Malaysian actress and director Liyana Jasmay recently found herself the target of criticism on TikTok because of her natural skin tone, which some viewers claimed was getting darker while other celebrities were becoming lighter and more beautiful.
Photo via TikTok (@ljoneandonly)
Liyana calmly responded to the comments in a video, explaining that her skin was naturally yellow-brown and that she was not interested in using injections or medication to whiten it due to the potential side effects.
Her story is just one example of the pervasive problem of body shaming and face shaming that continues to exist in Malaysian society.
Body shaming and face shaming are harmful behaviors that can have a significant impact on individuals' mental and emotional well-being. When people make negative comments about someone's appearance, it can lead to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and even depression.
It also creates a culture where people feel like they must look a certain way in order to be accepted, leading to an unhealthy obsession with beauty standards.
As we continue to spend more time online, it is essential to raise awareness about being kind and respectful to others on social media. Too often, people use social media as a platform to tear others down, rather than lifting them up.
We must remember that the people we interact with online are real human beings with feelings, and our words can have a profound impact on their mental health.
We can all do our part to combat body shaming and face shaming by being mindful of the language we use when talking about other people's appearance. Instead of criticizing others, we can celebrate diversity and promote body positivity.
It is important to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and skin tones, and we should embrace and celebrate these differences.
Liyana Jasmay's story is a reminder of the harm that body shaming and face shaming can cause.
It is up to all of us to create a culture of kindness and respect both online and offline and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of all people.
So, be kind!
