Black women Quote by Lindy West
““Don’t tell thin women to eat a cheeseburger. Don’t tell fat women to put down the fork. Don’t tell underweight men to bulk up. Don’t tell women with facial hair to wax, don’t tell uncircumcised men they’re gross, don’t tell muscular women to go easy on the dead-lift, don’t tell dark-skinned women to bleach their vagina, don’t tell black women to relax their hair, don’t tell flat-chested women to get breast implants, don’t tell “apple-shaped” women what’s “flattering,” don’t tell mothers to hide their stretch marks, and don’t tell people whose toes you don’t approve of not to wear flip-flops. And so on, etc, etc, in every iteration until the mountains crumble to the sea. Basically, just go ahead and CEASE telling other human beings what they “should” and “shouldn't” do with their bodies unless a) you are their doctor, or b) SOMEBODY GODDAMN ASKED YOU.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The End of the ‘Should’” by Lindy West, 2015
Criticizes imposing body‑related norms on others, urging respect for personal autonomy unless professionally qualified.
In simple terms: Don’t dictate others’ body choices.
Key Takeaway
Respect bodily autonomy.
Themes
body autonomy
social norms
body image
respect
personal freedom
Mood
defiant
assertive
critical
Type
social commentary
ethical critique
When to use this quote
- healthcare advice
- personal grooming
- dietary choices
- fashion decisions
- body modification
Key Concepts
feminism
ethical autonomy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides what is “normal” for bodies?
- When is advice helpful versus controlling?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑meaning advice can become oppressive when not requested.
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