I am writing this in response to Arwa Mahdawi’s The Views article (“If plus-size modelling is glorification of obesity, I’ll eat my hat”, Gulf News, August 9)
I am absolutely flabbergasted with the writer’s lack of concern for the so-called obese women, assuming that the article is about plus size female models.
There are many women who are considered ‘fat’ in the eyes of the skinny or not so fat women. Before we judge every fat person as obese or too curvy we should realise that quite possibly, a majority of plus-sized people - men or women, would love to be a “normal size”. What is a ‘normal size’ anyway these days?
I applaud brave women who have embraced their size and are actually living more fulfilling lives.
It’s cruel to say that plus-sized models shouldn’t walk the ramps and that clothing industries should stop making plus-sized clothing. Where will these women go? I have noticed that many women who were of a larger size in the past, lost a good amount of weight to try and fit into the ‘norm’, aren’t always happier! There are women who are suffering from medical problems, like thyroid related issues that determines their body weight - obese or skinny.
I definitely don’t think that allowing a few plus size models on the catwalks will encourage obesity. On the contrary, they will encourage women to take better care of themselves and appreciate that they aren’t alone!
There’s a huge gap in the fashion industry that needs to be filled. Fashion isn’t just for the skinny and regular sized women, it is for everyone. I used to be a size 8 and now after 5 children, I am a size 12. I feel curvy and am happy with my body shape!
- The reader is based in the UAE
