As a thick woman, I must say it is refreshing to see more plus size women receiving respect and recognition in the film, music and the modeling industries. When I was growing up, I only had Nell Carter and Janet Jackson to watch on television, and by the end of the 80’s, Janet had a six pack, and Nell was half her size. While I understand that the reasons behind their weight loss had something to do with maintaining their health, both Carter and Jackson openly admitted the pressures of being skinny in Hollywood.
So here it is the year 2010, and now so many plus size celebrities – Mo’Nique, Gabby Sidibe, Nikki Blonsky and Queen Latifah are getting respect for their talents; but are they getting admiration for their size?
Thick women have always been around and wanted lead roles in movies and modeling contracts, but for years we were shut out and seen as a joke. Therefore, I’ve found myself wondering why Hollywood is so accepting of the plus size world after years of rejection and ridicule.
I’ll tell you why. The fact is the average woman in the United States is a size 14, and while society recognizes this verity, they tend to ignore it and continue to go for what they consider more appealing. Due to this prejudice, it forced the plus size community to take charge by creating our own enterprises, and as a result, our community has been very lucrative, thus making those who treated us as an outcast for years take notice.
When most people think of the entertainment industry, they think of glamour, fashion and luxury. Yet, Hollywood will always be seen first and foremost as a business. We are receiving more attention compared to previous years merely because we currently dominate the market. We are seen as a business, not human beings who are admired for our talent, beauty and glamour like skinny Hollywood. Look at any major magazine, TV show or film, we are still not represented consistently. We are excluded to a “plus-size issue” and maybe one plus size girl who is in the cast of a show or film as if we are filling a quota. Even the movie “Precious” did not receive national recognition until the likes of Oprah and Tyler Perry endorsed the film, and while the acting was phenomenal, the plot of the movie focuses on a plus size teenager who is being abused and scorned for being overweight by her plus size mother.
While I am grateful for our rise in the industry, it is simply just the beginning. Now that we are seen as profitable and trendy, I am waiting for the day that we can be seen as practical and long-lasting. We are not even close to getting our just due. When is Queen Latifah going to get the same respect as Beyonce? I am waiting for the day that Nikki Blonsky is seen on Maxim’s Hot 100 Sexiest Women List and Mo’Nique gets the same roles as Halle Berry. We need thick women behind the scene writing, producing and directing our stories and more plus size models walking the runway in Paris and New York. Can men stop hiding the fact that they love women who are a size 14 and up and not be afraid to flaunt us in videos and on the red carpet?
There are so many applauding Mo’Nique, Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky and Gabby Sidibe, but they are only a small percentage of the images of Hollywood. The majority of the plus size community is still only being allowed to get a peek through a window when Hollywood and society need to remove all discrimination and simply welcome us through the door.
After watching “Unsung” (TV One), I had to give a shout out to Stacey Lattisaw. Stacey was an R&B artist in the 80’s who was extremely underrated. I commend Stacey for following her heart and not selling her soul to continue a singing career. I wish more would have her strength and do what’s right vs. doing what’s profitable.
Anyhoo check out one of her classics “Let Me Be Your Angel”
Jen is the new Weight Watchers Rep! We knew she was doing something to lose but at least she is now getting paid to talk about her weight lost success!
I am in LOVE with her hair! Check out the video!
Thicksational Claps Jen! Don’t do it for Hollywood do it for you!
