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Let's Stop Body Shaming Skinny Girls

I have a beautiful network of girlfriends, each unique in her shape, size and sex appeal. Some of them are naturally thin. Some of them are incredibly fit. Some of them even struggle to put weight on. Does that mean they deserve a little public jeering because they don't struggle to maintain a certain dress size?
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With the rise of the #nomakeupselfie hashtag and the frequency of celebrities sharing their unedited photo-shoot proofs with millions of Instagram followers, it's clear the public loves to rally behind so-called realness.

The act of holding famous folks accountable for fading out a few blemishes or digitally ditching 10 pounds -- consumers of mass media, specifically the female demo, eat this shit up. Sorry ladies, but I don't remember the last time I heard a man moan in envy over the seemingly unrealistic definition of Adam Levine's inguinal crease.

I love the female form and appreciate girls who proudly show off their bods. Hoorah for bosoms, bountiful bottoms and each and every curve that lingers in between. I admire women who fearlessly walk the streets barefaced without a lick of cosmetic lacquer, something I struggle with. I'm proud to be part of the whole female collective. Which is why it's disappointing when women, specifically those with a certain level of influence, publicly take shots at other women.

I was shocked when one of my favorite spiritual guides recently took to her Instagram to slam another woman for her fit form.

I'm not naïve about the art of airbrushing and how many North American publications alter images of women to promote an unrealistic perception of what it means to be desirable. But this particular Instagram post struck a chord, as a few days before it was published I found myself at an event standing a few feet away from it's subject, who was looking just as svelte and polished as she did on the cover. The subject being Jessica Alba, whose head was cropped out of the post, but if you've been to a newsstand lately, it's obvious who it is.

I agree. Many celebrities and public figures rely on manipulating their image to advance their careers, sell mags, or live in some fictional La-La Land, but the fact is she just looks that way. Alba is the same thin, glowing, majestic being that fronted that publication, live and in the flesh. Does that mean she deserves to be punished for it?

It feels a bit like the digital landscape has helped to push women apart. Since when did we become a squabbling sub-class of ourselves, engaging in public feuds and nasty exchanges? When did it all become so unbecoming?

I've had professional headshots digitally enhanced a titch. My own wedding photos edited and refined. I'm curious if the spiritual guide who posted the Instagram rant hasn't herself had a promotional shot touched up here and there.

I have a beautiful network of girlfriends, each unique in her shape, size and sex appeal. Some of them are naturally thin. Some of them are incredibly fit and work their asses off to make it so. Some of them even struggle to put weight on. Does that mean they deserve a little public jeering because they don't struggle to maintain a certain dress size? That's a double standard I just can't subscribe to.

So, before you jump on the bandwagon to protest someone's fit form -- which they could have worked really hard to obtain -- stop and think about how wonderfully diverse women are, which is what makes us such fascinating creatures in the first place. Shitting on someone to elevate your own profile is unoriginal, lazy and tends to turn people off. Let's move forward, shall we?

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