Wow. Have I been waiting for a question like this!
When I was young, I 'developed'by the age of 9. I was the only girl in the 4th grade to wear a bra. Thus began my travels into a world I was truly not prepared for, nor would I understand the consequences of it until much later.
Remember the late 60's early 70's when Twiggy came into light in the fashion world? She was tall, beautiful, and EXTREMELY thin. Thus began the craze of the quest to be thin, as the MEDIA picked up on it and lead the American public to believe this was the only way to be accepted.
My mother worked for a modeling agency in the 70's, owned by her high school friend. It was called 'Cosmopolitan 3", and located in Louisville, KY. I used to go there after school when I was a child - played with the make-up, walked the runway, and dreamed of being 'in the business'. Now remember, this was the time of 'Twiggy', and girls like me did not get parts for anything. Mother sent me on a job one time, because there were no others available - but I was too big, and didn't get the part in the commercial. It went to the daughter of another model - this girl was my age, not developed, and pencil thin. I learned early that 'curves' were not in.
This continued through the 80's (my high school years), as all the small girls got the guys, were picked for the plays, and usually stole the limelight wherever they went. If you were not a size 4 or smaller, you were not 'in'.
In 1984, I was 17, 5'5 1/2 and wore a size 10/12. By Marilyn Monroe standards, I was exactly where I should have been. By the modeling world's standards (and my mother's) I was much too large. I married in June of 1984, just one month after graduation - having given up on all my dreams, as 'mommy dearest' told me the man I was dating (5 years my senior) would be the only man I would ever find. This is not something you tell a 17 year old, but nonetheless, the way my 'Adult' life began.
Back to topic - when you look at the MSM,all you see are tiny models and actresses - a tradition carried on from the 70's through today. Hollywood sets the standards, the media puts it out to the public, and convinces young girls that only size 2's and down (yes Virginia there is a '0') are acceptable in society. And then people wonder why there is such a HIGH rate of Bulemia, Anorexia, and drug abuse among teen girls.
When I got pregnant with my first child in 1985, my mother told me she was very upset because she wanted me to lose weight before I got pregnant. Not happy to be a grandmother - and concerned about how her daughter was going to reflect on her. I gained 50 lbs. with my 1st, lost a little (7lbs.9 oz., to be exact ), and then my second son pushed me to add another 37 lbs. On his first birthday, I weighed 230lbs. and knew I had to do something.
Okay - back to topic. As a 'heavey person with curves', I was told a million times - you have such a pretty face, if you would just lose weight'. It took 4 years, but I dropped 100lbs.
When you are heavey, you are invisable. When you are thin - the whole world will give you attention (well, your world), and add blonde hair - and you are in!
The 'thin revolution' is something that began in the 70's, was pushed by the MSM, and carried through til today. It has been the cause of countless sessions with psychologists, depressed teen girls and women. Have you ever picked up a 'woman's catalog'? The sizes begin at '12'. Unless you are under 5'tall, a size 12 is not large. Marilyn Monroe was a 16!
Okay, this concludes my rant for today. You see nothing but thin women because the MSM has convinced American men that thin is sexy. It has convinced women that the only way to be accepted is to be thin. And, the more America buys into the myth - the more it will continue. Sex sells - plain and simple.
Women like Queen Latifah, Starr Jones, and Oprah are helping to change the image. But have you noticed - they too have had to give a little and join the dieting world. They are who they are and will be who they are and will not accept anything else. But look at Kirstie Alley. She has gained some weight - but she is BEAUTIFUL, too! But, she is now starring in 'The fat actress, something to makes the rest of us girls feel, again, like we must conform to be somebody. And it's TRUE! I'm guessing here, but I assume for Kirstie, it was this job or no job, as she had been 'black listed' by Hollywood. 'Branded', if you will.
Until Hollywood goes with the Oprahs and Queen Latifahs of this world, and makes it acceptable for all, girls like Kirstie (and the rest of us) will be forced to continue this diet-go-round until we are taken seriously.
As for me - the fluctuation of 5-10 lbs can be the difference between acceptance and invisibility. And that's the way it is....Just Kimberly, 5'5 1/2", size 10/12 or 14/16 (depending on the day) and struggeling to be me.
Thanks for asking this question!
Glad you're here, and pleased ta meet ya! ;)
excellent post. no ducking required.
EXCELLENT POST
When you are heavey, you are invisable. When you are thin - the whole world will give you attention (well, your world), and add blonde hair - and you are in!
*** They've done candid camera type shows where they dressed up a model in a fat suit and demostrated this over and over. Plus I've witnessed this FIRST HAND in my life.