With
workouts, diets, and magazine tips, women almost everywhere are striving to
improve their body image. Our society regards being thin as the desired body
type for women, which often results in unrealistic photoshopped pictures of
celebrities and models that are meant to set the standard for beauty. On the
other end of the spectrum, whirlwind sensations such as Beyonce, Sofia Vegara,
and Kim Kardashian are giving curves positive attention.
Unfortunately,
if you are a woman that does not fall into the “skinny” or “curvy” categories,
your weight and self confidence are still challenged by our societal
expectations of beauty. We are so quick to shame heavier bodies and pass it off
as a genuine concern for women that we do not even know, with comments such as,
“Poor thing, she has really let herself go,” and, “She cannot possibly be
healthy or happy with that kind of
lifestyle!” Why does a woman’s weight have to dictate her beauty and
contentment, and are we, as a society, Fat-Phobic?
Amanda
Duberman, at the Huffington Post, shed some light on actress Mindy Kaling,
dealing with this exact issue. It is easier for us to judge and criticize
celebrities because we do not personally know them, and they are often
objectified beyond the point of being human. Duberman writes about the “12
Things We Can Learn From Mindy Kaling”, highlighting quotes from Kaling
pertaining to her weight and astounding assurance. She writes:
“In an interview with Parade magazine last
September, Kaling called out those who seem to think that women must overcome
some tremendous hurdle in order to feel confident:
I always get asked, “Where do you get your
confidence?” I think people are well meaning, but it’s pretty insulting.
Because what it means to me is, “You, Mindy Kaling, have all the trappings of a
very marginalized person. You’re not skinny, you’re not white, you’re a woman.
Why on earth do you feel like you’re worth anything?”
Perhaps her worth comes
from the fact that Kaling is a successful actor, producer, director, and New
York Times best-selling author. It has nothing to do with her physical
appearance. She does not feel the need to justify her body image, and will often
be blunt about her body and love of eating in her popular television show, The Mindy Project. Her positive outlook
empowers women of all body types, and she acts as a positive role model to
young, Indian girls.
Kaling also made the
point that women can wear whatever they wish, despite their weight. Duberman
makes note that during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Kaling made fun of the
fact that heavier women are often praised and seen as “brave” for wearing
revealing clothes on television. After wearing a cropped top to an event,
Kaling recollected that “Some people were like, “She’s just so courageous!” She
then said to Kimmel, “Aren’t surgeons courageous?’”
Regrettably, heavier
celebrities have to bravely embrace the fact that ignorant commentary will come
with the cropped tops and tight dresses. They must be comfortable with their
bodies to be able to let the negativity not affect them, or keep them from
dressing and looking how they want. Women like Kaling are completely inspiring,
but should also not be telling us these things that seem so obvious. Her
statements should not be an epiphany to us all, but instead, common sense. When
we see an average or larger sized woman in the spotlight, we are either
relieved by her optimism, or disgusted by her weight. Why can’t we see her for
what she is: a talented woman?
Kaling is not the only
actress that refuses to let societal pressures sway her self-esteem. Recently
interviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine, Melissa McCarthy seemed mostly content
with her life, saying:
“I could eat healthier, I could drink less. I should
be learning another language and working out more, but I’m just always saying,
‘Ah, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.’”
Thankfully,
she has not. Until we stop looking at heavier female celebrities like they are
heroes for merely existing, or being completely turned off by their appearance,
we need women like McCarthy and Kaling to keep making a difference and
reminding us that “fat” can also be synonymous with success and beauty.
Stay lovely poopies,
Jordan
