How Rihanna’s Weight Gain Exposes The Toxicity Of Snapback Culture
Why are women expected to lose weight immediately after giving birth?
News of Rihanna gaining weight months after having a baby recently caused unfortunate comments on her body to circulate on social media. “And like many new moms, she’s spent so much time with her baby that she’s neglected her usual fitness routine,” commented one writer from a smaller news site. When new paparazzi photos of Rihanna were released one week ago, users on Instagram were quick to critique her weight, with some saying she still looks pregnant, others calling her “chunky” and using vomiting emojis. Most users were quick to defend her figure, citing that the negative feedback surrounding her weight was completely unnecessary and uncalled for.
Why It’s Okay To Gain Weight
These disgusting comments on Rihanna’s recent look reflect the ever-present toxicity of “Snapback Culture,” the expectation that mothers need to “snap back” to their previous figure after having a baby. People should seriously rethink their preconceived notions on weight gain during and after pregnancy: Mothers aren’t gaining weight because they’re being gluttonous or neglecting their bodies. Their bodies are going through the natural cycle of packing on the fat that’s necessary for breastfeeding; gaining too little weight actually has consequences. If a mother is underweight, she's at risk of delivering a premature baby. We need to remember this and embrace the changes that happen during pregnancy because it’s healthy and completely natural.
It’s time we let go of the unrealistic expectations we impose on mothers. We must learn to accept and embrace the complete physiological change that comes with being a mom: stretchmarks, cellulite, weight gain, and saggy skin are all marks of a beautiful transformation into motherhood.
Mothers Should Be Revered
The negative comments surrounding the bodies of mothers seem to be new phenomena caused by the insecurities imposed by social media. In present times, if you don’t look like the “beauty standard,” you’re criticized. Yet, you can find figurines that symbolize motherhood and fertility from the ancient cultures that existed before us. Archeologists have found what is commonly known as “Venus figures,” prehistoric figurines that show women of thicker stature with their large breasts, wide hips, and thick thighs, showcasing the ancients’ reverence for motherly bodies. Childbirth and pregnancy were seen as significant in these older cultures, and women were honored for their creation of life. It’s sad that these days we no longer hail the biological changes that occur during pregnancy and instead criticize women for it.
Closing Thoughts
Rihanna’s weight gain shouldn’t be seen as a negative thing, nor should it be used for the body positivity movement, since it’s not something that is so different that it needs to be accepted. Her body, the body of a mother, is beautiful and completely natural.
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