Recently, model Ashley Graham appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. The internet claims that this photo shoot is "making history," but why? Because she is a size 14. Don't get me wrong, I am so relieved to see that the photo shoots are now including models that are not the traditional size, but I don't think that Sports Illustrated deserves any pats on the back. Why did it take this long for the magazine to feature someone who is considered plus size? We all know that women come in many unique and beautiful shapes and sizes, so why is it that now we are making such a big deal out of plus size models? First of all, in the fashion world, plus size is considered a size eight. That in itself is half of what's wrong with this phenomenon.
The term "plus size" infers that these sizes are not the norm. It infers that this size is different, that is requires a different section of the store and different brands. Yet, there is no opposite side of the size spectrum. Even Ashley Graham herself told TODAY, "The term 'plus-size' to me has a terrible meaning," she admitted. "It's: 'You're fat, you're out of shape, you don't take care of yourself.' I really want to get rid of labels. I think that the world would just be a better place without them." (Read the whole article here.) Although she's absolutely stoked to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated because she knows what great things it will do for women out there, even she dislikes being labeled as a plus size model.
Why does there have to be a plus? Why can't it just be a size, like all of the others sizes? Why can't all women shop at the same stores? Who decides all of this anyway?
I am not shaming any size. I am shaming society for having a label like "plus size" to put on people. Everyone preaches self-love, yet we continue to consider one body type the ideal body image. I respect models of all sizes, but I hate that when a model who is labeled "plus size" does a photo shoot, the fashion world expects to be congratulated. Congratulations for what? It shouldn't be out of the norm to see models like Ashley Graham killing it on the cover of "Sports Illustrated."
Despite my frustrations, I am happy to see certain brands slowly moving forward in terms of putting all shapes and sizes out there. It is a step in the right direction; however, I fear that some brands are still advertising in a way that creates a divide.
Everyone has imperfections. Everyone has insecurities. Everyone has something that they wish they could change. But next time you're looking in the mirror and you're wishing you could lose a little here or gain a little there, ask yourself if you want that for yourself, or for society. We don't need to change anything for this society that has created so many unrealistic expectations. As my girl Ashley puts it, "...the more you actually get to know your body and start to appreciate different things on it, then the more you're going to love the woman that you are." Amen.
