A sports site fat-shamed a guy working out and people aren't having it
Body shaming — criticizing people based solely on their looks — has been an issue for people in the spotlight for decades. But with the advent of social media, everyday people are finding themselves placed in the public eye by unkind people who take issue with their physical appearance.
And most of us don’t take kindly to it.
A few days ago, the Twitter account for Barstool Sports posted a man working out and taking a selfie, unaware he was being recorded without his permission. The social media account mocked him in the caption.
Ever wonder who your girl is talking to behind your back? pic.twitter.com/XtZm9pSrqC
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 13, 2018
Followers of the site, many of them workout enthusiasts, were put off by the site’s taking down a person working on their fitness while expecting privacy.
This fucking sucks. This person is in the gym, putting the work in, feeling good enough about themselves to take a photo of their development and you’re mocking them? Fuck you. https://t.co/3z6RJTNRdr
— Nick Squires (@meatymcsorley) May 15, 2018
For every tweet telling me it’s not that deep or it’s just a joke or it’s just Twitter I have a comment from someone saying that these kinds of posts are why they are afraid to go to the gym and that sucks
— Nick Squires (@meatymcsorley) May 15, 2018
Going to the gym never seems easy. Whether it’s time, family obligations, work, or other barriers, it’s easy for many to put themselves last. No matter what your goals are for getting a workout in, time for self-care is important. And for many who are plus-size, struggle with body dysmorphia, or are gender nonconforming, unfortunately, there is the potential for fear and embarrassment when going to the gym.
The site’s followers seem to understand how harmful this message can be.
This is awful he's at the gym because he wants to be better and he deserves to take a picture while feeling confident, the same ppl who rt this are the ones who take those awful mirror selfies at the gym. But hey, lowest form of humour for the lowest form of ppl I guess
— caelan (@caelaneliza) May 14, 2018
Who cares? At least he’s there unlike half the people RTing and favoriting this
— DIGGA (@STEFONDlGGS) May 13, 2018
this is mean and unnecessary
— stina (@badgirlstina) May 15, 2018
Knock a bloke down when he's making an effort
— john lester (@johnovthedale) May 16, 2018
This is not the site’s first foray into body shaming. Last year, the site published a post, “Is Rihanna Going to Make Being Fat the Hot New Trend?” which posited that Rihanna’s supposed weight gain in a series of grainy paparazzi photos is either the result of a “bad visual” angle or “enjoying that good room service a bit too long.”
Can you not?
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