Ten Rules for Fat Girls by author and twitter addict Dianne Sylvan.
What do you think? What rule would you add? What rule would you take away?
September 15, 2011
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Hold your head up and stand up straight!
Comment by Lorraine — September 15, 2011 @ 3:17 pm
I really like most of these, especially the last two. I would maybe add a rule: Do, wear, and eat what you want, even when people can see you.
I just mean don’t let anybody say you “shouldn’t” wear a miniskirt and high-heeled boots, or that you can’t wear jeans and sneakers because you must represent All Fat Womanhood every time you walk out the door. (That’s just the same thing in a different disguise: “Fat girls shouldn’t.” Nuts to that.)
Dance in a club, drink at a bar, and if you want them, get popcorn and candy at the movies and dessert in a restaurant. It’s kind of liberating, in a small way.
Comment by catrandom — September 15, 2011 @ 3:39 pm
I do tend to roll my eyes at these things. Sometimes they strike me as written towards children and teenagers. Wow, wearing clothes that fit!? I would never have considered that! Don’t expect to feel fabulous about yourself all the time!? NOW I know what I’ve been doing wrong!
Basically, it’s like when I see women’s magazines at the supermarket. Curves are back!? You’ll teach me to love my curves!? Awesome, now I can stop flagellating myself!
Comment by Liz — September 16, 2011 @ 9:40 am
Liz, I think plenty of adult women still struggle with the wearing things that don’t fit right, I don’t see it as just a message for teengaers. Shoving themselves into clothes that are too small is a San Antonio thing, whether fat or thin to begin with but I also see women wearing things that are shapeless and baggy and that makes me sadder, like they are trying to hide from something. Sometimes we do need to hear it. I am the ridiculously bossy person at the store, who will take a mile if given an inch. I’ve had women in the dressing room ask me about something and I’ve said “go get the smaller size…I’ll wait” then pointed out why it works better on them. I’ve convinced women to wear buy and wear the smaller size. I think she is saying the same thing in her article. Old news for some people, it may be revelatory for others.
I would add to that: And wear things that fit our body types not just what is in fashion. I love tops from Ruche, they make me look fabulous…I can’t wear tops from other places because as amazing as they are, they look ridiculous on me. I will never, not ever, be able to rock a shirtdress. But I can shake my ass in Old Navy skinny jeans and a Ruche top!
Comment by GoddessofPurple — September 17, 2011 @ 8:10 am
Liz- I sell plus-sized clothing at Nordstrom and I can tell you that getting women to wear clothes that fit (and aren’t black head to toe) is one of our biggest struggles. It’s something that needs to be emphasized over and over until it sinks in.
Comment by Tiggs — September 18, 2011 @ 9:47 am
I’m a graduate nursing student, looking to become a primary care nurse practitioner, and as a healthcare worker (even as a fat one), I have to constantly remind myself not to mention losing weight to people. I’m totally against it, but I swear they brainwash you into thinking it’s one of those phrases that has to come out of your mouth along with “Do you want a flu shot this year?” But I’m still going to do my best to be an advocate for all of us fatties in the healthcare system.
Comment by Rosalind — October 1, 2011 @ 8:44 am