Gabourey Sidibe (not Precious, she has a name) was chosen to grace one of four covers for Elle Magazine’s 25th Anniversary. There’s controversy on whether Elle lightened her skin and why she is the only subject to have a close-cropped photo, compared to the other three featuring petite, white women.
Of course I take issue with both. Blame lighting all you want, but Sidibe is dark-skinned and no lighting in the world could make her appear that light. Not to mention the horrid weave they had her rocking, but that’s another story. It is suspect that her photo does not include a full body shot and there’s no mystery why. It’s about her size. The comments, criticisms, everything is about her size. It disgusts me. This isn’t my first time writing about how the media continues to use Sidibe as a scapegoat for sizeism. I’ve written about misconceptions in fat acceptance and a piece on Sidibe’s positive attitude and body acceptance despite ignorant remarks.
I’ve seen people laud over women such as Crystal Renn, Raven Symone, Christina Hendricks, and other “plus-sized” celebrity women. So, it’s astounding when these same people insult and ridicule Sidibe for her size. The argument of her being “too big” and it being a health risk is non-existent. Mainly because no one here is her physician and has no clue to her health and/or what she is doing to improve it. I believe what upsets people is here is a person who goes against the norm: she’s black, dark skinned, a woman, and she’s overweight. Not only that, but she loves herself. That’s too much for mainstream America to accept.
People can not argue for the dismantling of America’s beauty standards, when they are willing to shun people out who they consider “unattractive.” It defeats the purpose. Her beauty isn’t just defined by what we perceive externally, but her own self-worth and confidence. She’s been nothing but graceful in the heat of criticism and continues to further her career in acting.
I’ve written so much on the topic, I feel as if there is nothing to add. I can say that no one is perfect. Skinny does not mean healthy. It also does not mean attractive. Fat does not mean unhealthy.
lord, yes. you hit on everything i wanted to say. and that hair on the left truly is atrocious. i haven’t seen the other covers but are they not closeups? I CAN’T DEAL. everywhere i go i want to rip my hair out in frustration because everything is so problematic.