Mass Com. students launch ‘I Am Beautiful’ Campaign

THE topical issues of self-love and acceptance, as well as body shaming, were brought into sharp focus yesterday, during the launch of the ‘I Am Beautiful’ Campaign.

This campaign forms part of the final year project of eight students in the Mass Media and Society class at the Barbados Community College (BCC). For the launch, the students who are doing the Associate degree in Mass Communications, hosted an event in BCC’s Science Auditorium. It comprised a fashion show and address by guest speaker, Melinda Belle of Image up by Melinda. Patrons also enjoyed a poem recital by Cherris-Ann Skeete and music by the disc-jockeys on hand.

“This campaign is about the promotion of self-love and self-worth. It is [the first of] four events that will be happening,” stated Co-ordinator, Ronteé Marshall.

Skeete, who is also a Co-ordinator, added that through the Campaign, students sought to increase awareness about the issues and bring them to a halt locally.

“We want to stop the body shaming. We want that persons realise that they are beautiful, all their imperfections are beautiful, and they don’t need to change for other people. So that is the basis of the Campaign.”

She further stated, “Today we are having a fashion show with persons walking. The idea of the fashion show is that persons walk in what they are comfortable in. We didn’t pick out the clothes for them, we didn’t tell them what they are supposed to wear, they chose… because it is about what you are comfortable in and not what others think.”

In her address, Belle reminded students that they are valuable, their unique brilliance is necessary for someone’s survival, and that there is nothing wrong with affirming or saying nice things about themselves. She cautioned students not to compare themselves to others, as well as challenged them to “write down a list of things that you do not like about yourself.

“Also, the opinions you were told about yourself… write them down and then throw it away in the garbage, because it holds no weight because really and truly, you want to accept who you are and just love you. There is nothing wrong with you.”

Other upcoming events during the ‘I Am Beautiful’ Campaign include an open mic session, skits and tuk-band performances around the school, and a grand fair. (MG)