After years of active conversations and self-acceptance messages that is body positivity, are we ready to embrace body neutrality that is, as described by Katie Sturino, the author of Body Talk, ‘accepting your body as it is and just moving on’?
To put it into simpler words, the new movement, also known as body neutrality, allows you to take a break from any conversations revolving around body image and physical acceptance whatsoever, so that you have enough time and energy to spend on other things that are important to you, such as your family, career or hobby.
Many women around the world are welcoming body neutrality with open arms as it takes the pressure off embracing body positivity that, as it turns out, wasn’t as easy to embrace as we thought it was. Women are already coming forward, sharing that while they know there’s nothing wrong with their body shape and size and they know they should love themselves the way they are, it’s sometimes easier said than done. Being body neutral means they don’t have to think about it at all and don’t have to feel like they’re ‘not body positive enough’.
“I don’t think about my body ever. Imagine just not thinking about your body. You’re not hating it. You’re not loving it. You’re just a floating head. I’m a floating head wandering through the world.”
Jameela Jamil
Chrissy King, wellness diversity and inclusion expert and the Body Liberation Project creator, admits that for her, body neutrality is like ‘the middle ground’. What does that mean? Let’s say, for example, your stomach is not quite flat. Traditionally, women would hate themselves for this imperfection and struggle with diets and exercises to try and get as close to what is deemed to be perfection as possible. Body positive women would accept themselves exactly the way they are and see their body in a positive light only. Body neutral women are ready to accept that sometimes they aren’t 100% satisfied with their body, and that’s ok. Actually, they have more important stuff to worry about!
The body positivity movement was essential at a specific time, as it celebrated diversity and lead to a better representation in media. But it looks as though women today are ready to adopt a new, more quiet and tranquil mindset.