What begins as a careless phrase—“mard ka patla hona” or “aurat ka mota hona”—can leave a lasting wound. Boys are often taught that a lean body makes them weak, as if masculinity is measured by muscle, not empathy, intellect, or resilience. Meanwhile, girls, especially those in larger bodies, are labelled lazy or unworthy, their worth reduced to their appearance.

These are not throwaway comments; they shape what is accepted and who is seen. These ideas are whispered at home, reinforced in school, repeated by doctors, and shouted through media. Social media sharpens this cruelty, punishing those who don’t fit impossible ideals. The result? Boys chasing strength through steroids. Girls battling silent eating disorders. And countless others—especially those outside the gender binary—erased altogether.

Respect for all bodies is a matter of dignity, mental health, and justice. Change must begin in schools, clinics, places of worship, and on our screens. Educators must promote body acceptance. Doctors must counsel without judgement. Content creators must reflect diverse, real people. And as a society, we must stop equating appearance with value. It’s time to abandon outdated standards that shame our youth into silence. Let’s raise a generation whose confidence is nurtured by kindness, not broken by criticism.

SONIA SALEEM,

Hyderabad.