Racial Identity and Body Image
WHAT DOES RACISM HAVE TO DO WITH BODY IMAGE?
Well, everything. It’s no secret that the “ideal body” is thin, white, able and cishetero. Even if many people have changed their perspective individually, society as a whole is still very much racist. Through colonization and enslavement, U.S. society has ingrained certain stereotypes and biases that often influence how we perceive ourselves and others. This is especially evident in matters of racial identity and body image, where white bodies tend to be perceived as ‘pure’, enjoying unearned privileges, while BBIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous People of Color) bodies are often treated as second best. This bias can take many forms, from systemic violence that makes it unsafe for BBIPOC to be embodied and access pleasure, to a lack of resources, lack of adequate medical care, less job opportunity, police violence, mass incarceration and medical bias. Even in the eating disorder treatment world and mental health field more broadly, Black and Brown folks consistently face discrimination and less quality care. This overarching disparity towards BIPOC folks communicates: your body is less worthy simply for its color.
Furthermore, there is a societal pressure on BBIPOC to assimilate to the dominant culture, yet they are often shamed by their culture of origin for doing so. Media representation also plays a crucial role in this, as BBIPOC bodies are overly represented as ‘criminal’ or ‘deviant’. All these factors can contribute to a distorted body image and a negative self-perception among BBIPOC individuals. It’s not just in the U.S. either- racism exists everywhere. In many Asian countries, it’s common to use skin lightening cream to appear more white. Even plastic surgery procedures exist to make BIPOC faces appear more Eurocentric. If that’s not proof that racism is tied to how we perceive our bodies, I don’t know what is!
WHAT CAN WE DO TO FIND HEALING AND INCREASED SAFETY IN OUR BODIES?
The answer to this is not simple or straightforward. It takes a lot of work to combat the negative internalization of racism. Often, it’s lifelong work since racism has no end in sight. Fighting for racial justice is something we should all be doing- as this is the root of racial self hatred. However, we may never see an end to racism in our lifetime. This doesn’t mean we can’t find increased peace with our bodies inside of these systems- we can. Here are a few things themes that I’ve noticed in my work with clients around race and body image.
Connecting to your Ancestors
One step is to connect with our ancestors and learn the ways they have survived these systems for generations. This not only provides a sense of connection and belonging but also offers valuable lessons on resilience and resistance. We often talk about intergenerational trauma, but intergenerational resilience matters too. It’s in all of us, otherwise we wouldn’t be alive. Making an alter of your ancestors of photo book with whatever photos you might have, and then making it a practice to be in relationship with them by honoring the alter or photo book, can be really powerful.
Building BBIPOC Community
Building community with other BBIPOC folks who are invested in dismantling white supremacy can also offer much-needed support and empowerment. It’s beneficial to be around people who understand your experience and can validate your feelings. This solidarity can be a powerful tool in healing and reclaiming your body image. As a mixed race person, my own healing from body image transformed when I built community with other mixed race people. Building community is so important, it’s actually the strongest protective factor against racism. Many studies show that having social support after a radicalized experience can mediate the effects of PTSD. If you don’t know where to start, there are a lot of free virtual BIPOC eating disorder support groups!
Embodiment
Another important aspect is to reclaim BBIPOC joy, connection and pleasure through embodiment practices. This can involve various activities that celebrate BBIPOC bodies and cultures, such as dance, yoga, or any form of body movement that encourages self-expression and increases mindfulness of your body- that is, non judgmental awareness. Racism disconnects us from our bodies, makes us feel unworthy of having needs or using our voices. Learning to listen to your bodies wisdom is part of how we reclaim this. It can be as simple as noticing what your body is needing- is not hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Can you honor that need? My friend and colleague, Alishia McCullough has a wonderful book on this topic, Reclaiming the Black Body.
Representation & Activism
Intentionally seeking out media with positive portrayals of BBIPOC folks can also help in reshaping our perceptions and promoting a healthier body image. Surrounding ourselves with positive and empowering representations can counteract the negative portrayals often seen in mainstream media. Following racial justice activists can also foster hope and inspiration for change. Hope is radical, and we need it to keep fighting and know our fight is worth it.
Cultural connection
Reconnecting to the beauty and magic of our cultures and heritages can also nurture a sense of pride and belonging. It’s important to celebrate our roots and the rich diversity that they bring. This can be through learning more about our history, cooking cultural foods, embracing our traditions, or engaging in cultural practices. In my own eating disorder recovery, part of accepting myself meant reconnecting with foods from my cultures that diet culture and whiteness deemed ‘bad.’ Learning about history and connecting with traditions helped me feel grounded and empowered in my identity.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, we need to organize and work towards the abolition of the systems that fuel body hierarchies. This involves advocating for equality and justice, and challenging the structures that perpetuate these harmful biases. I hope you’ll join me in this fight to collective food and body liberation. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in working with us through this lens!
Recommended Readings:
Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
Reclaiming the Black Body by Alishia McCullough
The Belly of the Beast by Da’ Shaun L Harrison
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
The Body Liberation Project by Chrissy King
At Eating Disorder OCD Therapy, we offer compassionate, relational, and individualized care, rooted in the belief that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Honoring client autonomy, collaboration, and anti-oppressive, neurodivergent-affirming practices, we walk alongside you as the expert in your own life. We provide therapy for Eating Disorders, OCD, Body Image, Trauma, Maternal Mental Health, and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Group Therapy (globally), Recovery Coaching (globally), and Clinical Consultation and Supervision for clinicians. We are currently accepting new clients for in-person therapy in San Diego and virtual services in California, Washington, Utah, Maryland and Florida.
