BLOG 103 LARGE CULTURE
After watching a recent Amazon movie called “Loving Large”,
I became intrigued with this counter-culture movement of embracing being big. Certain
social conventions say that skinny means healthy; skinny means attractive;
skinny means “good”. But after watching this documentary, there is another
perspective I wanted to share.
We have learned from the media that size matters. Let’s
start with fashion. Models are presumed to be very thin. Yet the average woman
wears a size 14. I have come to think that clothing sizes are totally
distorted. 2010 brought a whole new industry of run-way models. Brands like
Queen Grace and Torrid celebrate larger women. The term “plus size” has been
replaced by “flattering”. I did find it interesting that these clothes were
still tight and form fitting. To me, that’s just uncomfortable no matter what
your size and obviously I’m not one at the studio to wear super tight clothes.
Fashion is fashion no matter what size and the trends remain the same. Many
larger women feel that people use a backhanded compliment telling them they
have a pretty face, when they want to embrace their body and be complimented
for a cute outfit every now and then.
The world of love is also now trending with some people
being attracted to larger individuals. Men might like “fuller” women. Men might
be referred to as “chasers” who like a certain weight. One person might become
is called a “feeder” in the relationship. Food equates to love. We are
attracted to what we are attracted to but sometimes the reason we are with someone
can become troublesome. Liking a larger person is fine, but enjoying seeing
them become larger despite health risks, is a little disturbing and almost
controlling.
I truly wish that we could all see people for people, not
size or appearance. The trouble is that in this large culture there are health
risks. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) predicts that by 2030, 42% of the
population will be obese. Some feel that the standards to be small or in the
healthy zones are unrealistic so why try. Questions concerning personal value
arise. For example, is Jennifer Hudson a better singer because she lost
weight?? Georgia has public service announcements that claim 75% of parents are
in denial that their children are obese. 4 year olds are being diagnosed with
high cholesterol.
I absolutely hate the stereotypes that revolve around being
larger. When did we become so judgmental?? Maybe I’m sensitive to the topic
because of my profession. Every BODY deserves to be the best versions of
themselves. Body shaming is terrible on
every level. We must lift each other up and hey, whether your friend is skinny
or large, a true friend speaks from the heart always. I celebrate diversity at
the studio as we all continue to learn to grow both personally and physically
on our fitness journeys.
Loving Large,
Directed by Christopher Hines (2016)
I agree with you, Megan. When I met with you, you determined that, based on my stats, I am now "obese." Yet, for my age, I'm termed "normal." I weigh over 50 pounds more than when I was a young adult, and I believe my health has suffered due to the excess weight. I do not accept that my weight is "normal," and am working diligently and lovingly to restore my incredible body to good health and vitality. I'm so grateful for your support, Megan!
ReplyDeleteIt's true; the state of being overweight or obese is simply a matter of health risk, and I recently read that the movement to accept it has created a crisis: fewer people are trying to get into shape or become a normal, non-obese weight. It's controversial and difficult! Body shaming is the worst, but for people who are very, very overweight, accepting a situation that can make you suffer in very tangible ways, and maybe die early, is not good either. In short, be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. However, I do judge, honestly we all do. Regardless, each of us will ultimately live with the consequences of our decisions about weight. I find it difficult to believe that if someone's health is suffering because of weight issues (too heavy or too thin) that they happy and mentally happy. The most disturbing issue for me is children. Children don't make food decisions or activity decisions for themselves. And it saddens and scares me for our future. So, if the parent doesn't see obesity as a problem with themselves how will the children fare?
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