Racial Identity & Body Image

Our 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 class. 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, less job opportunity, police violence, mass incarceration and medical bias.

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.

The road to healing and self-acceptance is a journey, but there are several steps that BBIPOC individuals can take to foster a healthier relationship with their bodies. 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.

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 experiences and can validate your feelings. This solidarity can be a powerful tool in healing and reclaiming your body image.

Another important aspect is to reclaim BBIPOC joy and pleasure through embodiment practices with BBIPOC practitioners. 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 self-love.

It’s also crucial to unpack the narrative in our collective unconscious that we are not ‘good enough’. This involves challenging and deconstructing the harmful stereotypes and biases that have been ingrained in us. Remember, you are enough just as you are, and your worth is not defined by societal standards.

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.

Reconnecting to the beauty and magic of our cultures and heritages can also nurture a sense of pride and self-love. It’s important to celebrate our roots and the rich diversity that they bring. This can be through learning more about our history, embracing our traditions, or engaging in cultural practices.

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.

Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC is an Eating Disorder and OCD therapist with lived experience. Allyson graduated with her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has since worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, residential programs and now private practice. Allyson provides virtual therapy services throughout California and is grounded in a relational, feminist and liberation psychology framework.

Allyson has a passion for integrating social justice throughout her practice and has a podcast available on Apple and Spotify called Body Justice. You can find her on Instagram at @bodyjustice.therapist and her website: www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com