Body Positivity Pt. 1: Being Skinny Sucks, Too.

First and foremost, let me begin by saying I am in no way, shape or form an expert when it comes to talking about the body. To be completely honest, I usually try to avoid conversations around the subject of body positivity, body shaming or really any of the factors and facets that go into defining these things. Oh, but guess what?! Like most people, I do have an opinion and I will share it with you now.

Growing up, I have almost always been scrawny. And yes, I choose the word “scrawny” and not skinny. There’s a difference, especially to those of us living in that realm. I was always boney and gangly. My arms are too long for my body. And nothing ever seems to fit me in a way that feels flattering. Now, I’m sure a lot of people might think, “Oh no. Whoa is you for being too skinny … try being (insert some other body type),” to which I would reply, “it’s not a competition but thank you for confirming my original opinion on the matter.”

I believe that almost everyone has some sort of body issue. We look in the mirror and fixate on the things we don’t have because at some point we saw a “beautiful” body and it probably looked nothing like ours. More power to the people who can run around loving their body flaws and all, but I am not one of them. I have a laundry list of complaints, but these days my biggest complaint isn’t actually about my body anymore. My biggest complaint stems from something very simple. Here’s where some might highly disagree (or be offended) with what I’m about to say, but here goes … why is it okay to constantly comment on someone being skinny, but not the reverse? And why do people feel the need to point out someone’s height, as if they aren’t already aware of it themselves?

At least once a week, someone says something seemingly “nice” but slightly offensive about my size. Here are a few examples:

“Oh, of course you can eat that … you’re skinny!”

OR, “oh wow, is Noah actually eating something? I didn’t think he did that.”

OR, I hear annoying scoffs and mumbles if for some reason I mention that I feel bloated or full after eating a large meal.

Yes, please point out when my shirt size is small that, “of course that’s what size you wear!” And absolutely, make a joke about how I can “probably shop in the children’s section for clothing.” Trust me, all your jokes are completely original and I’ve never heard any of them before today. Did you also know my name was Noah? I’m sure you can come up with something super clever and original surrounding that, too. EYE. FUCKING. ROLL!

Feelin’ cute on my busted bike. Puerto Vallarta, 2016

Society seems to think commenting on thin bodies is some sort of compliment. NEWS FLASH: It’s not. To some people, these might not sound like the worst things to hear but as someone that has always been self-conscience about my height and weight, it’s cringeworthy. It’s a constant reminder that no matter what I do to try and gain weight … I’m failing. But for some reason, I’m forced to suffer in silence because pointing out how rude it is, would only be met with sarcastic eye rolls and a begrudging, “ooookay!”

It’s just not cool. How would you like it if I constantly monitored your food intake? “Oh, eating another snack? Didn’t you already have a snack today?”

OR, “Oh, wow … turning down a free meal? I didn’t think someone like you would do that?”

I would never really do that, but furthermore, constantly commenting on how “skinny” someone looks can also perpetuate harmful and concerning stereotypes that people look better when they’re skinny. On a recent episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (yes, I’m connecting this to RHOBH), Kyle Richards opened up about how hearing all the positive feedback only drove her to eat less. For fucks sake, she would heat up tomato juice and call it a meal because she loved the attention.

LONG STORY SHORT … let’s all shut up about each other’s bodies. Live in your body and focus on your own body because that’s the only “body” you have control over.

Now, before I wrap this up, I would like to raise my hand and admit that I’m far from perfect. I’m actually quite the offender when it comes to this type of thing, especially if I feel really close to someone AKA my actual friends. But let’s just say, after a few recent experiences, fixing (slash adjusting) this egregious behavior has become a high priority in my life. I’m taking this opportunity to focus on my body and only my body.

#MyBodyMyChoice

- Noah Lee Jordan (#WNN)

SONG OF THE BLOG (#SOTB): “Exactly How I Feel” - Lizzo