It doesn’t matter that we are in the year 2018 and humanity is making leaps in the field of technology, medicine, and more. When it comes to the intense scrutiny and backlash that women face for what they wear, where they go, and the choices they make in their lives – we are pretty much still stuck in the stone ages.
Body shaming and slut-shaming remain two of the most painful evils that exist in our society, that is further fueled by shameless internet trolls who seem like they have nothing better to do than be obnoxious for a living.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid took to social media yesterday to address people who commented that she looked “skinnier” now than she did a couple of years ago, referring to her appearance at the New York Fashion Week that began on 8th February.
In a series of tweets, she explains how she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and has been battling with frequent metabolism changes in her body since the age of 17. She also stated that she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation about what her body looks like and requests that, as social media users and human beings, people need to be more empathetic towards everyone they come across.
For those of you so determined to come up w why my body has changed over the years, you may not know that when I started @ 17 I was not yet diagnosed w/Hashimoto’s disease; those of u who called me “too big for the industry” were seeing inflammation & water retention due to that.
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) February 11, 2018
Over the last few years I’ve been properly medicated to help symptoms including those, as well as extreme fatigue, metabolism issues, body’s ability to retain heat, etc … I was also part of a holistic medical trial that helped my thyroid levels balance out.
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) February 11, 2018
Although stress & excessive travel can also affect the body, I have always eaten the same, my body just handles it differently now that my health is better. I may be “too skinny” for u, honestly this skinny isn’t what I want to be, but I feel healthier internally and (cont)
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) February 11, 2018
(cont) am still learning and growing with my body everyday, as everyone is.
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) February 11, 2018
I will not further explain the way my body looks, just as anyone, with a body type that doesnt suit ur “beauty” expectation, shouldnt have to. Not to judge others, but drugs are not my thing, stop putting me in that box just because u dont understand the way my body has matured.
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) February 11, 2018
Please, as social media users & human beings in general, learn to have more empathy for others and know that you never really know the whole story. Use your energy to lift those that you admire rather than be cruel to those u don’t.
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) February 11, 2018
This isn’t the first time that Gigi has taken to social media to speak out against people who resort to body shaming.
Here’s applauding Gigi for being such an empowering voice for women everywhere who are growing to love their bodies, and embracing their flaws with confidence, every single day.
As for all the haters: Maybe try to walk a mile in someone’s shoes and spread positivity for a change?
