Junior psychology and social work major Jules Frazier posted a video focused on body positivity on Jan. 20 that went viral on the app TikTok with about 2 million views. In addition, as of Jan. 28, more than 500 people have used Frazier’s content to make videos of their own.
TikTok is mainly used for entertainment by allowing users to create short videos of themselves. The videos can be edited with filters and other effects such as lip-syncing to music.
“It’s shocking actually how quickly it blew up, and I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Frazier said.
Although Frazier was shocked the video went viral so fast, her roommate, junior Sydney Bowen, said she was not surprised at all.
“Jules is one of my best friends, and she is always looking for a way to make people laugh and brighten everyone’s spirits,” Bowen said. “Jules has always been so creative and determined when she puts her mind to something.”
Bowen said it took Frazier about a week to write and perfect the lyrics for the video, and Frazier said the words were describing things she struggles with due to her body size and shape and societal norms around “healthy” bodies. The background song to the video is a trend on TikTok that people use to create “anthems” based on things they are struggling with or have struggled with in the past.
“I struggled with loving myself and having self confidence growing up, I’ve learned to love myself and be body positive, but I still struggle with things that I can’t really control,” said Frazier. “I’ve never been able to run a mile under 8 minutes. I’ve always been told I need to lose weight to be considered ‘healthy.’ I chafe and I do like to eat food, but I know a lot of people relate to these [experiences], and I wanted to make a funny video that people could relate to.”
Frazier believes that having a major in psychology and social work has helped her be more aware of other people’s emotions.
“I wanted to show people that making fun of yourself doesn’t always have to be a negative thing,” said Frazier. “I wanted to make a video that people could relate to and just laugh at.”
Frazier said going viral is not something she’s used to or expected. She said it was just something she had fun doing and her friends continue to encourage her to keep making videos. Frazier also said she has learned through posting the video that some people can be very mean online and no matter how funny or positive something is, someone will try to get under your skin and comment extremely hurtful things, but the key is to not read any of the comments, she said.
“I really think it’s a video that a lot of curvier girls can relate to and resonate with,” said Bowen. “I am really proud of Jules for creating something that promotes body positivity.”
“People I know from home are messaging me and talking to my family about my video,” said Frazier. “I enjoy the fact that I’ve helped so many strangers become more positive about their bodies.”
Frazier’s video is included below. She gave permission for The Witmarsum to include it with this post.
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