Honey Rose case to suicide over complexion: Why body positivity matters now more than ever

"Comments about a person's body as too fat, too skinny, too short, too tall, too dark, too black, etc. should be avoided. There is a sense that we are all "too something" and we are all "not enough." This is life. Our bodies will change, our minds will change, and our hearts will change."

In its bail order for businessman Boby Chemmanur, accused of sexual harassment by actor Honey Rose, the honourable Kerala High Court inadvertently speaks about body positivity. Incidentally, the High Court's observation came on the same day a 19-year-old woman in Malappuram took her life allegedly following constant criticisms about her complexion by her husband and his family!

So why does body shaming persist in a world striving to champion body positivity?

Dr Mohan Roy, Professor and Head of Psychiatry at Kollam Medical College, explains the psychological toll of body shaming, particularly on young adults and teenagers. "Body shaming can erode self-esteem, making individuals feel inadequate and unattractive. Over time, anxiety and depression can set in, leading to isolation, negative body image, and even self-loathing. In extreme cases, it can result in eating disorders or suicidal tendencies," he said in Onmanorama's News Brake podcast. "Peer pressure and online trolling can still be overwhelming, particularly for young people," he added.

Families and close relationships are pivotal in shaping an individual's confidence. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of harm. Dr Mohan advises families to adopt a supportive and nonjudgemental approach. "Parents and relatives must listen actively and seek professional help if needed, rather than dismissing concerns due to the stigma around mental health. Encouraging healthy habits for overall well-being—not appearances—and celebrating achievements beyond physical attributes can foster a positive self-image," he adds.

The societal and cultural roots of body shaming are deep, as seen in the justification surrounding Boby Chemmanur's case. Remarks that demean a person's appearance are often normalised, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination. "Culture is an extension of the family. If families inculcate good values, they will reflect in society," Dr Mohan notes. He highlights the role of media in setting unrealistic beauty standards, which often place undue pressure on youth navigating the highly critical world of social media.

Social media & body positivity
Although a double-edged sword, social media has also been instrumental in promoting body positivity and awareness campaigns. For instance, actors like Sameera Reddy have used their Instagram handles to normalise post-partum bodies and greying hair. Other influencers like Sakshi Sindwani and Diksha Singhi have also promoted body positivity and encouraged styling amongst curvy women. Social media provides support communities that have created spaces for people to challenge societal norms and celebrate diverse appearances.

Why legal recourse is important
Legal measures can provide recourse for victims of body shaming. The swift handling of Honey Rose's case, should serve as a model for others. "Cases must be addressed in a time-bound manner to prevent recurrence. Social media platforms should also empower users to report abusive comments effectively," Dr Mohan said.

Building resilience against body shaming starts with emotional regulation and cognitive stability. Dr Mohan suggests equipping young people with problem-solving skills, fostering genuine social connections, and seeking therapy when necessary. For those supporting someone struggling with body image issues, offering unconditional encouragement and creating a safe, judgement-free environment can make all the difference.