Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Has the body positivity movement accomplished anything?
Position‹2 of 3›

No, the body positive movement has not achieved what it set out to

Whilst admirable in its aims, the body positivity movement has not achieved what it set out to. Body shaming persists and people are still defined by their appearance. The movement has also been commercialised and sanitised, meaning it is not as inclusive as it was initially.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Body positivity has only marginally expanded the range of which bodies are celebrated
    The body positivity movement has slightly widened the range of bodies that are celebrated to include ‘curvy’ bodies, but other features are not celebrated and shaming still exists. A new ideal has emerged which is different but just as harmful as the old one.
  2. Body positivity has been commercialised and sanitised and is less inclusive as a result
    As the body positivity movement grew in popularity and gained media attention, it has been co-opted for profit, diluting the message. Body positive visibility today does not reflect society, with some groups excluded or neglected.
  3. Body positivity does not address the root causes of insecurity about our bodies
    Body positivity does not challenge the importance placed on appearance as a signifier of a person’s value. Whilst inclusivity is important, we should try to move beyond defining people by their appearance.