Unveiling the Impact of Body Shaming on a Media Icon
Reflecting on the Early Days of Her Career
In the early stages of her career, Hoda Kotb was working in a small market. Having played basketball in high school, she believed herself to be in good shape. However, after college, things changed. She vividly recalls her former boss approaching her with a rather unexpected suggestion. "Hey, Hoda," he said, and she responded with anticipation. He then went on to suggest, "Hey, I got an idea. Maybe you might wanna try to get on the treadmill." Kotb impersonates her boss's voice as she continues to tell the story, moving her arms as if running. This moment left a lasting impression on her and made her realize the importance of self-confidence.It was a wake-up call that challenged her perception of herself and how others saw her. She began to question whether her body shape was truly a hindrance or if it was just a perception that others had imposed upon her. This experience taught her that one's self-worth should not be defined by external judgments.
As she shared this story with her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, it opened up a conversation about the prevalence of such body shaming in the workplace. They discussed how it can affect a person's confidence and sense of identity.
Dealing with the Pressure to Conform
Hoda Kotb further explained how she faced pressure to conform to certain standards. "If you don't fit, they want you to wear something a certain way, cut your hair a certain way, speak a certain way." This pressure to change oneself to fit into a work environment is something that many people can relate to.She recalled a specific instance where she was initially told to refrain from using the word "y'all" on the Today show. It was a small detail, but it highlighted the subtle ways in which one's individuality can be suppressed.
Bush Hager also shared her own experiences of having to navigate similar situations. She mentioned how she ultimately couldn't "pretend" to be someone she wasn't and had to stay true to herself. This led to an important discussion about the balance between fitting in and staying true to one's identity.
The Lesson Learned and Moving Forward
Through this difficult experience, Hoda Kotb learned an important lesson. She realized that while sometimes small changes may be necessary to fit into a work environment, one should never lose sight of their true self."I think you know when you're pretending deep down and no matter what it is, you start losing who you are," she said. This wisdom has stayed with her and has influenced the way she approaches her work and life.
Today, Hoda Kotb continues to inspire others with her resilience and authenticity. Her story serves as a reminder that we should all have the courage to stand up against body shaming and embrace our uniqueness.