I was reading an article the other day about women and the effects of societal expectations on body image (I do stuff like this on occasion when I want to feel like an adult) when I came across a line that caught my attention.
Now, I should mention, there was nothing terribly unique about the article in particular. In fact, I'd probably seen or read a dozen and a half news reports just like it many times over the years. But I found in this particular piece, embedded within otherwise standard fair news commentary, was a single glaring note which seemed to stick with me long after my Internet ADD had persuaded me on the next cat video. That glaring note was that size 6 is now considered plus size for women.
Now firstly, this was an article referencing the modeling industry, so it's entirely possible that a size 6 anywhere off the catwalk is still a size 6. But I suppose it just struck me as odd that, given the changing image of what is considered average for women (and men!) in American society today, somebody in all his or her tailored wisdom or wit would see fit to narrow the range of what is considered standard (nonplus) size for women. That is, by no fault of our own, you were just relabeled.
After reading the article, I kinda spent the rest of the day sort of lamenting the fact that right under my nose size 6 was just redefined. I felt in a way that I had been redefined. But then I thought about it some more, and after getting over myself, I realized -- who really cares anyways?
I mean, I suppose those labels of plus or nonplus or petite or whatever's-the-opposite-of-petite mean something to someone. But honestly when it comes down to it, what difference does it make? You shouldn't have to adhere anyone else's label any more than they have to adhere to yours. And it's clear somebody wasn't adhering. So if someone can just up and all willy-nilly just redefine a clothing size, why can't we do the same thing for whatever it is that burdening us?
After all, a label only means something to the person who accepts it. Reject it, and you're free to define yourself.
Or not define yourself. But that's the beauty.
The choice is really yours. ~Tet
Now, I should mention, there was nothing terribly unique about the article in particular. In fact, I'd probably seen or read a dozen and a half news reports just like it many times over the years. But I found in this particular piece, embedded within otherwise standard fair news commentary, was a single glaring note which seemed to stick with me long after my Internet ADD had persuaded me on the next cat video. That glaring note was that size 6 is now considered plus size for women.
Now firstly, this was an article referencing the modeling industry, so it's entirely possible that a size 6 anywhere off the catwalk is still a size 6. But I suppose it just struck me as odd that, given the changing image of what is considered average for women (and men!) in American society today, somebody in all his or her tailored wisdom or wit would see fit to narrow the range of what is considered standard (nonplus) size for women. That is, by no fault of our own, you were just relabeled.
 |
| These are the only acceptable jeans sizes now. Sorry, people. |
I mean, I suppose those labels of plus or nonplus or petite or whatever's-the-opposite-of-petite mean something to someone. But honestly when it comes down to it, what difference does it make? You shouldn't have to adhere anyone else's label any more than they have to adhere to yours. And it's clear somebody wasn't adhering. So if someone can just up and all willy-nilly just redefine a clothing size, why can't we do the same thing for whatever it is that burdening us?
After all, a label only means something to the person who accepts it. Reject it, and you're free to define yourself.
Or not define yourself. But that's the beauty.
The choice is really yours. ~Tet
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