With social media and smart phones becoming a norm in society, it would not be farfetched to say that we have now entered a somewhat shallow phase where your actions and appearance is scrutinised on several social networking platforms, to an extent, affecting your self-esteem and making some feel inadequate. Prince Harry's beautiful prospective bride, Meghan Markle also faced many negative comments and battled “soul sucking” insecurities when trying to make a space for herself in Hollywood. She was labelled as being “not thin enough, not pretty enough”.
Talking about her initial struggles, Meghan Markle said, “I was in my early twenties, still figuring so much out, and trying to find my value in an industry that judges you on everything that you're not versus everything that you are. Not thin enough, not pretty enough, while also being too thin, too ethnic, too pretty the next day. I would drive to auditions and park at the back of the parking lot, far from the eyes of anyone who could see me unlocking the trunk and crawling into my car through its only feasible entry point. I would play it off as though I was looking for something, reaching so deep for something that my car almost sucked me in to get it – much like my experience in Hollywood, to be honest. Struggling, climbing hurdles, searching for something that I couldn't even see – and just reaching for it. Every single day.”
It was only when she went to one audition lathered in self-tanner and “excessive blush” when she was told, “You need to know that you're enough.”
“You couldn't pay for a therapy session this good. And that moment, for me, was a wake-up call,” Meghan beamed.
The very talented and beautiful Vidya Balan also faced many challenges when she tried to establish herself as an actress. Although she has aced her craft and bedazzled one and all with her acting performances in movies such as Parineeta (2005), Kahaani (2012), and The Dirty Picture (2011), she still receives disparaging comments about her weight from parts of the Indian media. Despite all the negativity, Vidya has risen on all occasions, shutting down her criticisers by delivering memorable performances in every movie.
Social networking sites, such as Instagram, doesn't do much in aiding someone's self-esteem. The constant scrutiny online and the pressure of looking “perfect” does eventually take a toll on many. Fat-shaming, or body-shaming has also made its way into the social media frenzy, making it a norm, and completely acceptable (so do those cyber-bullies believe) to belittle someone and pass rude remarks. The trend of “trolling” people online seems like a fun past time for a fraction of social media users. So many young people now suffer from low self-esteem, and it won't be implausible to state that it could lead to depression and anxiety.
These online portals should take it upon themselves and make it their duty to stop any sort of cyber-bullying and help encourage people to be who they are. One should be inspired to be true to themselves and not feel pressurised in pleasing everyone for the matter of a few likes and comments on social media.
If you have a dream, work hard and strive to achieve it. There are plenty of nay-sayers who find joy in putting people down and treading on their aspirations, but if you focus on yourself and your future ambitions, then their negative views or opinions will no longer matter to you. What others think of you should not be your concern, but what you think of yourself should take prime prominence.
