If you’ve ever really looked at the women on your TV, you’ll notice most (if not all) of them are tall, beautiful and a size 2.
Plus-size women are rarely featured in leading roles, and even fewer of them are doing on-screen nudity.
This is yet another way society imposes its unrealistic expectations on the women of America.
The fact of the matter is, not many women look like the ones on TV.
Most of us don't have the muscular, flat stomachs or thigh gaps these women possess, which is why Lena Dunham was such a breath of fresh air when she came on the scene.
Not only was she not a size 0, but she proudly showed off her naked body to an audience of millions week after week on HBO's "Girls."
While some of us found this inspiring, there was, of course, a slew of Internet trolls and critics who used this opportunity to scrutinize Lena.
Lena Dunham, however, is not one to shy away from speaking her mind, and she made no exception for her critics.
Here are her best reactions to those who deem her body (and the bodies of all plus-sized women) less than worthy:
1. She's happy in her skin.
I really feel good with my size now. I know when I say that people are like, 'mm hmm', but I just do! It used to be when I went into a room with all thin women I felt like, what's wrong with me? Now I just feel special.
Lena's attitude inspires others to embrace their so-called "flaws."
Appreciating what makes you different from the rest of the crowd makes it so much easier to love your body.
2. She doesn't let anything stop her.
Late to @tracyandersonmethod & forgot my workout clothes so had to snag a size large bra and size small pants (wrong in myriad ways.) But do we soldier on? Yes, yes we do because we want to be a strong & happy lady #largebrasmallpantscantlose
This quote is one of my favorites of hers.
Not only is it hilarious, but it reminds us all we should never let anything stop us from going after what we want the most.
3. Just like most of us, she had to learn to love herself.
I think I radicalized my relationship to my own body in order to accept it. To make my body a prop in my work gave it a value I didn't feel it had before. People called me fat and hideous, and I lived. And now I keep living.
This statement is one of her most powerful.
It's not about letting your body define who you are, but instead, letting it be a part of you.
4. She gives no apologies.
I don’t think a girl with tiny thighs would have received such no-pants attention. I think what it really was, 'Why did you all make us look at your thighs?' My response is, get used to it because I am going to live to be 100, and I am going to show my thighs every day till I die.
Yet again, Lena shuts the haters down by making no apologies for how she dresses. Just because you're not model-level skinny doesn't mean you can't wear what makes you feel beautiful.
5. It's about being healthy, not thin.
Promised myself I would not let exercise be the first thing to go by the wayside when I got busy with 'Girls' Season 5 and here is why: it has helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible. To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it's mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I'm glad I did. It ain't about the ass, it's about the brain.
We all go through hardship at some point in our lives.
Just like Lena, I also use exercise as an outlet for relieving stress.
What's so important about this quote is she makes it a point to say she isn't exercising to be thin, but to be a better, healthier person, which is so much more important.
Lena Dunham has proved time and time again that not only is she a reputable artist, but she's also a body-positive role model for women all around the world.
We could all learn an important lesson about self-love and acceptance from Lena.
Let's hope she keeps true to her promise of living to be 100, so we can hear her wisdom for many years to come.
