Pun intended. And here’s why.
There is a new energy out there. Only last week a bevy of beauties appeared on This Morning in their bikini-ready bodies. Curvy, confident, ready to shame the body shamers, they strutted their stuff in all its beauty.
The reaction? Across Twitter declarations of irresponsibility on the part of ITV, shouts for this kind of obesity lifestyle promotion to be abolished, assumptions made about these women and the way they live their lives.
But beyond the initial storm, I believe there is something way more positive going on. Sections like this on daytime TV are going to cause a stir but if you stop to look at what the girls are wearing, they’re adorned with tassels, pretty shoes, gorgeous hair, defining makeup. No, it’s not ok to promote being unhealthy but that’s not what it’s about, it’s about being beautiful, confident, valid. This is far more about big earrings than it is big bowls of mashed potato.
Stop and think:
A plus sized body brings with it judgement but who is questioning that judgement?
I’ve read too many reports that have indicated that fat people are less likely to land the best jobs. Shallow on the part of employers, I know but it’s true. And why? Because there’s some kind of assessment being made of an individual based on their body size? Perhaps it’s assumed that an plus size person doesn’t have the commitment and discipline to eat well and exercise often? But how would you be able to tell if a thin person lacked self control and discipline? Are all fat people sofa surfing potato eaters?
Many of us are professionals. We are lawyers, accountants, architects, writers – some of us are bloggers, researchers. Some of us are nurses, carers, parents. We are educated, skilled, adept. Do we really lack commitment and discipline? Or are there some inaccurate value statements being made about bigger bodies?
How do we change this?
By getting out there.
With every plus size model that gets on the catwalk or on the cover of a magazine.
With every mother that feels good in her brand new polka dot swimdress while she splashes in the shallows with her toddler.
With every girl that shakes her stuff on the dancefloor on a Saturday night in a divine sequinned frock and a pair of killer heels.
With every smart executive who comes to the conference table in fine pinstripe almost as sharp as her eye for business.
With every girl that takes to the gym, the footpath, the pool, confident in the knowledge that she is doing right by her strong, valid body.
This society will have change its view of our bodies.
We will make a new aesthetic. One where health and looks are removed from each other. Moral judgements will not be made according to a waist size. But it will take time, people will need to be educated.
For now get out there and run, write, blog, photograph, design, create, swim, flaunt, be beautiful, whatever – and know that every time you step out and feel confident in the skin you’re in, you buck the trend, you are part of the difference.
There’s room for improvement in anyone’s life but remember we’re not the only ones who need to change.
