It’s Time for Standards: How South Asian Media Can Finally Be Held Accountable for Body Shaming
Let’s get something straight:
If someone made the same body-shaming jokes from a popular TV serial in real life, it would be called harassment.
But on screen? It’s called “entertainment.”
We laugh. We internalize. And teenage girls go to bed hating themselves.
South Asian media has long been obsessed with “ideal” beauty — fair, thin, flawless — and the damage is real. What’s worse? There’s nothing in place to stop them.
That’s why we need rules, policies, and actual accountability. Because freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences — especially when you’re shaping cultural beauty standards for millions.
🎯 What Kind of Guidelines Should Be in Place?
1. Ban Body-Shaming Tropes as Lazy Comedy
No more:
- Fat best friend = comic relief
- Weight loss = glow-up
- Dark skin = “unattractive” or “villainous”
📺 Policy Example: TV networks must review scripts to ensure they do not include jokes or visuals that demean body types or skin tones.
2. Trigger Warnings for Harmful Content
If a scene includes:
- Weight-based bullying
- Intense dieting
- Self-harm due to appearance
→ Add a clear trigger warning with mental health resources in the credits or captions.
🎥 Imagine: A title card saying, “This episode contains scenes involving disordered eating. Viewer discretion is advised. If you’re struggling, contact a professional.”
3. Mandatory Cultural Sensitivity Training
Producers, writers, and casting directors should be required to attend annual workshops on:
- Body image and trauma
- Colorism in South Asian communities
- Mental health & representation
🧠 Run by: South Asian psychologists, feminists, and body-positive educators — not random corporate HR.
📡 What Should Regulatory Bodies Actually Do?
📺 National Media Councils (like CBFC, PEMRA, or MoIB)
Should:
- Set enforceable standards for body-positive representation
- Fine or flag content that promotes body shaming
- Track and publish annual reports on media inclusivity
📌 Think: Just like they censor kissing scenes, they should also flag fatphobia, sexism, and colorism.
📱 Digital Platforms (YouTube India, Instagram Pakistan, etc.)
Should:
- Add “harmful beauty standards” as a reportable category
- Collaborate with creators to amplify inclusive content
- Provide creator guidelines for ethically discussing fitness, beauty, and weight
🔎 Example: A TikTok campaign promoting body diversity in regional languages with captions like “Your body is not a trend.”
🤝 Government + NGOs = Power Moves
We need public-private collaborations that actually stick:
- Government-run media literacy campaigns in schools
- NGO-partnered anti-body-shaming ad campaigns during prime time
- Body Positivity Inclusion Awards at major film/tv award shows
🏆 Yes, glam it up. But glam it up right.
🧍🏽♀️ Why It Matters: People Are Not Props
South Asian women aren’t just your viewership.
They’re your audience, your culture, your future storytellers.
When you treat them like punchlines or “before” pictures, you’re not just lazy — you’re harmful.
We’ve begged. We’ve called it out.
Now it’s time to legislate, regulate, and rewire the media machine.