Yesterday I made a post on Facebook saying "Transformation pics are great and all but can we just not...ever" (or something like that). I rarely post on Facebook, but it was one of those things where you see something so much, and something that really bothers you, so you have to speak up. I couldn't take seeing some peoples' weight loss pictures anymore, so I just had to say my peace.
Here's the thing: I understand why people want to post transformation pictures. They are proud of their accomplishments and want the rest of the world to be too. I get that. Here's the real thing: it's something that can be incredibly irritating and possibly triggering. Now I know that I have an eating disorder and I am more likely to be triggered by weight loss. However, whether people know it or not, everyone can be triggered by these. You don't have to have an eating disorder to be triggered. One may see these transformation pictures and think "hey, I could lose some weight too if they could," the problem being that the person may be healthy and at a normal weight already. These transformation pictures can lead to negative body image, self-hate, competition, unneeded weight loss, eating disorders, and a slew of other negative things for the people viewing them. Sure, they may inspire hope for the viewers, but at what cost? Ultimately, the question you need to ask yourself when posting these pictures is "is this photo honoring God?" Yes, if you were obese to the point where your life was threatened and you lost weight in order to become healthy, that can be honoring God because you are taking care of yourself and the body He has gifted you with. However, if you are posting something that shows how much muscle you have gained, how your stomach has shrunk, or your new found thigh gap, are you doing that to honor God or to seek the attention, love, and approval of others?
I removed the Facebook post because someone left a comment arguing for the case of transformation pictures. I posted it because I was expressing an opinion, not to start a debate (which, in retrospect, is impossible to do on social media). I was also really hurt when two people who I thought really cared about me "liked" the comment. I felt convicted for starting a debate, so I thought it best just to remove it. However, I am pretty pissed about this topic. All I ask is that when considering transformation pictures, think about the minds and emotions of others who are going to see them. Think about how it could possibly be damaging. Think about what God would say about the picture. Just a little thought for your Saturday morning.
Zoe, it's all about ego, and people believe the 'world' will see them as special or important because of what they've done, have, or where they’ve been. Facebook is full of buffoons what are trying to prove they are somebody. Posting pictures of "look at what my kid has done." "Here's my new.. house, new car, boy friend, girl friend, pictures of my vacation that YOU didn't go on". Which is probably fine in moderation. But I honestly think that in their minds, some folks validate their lives by showing off. It’s not keeping up with the neighbors, it’s being better than the neighbors, and everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been guilty of that too. The cars I had when I was young, honestly, I loved driving them, but I identified myself by them. All the concerts, yeah it was cool at the time, but they made me feel special. And the girls I dated, oh my! Looks, before a compatible personality and mind. God was patient with me though all of that… and more.
As far as pulling your post, don’t back down when you are right, don’t back off when you’re attacked. If you feel it was what Jesus would want you to do, who am I to argue with that, but sometime you have to stand up in the face of convention, and say, NO MORE. In doing that, you need to count the cost. Think about a certain cousin of mine, and their political beliefs. They were passionate about their candidate and party to the point, former friends and acquaintances shunned them.
These people do not intend to irritate, or harm, they just want to be somebody.
https://youtu.be/l6JTUfQI0Zo