TESS HOLIDAY GRACING THE COVER OF PEOPLE - 3 PROBLEMS WITH THAT

Tess Holiday, the size 22 plus-size modeling sensation who appears on the cover of People Magazine inspires both critics and supporters. Self-described as “fat,” her skin baring photos push Americans past their comfort zone. Why?

3 PROBLEMS WITH TESS HOLIDAY GRACING THE COVER OF PEOPLE

There are many problems with Tess’ size, none of which are about Tess’ body.

Problem 1: Being photographed while pretty is a sin for “fatties.”

It’s fine for fat people to be photographed in their underwear if they are the “before” picture of a weight loss campaign. We love scantily clothed fat people to be the cautionary tale for not joining a gym. If we are watching fat people sob about how they are waiting on thinness to get their life back, then we zoom in to magnify the cellulite on their upper thigh. But, when fat people are not apologizing for their body, working with what they have, playing up their assets, and even flaunting them in underwear, then it is a cardinal sin. “Go be ugly and live in shame” is what people really mean when they criticize Tess’ stunning photos and declare that she is not a model. So to clear up any confusion, Tess appeals to a certain demographic and is paid for her photos. That makes her a professional model. It is you who is not a model, Ms. Skinny Mini. GET OVER IT!!!

Problem 2: Tess being fat and unapologetic unnerves fake health advocates.

With soaring health care costs, it would be great if we could send a photo to our doctor and get a thorough health analysis via email. Except, it doesn’t work that way. Yet, non-doctors seem so sure they are health experts when they view a photo of a fat person. The uncomfortable truth is that fat bigots, posing as health advocates, want fat people to not be seen - as if invisibility is a weight loss plan. Masking fat bigotry behind a concern for health makes a narrow-minded prejudice person seem like less of a jerk. But, no one is fooled, they are judgemental jerks. What if a fat person isn’t healthy? Are they banned from being photographed? Do “health advocates” apply the same standard to cancer patients? When was the last time they admonished a bald chemo patient for being photographed while unhealthy and happy? Is there the same call to action when thin models who practice unhealthy starvation get photographed? Photography and health have nothing to do with each other. Photograph on, Tess! And you fake health experts who don’t like it remember to get your physical the next time someone asks to take your picture.

Problem 3: Size acceptance is limited to your size - plus one.

Many size diversity advocates are all in favor of women of different sizes being highlighted – up to their own size. They might even expand their range of acceptance to one size larger than their size – just in case they gain a little weight. But, everyone bigger than that is just “too big” and should be cautioned. So many of the “right on sister” size diversity advocates are really only advocates of their own size not being discriminated against – not everyone’s size. People larger than them have a problem, but people their size and smaller should be accepted. They too, might fall into the fake health advocate category at times pushing for a “healthy body image.” Meanwhile, they ignore the fact that people skinnier than Tess die every day due to health reasons. What they really want to say is: “Hey, I am just getting some self-esteem here and learning to accept my body. I don’t need beauty competition from any woman fatter than me.” Sorry, Tess just might be prettier than you. But, it’s ok. Tess’ beauty doesn’t diminish yours.

The problem with Tess’ size is not 22. It is that she is the size that disturbs the bigotry in so many of us. She is too fat to even pretend that she submits to, or is controlled by, the beauty standards designed to keep women in mental bondage. Yet, she is beautiful anyway. She is too fat to sell the lie that life starts when you’re skinny. But, she is not too fat to be a model. So, again, get over it.