In The Shoes of a Plus-Size Person
This story was written by the Letters to Strangers’ Zimbabwe Chapter and published on May 22, 2021.
Society has historically determined what is normal and abnormal according to shifting values and expectations. These standards often affect minority populations the most since they are by definition different from the majority (and hence, “abnormal”). Society shapes everything that can shape one’s personality and identity from gender to beliefs to even the concept that there is a “good average” size of a person.
Given that going against “social norms” can lead to ridicule, bullying, and other forms of pain and trauma, being plus-size can lead to the development of many mental disorders, like eating disorders and depression, while few may feel “deserving” of treatments. (These issues can affect people of all sizes, of course, but this article in particular addresses the issues surrounding those identified as plus-sized by their peers.) Social norms can cause these mental illnesses without explicit intentions, so efforts to address these issues are also often buried or trivialized. Emotional and physical abuse faced by plus-size persons is rarely acknowledged in many social settings, which means few receive justice after being abused. The worst part is that because much of the ridicule arises from social constructions, society as a whole itself “justifies” these actions, which leads to many plus-size individuals being victimized more in public spaces than in closed private spaces. Facing such public humiliation and pain is just one example of the abuses that many experience, sometimes to the devastating point of causing low self-esteem, losing confidence in themselves, demeaning themselves, and even believing suicide is what they deserve (and of course, it absolutely is not!).
Even without reaching that point, being plus-size can come with a lot of name-calling. The “plus-size” term itself is a description that describes “excess,” already showing abnormality. For example, when an object is described as being “plus-sized,” that suggests that it’s more than what it should be — it’s much bigger than “acceptable.” Society gives the power to ourselves and each other to determine who is small, average, big, or bigger. So for those that are big, they fit into the category of what is regarded as “abnormal,” with common English names including Fatso, Biggy, or Chubby. In the Shona language, demeaning names like Dhafu Dhunda or Dhumba among others exist. Some people even have descriptor names, with the most common one as “chicken body” and “land lords.”
All this name-calling kills confidence in many plus size persons as they are sometimes reduced to a chicken. It’s also a form of verbal abuse, which few or none get justice for after being victimized as long as it’s socially accepted or at least tolerated. In Zimbabwe, we see name-calling often in ranks and markets, and some people even have songs for their enjoyment when verbally abusing plus-size people. The most common one is“a mai munodonhedza musika”, meaning you are big to the extent of causing havoc in the market. These abuses forced many people not to wear what they want because they live in fear of being hurt for their bodies. And overall, women are most likely to be affected by these abuses in Zimbabwe at the hands of men. But the most painful part is that even other women participate in such belittling name-calling. Sometimes, that’s because it makes them feel as if they are superior when, in fact, the entire construction of a body norm itself is harmful to all humans.
Being a plus-size person means you are prone to be intimidated almost everywhere. Think about all the places people occupy space: home, grocery shops, clothing stores, buses, food outlets, out and about in the neighborhood. There are few comfort zones for a plus-sized person. If they eat in public, they are given a bad stare. If they buy huge groceries, they are stared at. All of these stares, from their family to strangers on the street, can be incredibly intimidating.
Unfortunately, body shaming affects mainly youths who are more concerned about their bodies and engaged in sporting activities, particularly because they are still developing their sense of self. Society has instilled a mindset that when you are plus-size, you are less attractive than an average woman. As a result, youths can end up obsessed with maintaining and reducing their body to be an “average” size. This obsession can lead to eating disorders. And as youths put their concentration on keeping up the “average” size (which is constantly changing anyway as people grow), those who “fail” to do so may lose their self-esteem and stop taking care of themselves. When they reach a stage in which they are expected to get married, they get married to the first person that comes to them, rather than marrying for love.
With all these societal linkages, lots of opportunities for black markets products have been created. Unauthorized weight loss products are now sold in streets, and the demand is high because a lot of people want to appear as expected or exceptional by society. Many unauthorized and untested slimming tablets, flat tummy injections, and fat-burning lotions are being sold aggressively. The aftereffects of these products are not known because they are not tested and not approved. Many youths, in particular, are taking these products as shortcuts to reduce their weight and to keep a body size that is regarded as “average” at the expense of their health.
Nonetheless, body shaming not only affects women and young girls but men also. Young men also experience body shaming as they’re expected to have a broad chest and a flat tummy, both of which society has instilled to be attractive. Men need to have broad shoulders, muscular chest, and a six-pack. Consequently, young boys also consume these unapproved products from the streets to enhance their muscles.
Clearly, mistreatment of plus-size persons should not be regarded as trivial issues. It is important to realize that it is affected by complex factors, such as gender issues, which need to be recognized and addressed. We call for more robust activism against body shaming. It starts with accepting ourselves as who we are, “plus-size” or whatever else, and acknowledging we aren’t “different” from others or less deserving of worth simply because of the shape of our bodies. Laws that incarcerate offenders of verbal and emotional abuse should be enforced. Women, in particular, should take a stand and support each other to spread positivity and regard support each other equally regardless of gender, sex, color, or weight. After all, we’re all in this together.
