I enjoyed this article. REALLY enjoyed it. Bravo, Zoe. And thanks Alex for sharing. You KNEW I’d chomp at this, didn’t ya, doll?
As most of my dear friends here know, I am an advocate for equality across the board when it comes to getting the public’s perceptions to change. Zoe’s points are dead on, but if I could add to that… it’s also true for all women in general. We are conditioned to feel, look, and act a certain way in society… well, mostly in the West.
Growing up, I struggled with my weight constantly. I read People magazines, loved my Bridal periodicals and looking the part as pretty as I could. It was all a nightmare, at least in my teens and early 20’s. I write more about this on my blog, but to put it bluntly, being a woman here in the United States is hell. It took me 20 years, countless counselors, endless bouts with anorexia, and thousands of wasted dollars to conclude that I AM who I am… a woman with curves.
It all comes down to personal choice. FBB’ers make a choice to look the way they do, I chose to the look the way I do, and so on. While much of my adoration sprang from a sexual attraction years ago, I’ve come to appreciate the dedication and hard work it takes to be a “woman of heroic proportions”. Will society ever accept that? Probably not. Who gives a shit. Are we here to live for the world, or for the ones we love and our better health?
The ONLY thing I would say that needs to change (and probably CAN be changed) is the industry itself… start making the winnings from shows better, give more social and professional incentives to being fit and healthier…
Sorry for the rant. It’s just a topic I’m very passionate about.
Peace and love,
~Mimi
PS: As for Zoe’s mention of the T&A spreads… I agree, but those make us smile occasionally. 😉
