Jennylyn Mercado slams body shaming, says it's a 'toxic Filipino trait'

It’s the holidays, and despite the current pandemic, we all deserve to have the best time. This includes bonding over food with our nearest and dearest.

But as we understandably gain a few pounds, there are some people who just can’t help but negatively point it out and make us feel shameful about our bodies. For actress Jennylyn Mercado, the indecency needs to stop.

In a tweet, she stated two reasons why people need to bring such a “toxic Filipino trait” to a halt. “First of all, it’s rude, second it may trigger some people na may Ed (eating disorder)," she said. 

Can we discontinue this toxic Filipino trait na tuwing nagkikita ang hilig mag komento tungkol sa physical looks ng iba tulad ng -
“uy tumaba ka”
It’s not okay. First of all it’s rude, second it may trigger some people na may Ed.
Maling mali.

— jennylyn mercado (@MercadoJen) December 27, 2020

Mercado also stressed it’s the “wrong mentality” when a netizen seemingly justified body shaming.

Maling mentality Emmanuel.
Unang una, bakit kailangan may mapuna?
Hindi ba dapat wala to begin with?
Unless someone asks you a question, don’t give unsolicited advice.
Hindi ba natin kaya makipagusap sa isa’t isa na walang punahan o judgement?

— jennylyn mercado (@MercadoJen) December 27, 2020

“Not everyone would like to be commented sa kanilang appearance. Nakakalungkot magbasa ng comments dito ng mga taong naappektuhan ang self esteem,” she continued. 

A Twitter user then opened up that she has stopped attending family gatherings because of it. Mercado replied: “I know it hurts and it’s hard… But don’t let other people dictate how you live your life. Kapit lang. better days are ahead.”

Awww bessie...
Hindi ko alam what i can say to help...
I know it hurts and it’s hard...
But don’t let other people dictate how you live your life.
Kapit lang. better days are ahead
??? https://t.co/37RxJ2YNcz

— jennylyn mercado (@MercadoJen) December 27, 2020

After all, our physical appearance does not determine our worth, she emphasized.

It should stop.
Physical appearance has nothing to do with the quality of the person...

Haaay.
Senxa na bessies. Naiisip ko lang eto . Lalo na pag nababasa ko tweets ninyo... :(

— jennylyn mercado (@MercadoJen) December 27, 2020

Just recently, actress Janella Salvador claimed “Filipinos are the worst body shamers” after getting criticized over her "weight gain." She's currently making the most of her vacation in the United Kingdom with her boyfriend, singer Markus Paterson.