What makes a plus-size role model?
By WOM Editor Grace Moredock
We have more letters to the editor, which we love (please keep sending them in)! Our own Lynda Finn has given us her take on fairy tales, fat style. Then mosey on over to Russell's corner, he has a unique piece on Fat Independence you don't want to miss. Our resident fitness expert, Kelly Bliss, gives us some important tips on when to weigh, don't miss it.
WOM's cover story, Plus Size Role Models with the acclaimed dancer/choreographer/teacher Alexandra Beller is thought provoking and honest. She gives insight on how she wills herself to ask questions from within which promote self examination, which in turn permits Beller to reveal herself through her art. WOM also interviewed plus-size model Alisha Elrod.
What makes a plus-size role model? Is there any difference in a role model and a plus-size role model? Of course we all have a different idea of what a role model is to us, even Belle noted with some hesitation that Madonna had been an influence in her life during her adolescence. With that in mind I guess some would say that Kelly Osbourne is a plus-size role model for some teens today. Heaven help us! (This is an editorial, so I can say 'heaven'.)
When I look for a plus-size role model I look for someone with intelligence, a sense of morality, an exuberance of self-esteem, and doggone it, they have to look good in their clothes. This person, for me, has to represent people of size without it looking as if it is an effort, and they don't have to wear "I'm fat" across their chest and expect the world to love them regardless. The first to come to mind of course are celebrities, Camryn Manheim and Star Jones. These ladies are very different in their own right, but yet I can say both could stand as good plus-size role models. They are both forthright in what they believe whether it is size-related or not, they can present articulate arguments and they look good in their clothes! When it comes to men, I can think of several men that would be good role models, John Goodman for instance….but then John isn't a world class dresser. OK, let's move on. How about Ruben Studdard, contestant in "American Idol"? Well no, I haven't heard him put together a full sentence, but he does look good in his clothes? Seriously now, if I had to pick a man to be a plus-size role model I would have to pick James Earl Jones, he is intelligent, articulate, moral, and looks good in a suit.
I hope I have provided you a bit of humor. We should all look to be a role model, plus-size of not. Just your presence may influence a person at your place of business, in a supermarket, a restaurant, or that teen who lives a couple of doors down. We are all role models in someone's eyes.
I would like for you to check out the "Speak Your Peace" (SYP) article of someone who is a role model and dear friend to me when I was in the Middle East just a few months ago, Fatima Parker, President of ISAA Arab Nations. The SYP section, written by you, the reader, tells us what readers from around the world have to say to WOM about the world around you.
I believe you will enjoy every article in this edition of WOM. Let us hear from you, we appreciate your feedback.
Until next time, |
