TikTok star Mary Mondlock has pointed out just that in an inspiring new video, in which she proudly shows her shape while calling out the countless excuses women feel accustomed to give regarding their stomachs.
“What am I doing? I’m showing you that I’m not bloated; this is not because I’m on my period or with child,” she tells the camera. “This is not because I just ate, and this is certainly not because I have reproductive organs right down here.
Unrealistic beauty standards have us acting all kinds of apologetic when it comes to our bodies and the way we look. Why are we so quick to reason “I’m so bloated,” or “Hello, food baby! ” in explanation of our shape? And why are we even referencing our rounded stomachs as something that needs justification?
“This is just called my stomach. It’s just my stomach. It’s always like this, and that’s perfectly okay. As a matter of fact, it’s gorgina, b*tch! ”
The video has racked up thousands of likes and comments, with many referencing other social videos that refer to bloating as reasoning for bellies that are not completely flat – aka, one specific body type amongst countless other underrepresented ones.
While these bloating ‘before and after’ videos do highlight a perfectly natural occurrence in our bodies, they also exacerbate the idea that certain shapes need explanation, while others don’t.
Over 4500 people have responded to the clip with their own experiences, with one writing: “I see plenty of people showing their bellies with excuses for why they are the way they are. Rather than just letting them be without explanation. ”
Another added: “Whenever I see those other videos, I always convince myself I must be bloated or something. Thank you. ”
Mary responded by telling her: “Right? ! Like, nah fam. It’s okay to have a body without excuses! ”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
