2:44 AM TUESDAY 2 JULY 2016

From what I've seen, the dialogue in America on bodies is far too focused on image and not actual health; skinny shaming, fat shaming, boob shaming, dick size shaming- there really is no part of you that's safe. I heavily condemn ANY form of bodily shaming, but at the same time I feel as though our culture really needs to place heavier emphasis on actual health. In regards to weight, embracing your body is undeniably important, but it's also important to acknowledge and consider possible health concerns, no matter what end of the weight spectrum you fall on.

Visiting Europe greatly opened my eyes to the fact that despite common claims in America about "unrealistic standards" (which there no doubt are) in regards to weight really are unrealistic for Americans. The "healthy" body is, unfortunately, quite unrealistic for the average American when you factor in the compounds of our food, the heavy cost to get around that, and our culture being dominated by fast food and the only-sixty-cents-more supersizing. Granted, it also is common for one to appear "foo skinny" or "too large" by general standards in society crammed down our throats through media and yet they could be perfectly healthy. Why not, instead of worrying about the bodies of others, take initiate and focus on your own? Love your body, but take care of it. Whatever that means or requires.

And the conversation isn't just on weight- standards go everywhere when it comes to bodies despite the fact that everyone has a different body type. Certain body types and aspects are glorified in one form and shamed in another, be it having a huge ass along with a tiny waist or having an enormous dick. The frequent ridicule, especially on social media, comes from and targets both genders (I'm not even going to address the disgusting hate non-binary persons or LGBTQ in general face). Men are expected to have larger than average dick sizes, women to have a perfect hourglass. These expectations come with ridicule if they aren't met, and oftentimes those ridiculed join in on the attacks. For starters, the emphasis on uncommon grandiose penises creates an incredibly harmful environment, particularly for adolescent males who can internalize the "unacceptable" sentiment, greatly impacting their self-esteem. We all know about the standards when it comes to women, and the objectification that falls hand in hand (I won't lie, sometimes I feel myself like my "worth" is affected by my cup size), but hardly any talk about or speak out against the same that men go through. Of course, it's not on the same fucking boat that women face, but it must be addressed as well.

The obsession with masculinity and tying in ideals of worth with penis size are incredibly harmful just as all other gender roles; the guy has to be strong, you know, and have a good sized dick- if not, we laugh! Everybody faces judgement. Consider that which you partake in. Look beyond that which you receive. Speak out against it in general, create open dialogues.