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Why casual body shaming is not okay at Chinese New Year – or ever
Complimenting someone on their personality and interests, or asking thoughtful questions, makes better conversation than commenting on their looks.
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Thinness is associated with femininity in many parts of the world, and one way this manifests in Asian culture is casual body shaming.
ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
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Chinese New Year is around the corner, and I’m low-key stressed about fitting into a kebaya.
When I bought it in Melaka during a family vacation in November 2024, my parents gave their stamp of approval while I looked appraisingly at my reflection in the body-skimming yellow skirt. It was made to measure, but even so, I sucked in my tummy, tiptoed as though wearing a pair of heels, and thought how much better the outfit looked that way.
