The Problem with Plus Sized Model Perception | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

The Problem with Plus Sized Model Perception

How are we perceiving plus sized women models? We disapprove, we fetishize, all at once. It's time to talk.

34
The Problem with Plus Sized Model Perception

We're on the rise of plus size modeling. With big names like Barbie Ferreira, Iskra Lawrence, Liris Crosse and many others, there has been promotion and glamorization of bigger bodies.

In a seemingly exclusively thin industry, these women are carving the path for success in fashion and image to a whole new demographic.

Of course along with the popularization of plus size comes subsequent negative implications as well.

Women with curvier, thicker bodies have been shamed for their success by people brainwashed by conventional norms and internalized hate. They've been accused of advertising an unhealthy lifestyle, of not living up to their 'full beauty potential.'

While, on a contrasting note, plus sized women are objectified and sexualized. As thinner models are graceful and delicate, thicker models are sexy and provocative.

Many are viewing this persistent sexualization as a flaw in our perception, and yes there are underlying issues within this consistent perspective. However, this mindset implies the idea that expressed sexuality is negative.

Author Gina Tonic reflects on this in her Bustle Piece "Why I Play Into The Role Of The Over Sexualized Plus Size Woman". She writes, "by trying to remove femininity or sexual status from a woman, plus size or otherwise, the implication is arguably that femininity and being sexual are negatives, and should be replaced by masculine alternatives."

We have emerged into a new wave of feminism, one that acknowledges women as sexual beings in an accepting light. So when we talk about women models, plus size or 'regular', why is seduction something we steer away from? This is to be said without addressing the blatant fetishization of plus sized women as solely sexual creatures.

So, while plus sized women can be sexy and intoxicating, we should shatter the divide between her and thinner models. She can also be fragile and elegant.

We've created these subcategories of what body types warrant what attitudes or looks. In actuality, women of all shapes and sizes can exude the same yet different energies and we are pigeonholing them in these 'acceptable' realms.

Emerging plus sized models are doing their work, they're serving looks in their confident, beautiful bodies. It's up to us to keep our interpretations and discussions in check. She is sexy and curvy but also gentle, dainty and poised. It's more than body shape and it's more than body weight.

We have a long way to go.

Plus sized modeling for men is still relatively unheard of in mainstream media and that feeds into unhealthy body image for men as well. Are women allowed to be bigger while men aren't? This is an entirely different conversation, but one to be had in the near future.

Seeing plus sized models is one thing, our perceptions are another. Remember to evaluate your analysis of models, whether they be plus sized or otherwise.

What are they to you? It's equally important to remember, we are models in our everyday lives as well. What are we to ourselves, to others? Sexy, delicate, perhaps both?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

569
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

355
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199326
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20348
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments