There are a number of academics such as Jean Kilbourne who are recognized for their work and advocacy on women's body image. However, a group of blogger/activists are supporting the academics' themes and driving the message of body positivity home to young women across the country in a very relatable style. These women are role models who are using blogs, Instagram and other social media to empower women and push for greater acceptance and diversity in the media and throughout society. One of these women is Jes Baker.
Baker is a body positive activist, a mental health professional and a writer who uses her voice to offer a fresh perspective to anyone who has ever been ignored or vilified because their appearance doesn’t meet societal expectations. Baker blogs as The Militant Baker, gives talks and has written a book, titled Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls, in her self-proclaimed mission “to turn our society’s concept of beauty on its oppressive head.” She believes that we are all worthy of respect and should be valued, so she preaches the importance of body autonomy, self-love and mental health and does so with vibrancy and humor.
Baker is a body positive activist, a mental health professional and a writer who uses her voice to offer a fresh perspective to anyone who has ever been ignored or vilified because their appearance doesn’t meet societal expectations. Baker blogs as The Militant Baker, gives talks and has written a book, titled Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls, in her self-proclaimed mission “to turn our society’s concept of beauty on its oppressive head.” She believes that we are all worthy of respect and should be valued, so she preaches the importance of body autonomy, self-love and mental health and does so with vibrancy and humor.
Baker’s website, which she started in 2012, is infused with her charm and personality. It tackles a wide array of topics, some of which are serious and where her intent is to inform and inspire, and others that are more whimsical and speak to her own loves of fashion and cats. This combination clearly appeals to a wide audience that appears to value Baker’s mix of directness and humor, and the site garners in the vicinity of half a million views per month. The Militant Baker is replete with links to resources related to body activism, intersectional feminism and mental health.
In October 2015, Baker released her book Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls, subtitled “A Handbook for Unapologetic Living.” It is described as a manifesto and a call to arms for people of all sizes and ages. In a series of essays, including some by guest authors, Baker uses humor to share her personal experiences and impart valuable guidance, encouraging her readers to reject prejudice and the body-shaming put forth by the media. The book has been well-reviewed online. Baker’s irreverent attitude - seen clearly in her motto “lose the bullshit, love your body” - is forthright and her style is accessible. Her work, especially her advocacy, has been covered by some of the biggest names in media including the BBC, The Today Show, CNN and New York magazine.
-Tiffany Gamboa, Kianni Johnson, Thomas Ranocchia
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