Approximately 12 years have passed since the body positivity movement began. And yet, despite all the efforts, one toxic issue that we just can’t seem to get rid of is body shaming.
On February 27, a women-led cycling community rallied against a now-deactivated Instagram account @Gasul.cc for sharing a member's photo without consent. Not only did this incident spark a conversation within the community about the importance of privacy and consent in online spaces, but it also brought much-needed attention to body shaming and why it’s never okay to ridicule someone’s body type.
LOOK: Netizens Discover Instagram Account Gasul.CC Dedicated to Body-Shaming
In Filipino slang, the term “gasul” is usually used to describe someone who looks chubby. It has a negative connotation and is often used as a way to body-shame, comparing one's body shape to that of an LPG tank.
The Instagram account @Gasul.cc was discovered to be reposting photos of different cyclists—most of which were grabbed from the person’s account without their consent—and cropping the images to showcase only their bulging stomachs.
To set the record straight, body rolls and bulging stomachs are totally normal. Not to mention, our body weight and type aren't always a great indication of one's health. Cycling is a serious sport, and just because you don't have a certain body type doesn't mean you aren't healthy.
Cycling Community Calls Out Instagram Account Gasul.CC for Body-Shaming
Members of a women-dominated cycling community jointly exposed @Gasul.cc on February 27 after it was brought to the attention of one of their members that an unauthorized photo of them had been uploaded to the account.
Netizen Danise Talaba was one of the individuals targeted by @Gasul.cc. She shared her dismay on her Instagram stories, stating that the account posted her photo without permission and was using it as a means of body-shaming. Danise's remarks shed light on the broader issue of objectification and ridicule that many individuals face in online spaces.
"Proud gasul here!" she started her post.
"A lot of people [have] brought this post to my attention. This photo is me," she wrote. "No, they did not ask for my permission for this photo and I do NOT know them."
"How timely they posted this on #WomensMonth—a time to celebrate women of all shapes and kinds."
It becomes evident that despite the progress made by the body positivity movement, there remains a persistent issue with body-shaming, especially in Filipino culture. It's disheartening to see derogatory terms like "gasul" used to belittle and shame individuals based on their appearance. However, in the face of adversity, there is hope.
The actions of the women-led cycling community, especially of Danise, to call out this account serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found in collective solidarity. By standing up against @Gasul.cc's harmful behavior, they not only defended their fellow cyclists but also sent a clear message that body-shaming has no place in our society.
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