Women are using the hashtag #TheySaid to share stories of body shaming
We all know the impact strong words can have – but for a teenage girl, it can be devastating.
No one should ever be made to feel embarrassed or ashamed of their body, but the popular hashtag #TheySaid is being used by women and girls to share stories of times they’ve been made to feel lesser.
The tag started with Sally Bergensen, who is the CEO of the athletic wear company Oiselle, sharing her own story and encouraging others to do the same.
"Keep eating like that and you're going to be a butterball." My Dad when I was 12. Pls RT and share a body shaming comment. #TheySaid
— Sally Bergesen (@oiselle_sally) May 25, 2017
The replies quickly came pouring in.
#theysaid "I didn't know 12 year olds could get cellulite."
— Hannah Rarity (@hannahrarity) May 31, 2017
#TheySaid my father nicknamed me "chub-bub" when I was 8. My sister's nickname was "Princess".
— LA Juice (@alajuice) May 31, 2017
"Emily would be a solid 9 if she lost weight" ~Someone I actually had a crush on in high school #TheySaid
— Em???????????????????????? (@emilymarrero143) May 31, 2017
"youre going to be alone for the rest of your life at that size" #theysaid
— ali (@ali_buffitt) May 30, 2017
Some shared painful stories about eating disorders or being shamed for being thin.
"Not everyone can be effortlessly skinny like you." – Many people, to me, while I silently suffered from a severe eating disorder #theysaid https://t.co/dDJjSYv85l
— Krysta (@ktaninpdx) May 25, 2017
1. You need to eat more
2. Once u hit twenty you'll get fat
3. Once u have a kid you'll start getting fat
4. Ew, go eat a burger #theysaid— Marie (@Marie1Leigh) May 31, 2017
But also: Why are you so skinny? Are you anorexic? You're too skinny. You should eat more. Do you even eat? I can see your bones. #theysaid
— Cori Nelson (@CorinneENelson) May 31, 2017
Some have taken the threat a step further, adding in the hashtag #TheyReplied to highlight what you could potentially say to someone that makes a hurtful or insensitive comment.
"To be honest, those types of comments have been shown to be really harmful to me and others." #TheySaid #SheReplied
— Sally Bergesen (@oiselle_sally) May 25, 2017
"This body created two humans, ran 50 miles, and carries me everywhere I need to go. What has yours done lately?" #TheySaid #SheReplied
— rc reed (@mylo_cat) May 25, 2017
While it’s commendable that Bergensen started the hashtag, it’s interesting to note that the company that she’s CEO of, Oiselle, only goes up to a size 12.
Plus size women have long struggled to find cute and quality clothing, so to be cut out of a company who’s CEO started a conversation against body shaming seems a little at odds with her Twitter message.
After one Twitter user called her out on that, Bergensen admitted that the brand needed to do more in terms of inclusivity. “I believe all people are worthy. We are extending key styles in 2018, working with the right wear testers along the way. Recognize we have more to do,” she tweeted.
Has anyone ever made a hurtful comment about your body? Let us know by tweeting @YahooStyleCA.
