Body Shaming: Appearance being more important than the person

Inspired by ImpacTalk

Body Shaming refers to the tendency of people to criticise others or even themselves, based solely on their appearance.  

Moderator: Elena Papadimitriou, Journalist

Experts:

Giorgos Chraniotis, Actor

Mary Kalymnou, Freelancer, Flight Attendant & Travel Blogger

Lena Giannopoulou, Psychotherapist
 

Available to watch it for free from 19/10/21 to 26/10/21.

Body Shaming: Appearance being more important than the person

Body Shaming refers to the tendency of people to criticise others or even themselves, based solely on their appearance. This criticism focuses on either natural or acquired characteristics, when these break away from the standard and typical model that prevails. Very often people suffer from body shaming for their weight, cellulite, stretch marks, tattoos and skin diseases (vitiligo, psoriasis).

In the age of social media, Body Shaming has taken on the dimensions of a social scourge. In particular, it seems to be one of the most common forms of school bullying among adolescents. It can be done either in person or through social networks. Victims feel ashamed of their bodies and inadequate compared to others, something that contributes to their psychological collapse, especially at a difficult age such as adolescence.

- Does the ideal body type, as portrayed in the cinema or on social networks, bring happiness?

- Does the ideal body type, as promoted on social networks, bring success?

- How can a person suffering from body shaming learn to manage it and at the same time protect himself/herself? 

- What is the role of social media in the expansion of the phenomenon or in a possible solution?

- How can self-care and self-acceptance be cultivated?

- How can famous people participate positively in the fight against body shaming?

- Body shaming and hating; in the social media arena, fighters or losers?

Elena Papadimitriou
Journalist

Elena Papadimitriou was born and raised in Thessaloniki. She studied Journalism and Mass Communication at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, including a semester of studies in The Hague under the European Erasmus program. She completed her postgraduate studies in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Athens. She has been working in the press and electronic media since her student years. From 2003 to 2006 she worked as an editor of free and cultural reporting in the newspaper CITYPRESS. During the period 2006 - 2014 she was a member of the journalism team of the morning news program of MEGA, writing at the same time as contributor for five years in protagon.gr. In July 2014, she started working in SKAI television and radio, covering international reporting in the main newscast and presenting news bulletins and shows. She has covered important events of European and international affairs in recent years, sometimes with long television broadcasts, in journalistic missions to places like Moscow, Turkey, Italy and Belgium. Maintaining to this day the longing for major festivals and concerts, she has traveled to dozens of European cities for cultural events, writing articles in a number of media. She speaks English, French and Italian. 

Giorgos Chraniotis
Actor

Giorgos Chraniotis was born and raised in Athens. After finishing school, he started studying at the department of Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Athens, while a little later he decided to take up acting and studied at the drama schools of Nikos Vastardis and Georgios Theodosiadis. During his studies he made his television debut in MEGA, followed by his participation in many successful television series. In addition to television, he has performed in important theatre productions and has starred in several films. Apart from acting, he also sings and has established his own band, "Imitate Your Mother", with which he performs live. In his free time he loves to surf and enjoy life. 

Mary Kalymnou
Freelancer, Flight Attendant & Travel Blogger

Mary Kalymnou started her career in aviation in 2006 and already has 15 years of experience in high level services. As a VIP flight attendant, her resume includes the best business jets in the world, in which she has often served celebrities of international prestige, such as members of royal families, heads of state, CEOs and many more. In 2016 she started her own Career Center (www.thevipexcellence.com), where she conducts tailor-made training in companies and luxury brands, in order to achieve excellence in customer service. She also provides counseling services to new flight attendants and carers, preparing them for the demanding aviation sector. 

Lena Giannopoulou
Psychotherapist

Lena Giannopoulou is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist. She was born in Athens and is the mother of three children. She studied French Language and Literature, Public Relations and Psychology. She has been certified as a Systemic Group and Family Psychotherapist by the Athenian Institute of Anthropos (AIA). She has worked in a Psychiatric Clinic as the person in charge of the organisation and operation of the Psychotherapy department. She has created a support group for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders combining dance and psychotherapy. She holds a private office and is an associate of AIA as an individual, group and family therapist. She organises and participates in training, encouragement and awareness seminars for people in companies and in the community on current social issues.