Mixed Messages?

It’s been a few days since I returned from New York (I miss you!) and I’m trying to catch up. You’ll notice I’ve changed the layout of the blog. I think this one is easier to navigate and easier on the eyes. I hope it works.

Today, I’m catching up on all the recorded t.v. shows I missed while I was gone and yes, TLC’s Big Sexy is one of them.

I really do love the idea of a show featuring women who are confident in their bodies, but are normal at the same time. I’ve realized that regardless of the size you are, all woman have insecurities.

As I was watching the show and skimming through the breaks, I happened to run across a commercial for one of TLC’s other shows, What Not to Wear. Now, as much as I love fashion, I’m not a fan of ALL fashion shows. Big surprise, huh?

You all know my stand on fashion and being able to wear what you want as long as you’re confident in it. That’s where my dislike of fashion-themed television shows that thrive off of breaking down your personal style comes from. I don’t mind style advice, but when you’re describing a confident woman’s style in derogatory terms, that’s where I get upset.

There on my television was WNTW’s co-host Clinton Kelly standing in the mirror with a very confident woman, whom they deemed “curvy.” She was was wearing a sparkly tight dress and fur coat. Kelly loudly states that she looks like a stripper or whore…something along those lines. Huh? What? The sad thing is a lot of shows are like this and they’re popular too! What message is this sending to the young women who watch it?

One minute TLC wants to promote confident big girls and the next they are tearing a “curvy” woman apart because of her outfit choices. It doesn’t make sense to me.

I know most of the women on this show will all say they are happier now after their “make-overs.” And most of them go on because they want the help or someone urged them to go on. But, what about the women who walk on that set with confidence in their style? I guess if someone says you dress like a whore, it must be OK for them to berate you and change your style? Why would you let someone do this to you?

Am I the only one who is confused by this? 

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