I was reading somewhere about how every now and then CNN.com posts blogs or have stories that are racial: pitting different races against each other, because it is very good for views and comments. I believe it, everyone wants to weigh in on what they think is right and then wants to check back to make sure CNN isn't doing it any further. It's actually a media genius idea as long as you do it infrequently enough to keep your loyal readers.
The article, Black Women Heavier and Happier with their Bodies than White Women, I feel is an example of that kind of story. Everyone has an opinion and this can spark some interesting racially charged conversation that somehow have all fat white girls looking like innocent martyrs. I'll start with myself because who else can I comment on? I am a Black girl, though definitely not skinny, but definitely not big, but my BMI says that I am very nearly overweight (But not!) Blessed with an hour-glass figure, wears a size 8 tall (sometimes a 6), I am too big. It's true some of my best assets are bigger than average (boobs, thighs and booty), but you telling me I got to get rid of these?
I am very healthy. I exercise daily, walking a 1 mile + a day and hitting the gym at least 3 times a week. You've read before what I eat and don't eat.. My blood pressure, cholesterol, and everything else is on point.
Now, to hit on the article:
What this means to white women: I was blessed to grow up around Black people even though I went to mostly White schools. We were taught about beauty, healthy, and happiness at any size. When I was around White girls, I couldn't believe what they heard in their circles, they were encouraged to diet at young ages, and it got knocked into their heads that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen skinny and showing a few ribs was sexy. I knew many a person who skipped a day's worth of meals, only ate ice for days (shout to DJ from Full House!), or would throw up a meal because they felt like they ate wayy too much. I know people who must have looked in a fun house mirror, because they looked great, but chose to run miles and miles on a treadmill after a drinking night out, making the whole gym smell like sweaty booze. How depressed, withdrawn, and low self-esteem these women must have felt. From what? Because skinny jeans and a tight t-shirt made them have a pouch? Come on...really?
What this means to people who judge white women: The article hinted at flecks that women who are heavier should have lower self-esteem and feel worse about themselves for this reason. Good job, White women. (Pats, you on the head like a dog)
What this means to Black women: Now this is where the distinction should be broke into two categories: The woman featured in the article worked out regularly and knew it was important to be healthy, but she happened to still be overweight. Should she not feel good about herself? She is doing what she needs to do, and since when is self-esteem only based on your size? Can she be healthy, with a successful career, husband, kids and be a little overweight and still be happy, please?
Now category two, which I guess this article is focused on those heavy, happy Black people, who continue being unhealthy eaters, and exercisers just because they are happy with themselves doesn't seem logistical. I agree these women shouldn't be content with themselves, especially if this weight is dangerous to their health. I dare to say self-esteem has little to do with losing weight the healthy way. If you are unhappy with your body image and have low self-esteem, I dare say you might be the ones taking the extreme, unhealthy tactics, like your white counterparts. You need to love yourself, i.e. high self-esteem, to want to better yourself. Like many other posts that commented on this very article, I agree Black women are used to others not physically finding them attractive, and we are long past letting this affect our self-esteem.
What this means to people who judge Black women: The article hints at how dare they love themselves when everyone finds them fat, sloppy, and gross? Don't they know that we don't like them? We don't like what we see? How unhealthy, it is to be fat, but I'm sure they don't care about that either.
Truthfully, I have to say I don't know what this means to people who judge Black women. I would love to hear what others think, especially White women (BN, it's possible this is an American problem, I feel like other countries are just generally healthy) Doctor Derby, what's your opinion? I'll post answers provided they don't make me scream or cry.
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