The State Of . . .Thickness

Thickness, badunkadunk, curves, humps and lumps, stacked, brickhouse. Black popular culture has long glorified the abundant black female form. Expert after expert has cited this cultural survivalism, a predilection for ample women shared by many African cultures, for the astounding rates of high self esteem about weight and body image among adolescent black girls even in the face of “thinner is better” images of beauty from the American “mainstream.” Comedian Mo’Nique (of “I hate skinny b*%@#$” fame) stars in Phat Girlz, the latest feel good movie for thick sisters everywhere. But is it time for black women to face up to the damage that this cultural message has done to us? We lead the pack in terms of health disorders related to obesity. A new study even shows that overweight women face discrimination on the job and in other areas of everyday life.

I have the highest admiration for Farai Chidayah who has embarked on a six month health odessey, providing weekly updates to listeners of NPR’s Ed Gordon Show. She like many of us, used food as a balm instead of fuel while our cultural messages about body size allowed her to live in acceptance of her 239 pound frame (link). I too took comfort in these myths until the reality of my genetic baggage (heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis) kicked in. Fortunately, I have managed to lose 30 pounds so far in my post Ph. D weight loss campaign, but what will it take for more sisters to embrace fitness rather than thickness?

The State Of. . . Black female self image. Is it time to revise our images of black female body shape? When will black women stop making excuses wake up to the very real danger that our addiction to pulchritude presents? Can we be black, proud, and healthy?

Guest post from Dr. Rychetta Watkins.