Body-shaming is becoming a prevalent problem in today’s media. However, body type  should not be something that defines a human being. TV, music videos, and magazines may say otherwise, but the truth is that no one has the perfect body—and that’s okay.

  This issue can be found in any form of social media. Airbrushing and photoshopping are often added to make celebrities appear slimmer, more shapely, and overall perfect to viewers.

  Photoshop perpetuates a misconception of what the human body should look like. It should not matter if you have a slim hourglass body and a big chest or a six pack with huge muscles and a strong jawline; because chances are, most of these characteristics have been photoshopped in the media anyway.

  Multiple celebrities complain about being body-shamed in photo shoots and music videos. Beyonce Knowles-Carter is known for being a gorgeous and talented singer/songwriter who is a role model for the younger generation. She says she has dealt with thoughts about what her body should look like from a young age.

  In an interview with Shape magazine, Knowles-Carter said “I wrote that because, at the time, I’d gained some weight and the pressure that people put you under, the pressure to be thin, is unbelievable. I was just 18 and you shouldn’t be thinking about that. You should be thinking about building up your character and having fun..” when asked about her song bootylicious.

Beyonce is one hundred percent right. Your character should not have to do with what people want from you but what you want from your character.

  Beyonce is not the only celebrity that deals with body shaming. Chris Pratt also experienced body shaming while being in the spotlight. The media told Pratt he looked so skinny his build was “almost skeletal.” Pratt did not let those pessimistic comments get to him.

  He said via Instagram, “Body-shaming hurts. So to prove my security in the way I look I’m posting a current selfie of me at what I consider a very healthy weight. 500lbs. Zero percent body fat. Totally JK guys. This is a T Rex skull. Nailed you so bad. Omg,” combating his body-shamers with satire.

  Body shaming happens to people of all ages and genders,  but rude comments should not decide what someone should look like. Teenage years are the most important in finding out who you are as a person and where you belong in life. It is important to focus on oneself rather than listen to hurtful comments and expectations from others.