms came earlier this year when she was accused on twitter of "eating her backing singers" by British personality Katie Hopkins.
Despite this heinous example of body shaming, Kelly responded with grace, as always. Turns out she loves herself and her life and recently realized she no longer needs the approval of others. (Cue vigorous fist pumping!) She tells Heat magazine "I've just never cared what people think. It's more if I'm happy and confident and feeling good. And more so now, since having a family -- I don't seek out any other acceptance." She also explains that sometimes she's in the fitness zone and other times she'd rather just have a glass of wine. Couldn't we all learn a little from Ms. Clarkson? Love yourself; don't pay any mind to the malicious morons that cross your path and sometimes life calls for a big glass of wine.
Pink:
Pink has always been a strong-minded, strong-voiced and strong-bodied badass (think belting ballads while suspended in the air by silk robes in an upside down acrobatic posture). But, none of her bad-assery compares to how she handled recent criticism about her weight. After stepping out at a cancer benefit, social media lit up with unkind comments about her body.
Her response? Not unlike Kelly, Pink reminds us that it is possible to possess some real self-love, tweeting, "I felt very pretty. In fact, I feel beautiful...and my healthy voluptuous and crazy strong body is having some much deserved time off." Indeed, the self-proclaimed fitness fanatic is known for her vigorous workout schedule and as any fitness expert would advise giving the body a good rest is almost if not equally as important as a good sweat. The take home - feeling beautiful feels good, and giving yourself a break from time to time is OK and your body will thank you.
Selena Gomez:
Over the last few years this raven-haired beauty has gone from Disney child star to bombshell pop star. Despite a few public stumbles, resulting in a stint in rehab due to emotional pressures, Selena has come out the other side more mature and more real than ever. After a recent trip to Mexico with friends, photos surfaced of Selena having some fun on the beach in a pink bikini. Soon, miserable and malicious comments flooded social media critiquing her appearance and her figure.
Instead of hiding and letting it blow over, Selena took to social media, posting a sexy pic lounging in the sun with the caption, "I love being happy with me yall. #theresmoretolove". Atta girl! While serving as host of We Day in Vancouver, Selena shared her new enlightened outlook on the pressure to look a certain way to the audience of impressionable youth. She explained, "Until recently, I had given into that pressure... I tried to change who I am because I thought others would accept me for it. And I realized I don't know how to be anything but myself." Amen! Be proud of who you are, how far you've come and don't change for anyone.
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