One of my favorite reality television shows is America’s Next Top Model. Every Wednesday night, I sit on the couch from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to watch rail thin women compete to become America’s next Top Model. Every season there is a so-called “plus size” model. Each season, I notice two things. 1) They usually aren’t really plus size (most of them are a size 8 or 10… which I see as pretty normal today) and 2. they usually get kicked off very early in the season (I really don’t think any “plus size” model has made it long enough to go abroad with the top 6.)
This season, Whitney is the so-called “plus size” model. She is absolutely gorgeous, with long blonde hair (they changed it blonde in the make-over episode!) and amazing photos, and tonight, she just made it to the top six and is going abroad!
I am happy. Maybe the modeling world is changing, well, at least, maybe… just maybe, it’s on its way to changing. And maybe if the models that are put in the magazines start to look like normal women in our society, views on size 8 and above women will start to change. Which, by the way, will be a great and positive step for America! Hey, even maybe size 6 and above!!!
Okay so… first of all, I really really love your blog. I wish I had more time to read it consistently, but I just read the past posts that I missed and I am obsessed. You are such an amazing writer and the topics hit home like you wouldn’t believe. So many girls (and women) can relate! And about this topic… it’s so weird because my roommates and I were JUST talking about this issue. We came to a conclusion that the producers “have” to include a plus-size model – because why else would they ALWAYS vote them off so early on. It’s ridiculous though – I’m glad that you noticed the same thing and feel the same way. It’s so unhealthy to look at a size 8 as plus-size. And I am even happier that she made it to go abroad. A side-note… to bring this issue to light even more – even at Glamour yesterday, some of the beauty editors were discussing the new “model thin” and how disgusting it is getting. When I hear a respectable, knowledgeable, gorgeous beauty editor say “no” to a model being on the page because she’s too thin – THAT makes me happy… and even gives me a little hope. <3
Comment by mlmjournalist — April 17, 2008 @ 7:11 pm |