Sorry, I Don't Want An "Amazing Transformation!"

DAHLINGS –



Since the discovery that there were vast sums to be derived from making others feel inadequate, never has such high intelligence has been devoted to low self-esteem.



And never has technology had such effective tools to work with. Between CGI and Photoshop, women (and everybody else) have almost no access to unmediated images.



For example: when has Oprah EVER looked like one of her own magazine covers? It sickens moi when Oprah has those “empowering” title lines on her covers. “Be The Best You?” Then how about showing us the REAL You, Oprah? The woman who is overweight, with heavy arms. This is not meant as a criticism of Ms. Winfrey’s physique. It is a criticism of Ms. Winfrey’s holding herself out as an example. An example that is a LIE.



Ms. Winfrey believes that her bazillions of followers will not buy her magazines if Oprah Winfrey actually looks like Oprah Winfrey.



The mind boggles. In fact, it makes my head hurt if I think about this too much.



Larger lovelies are further marginalized not only by Oprah having herself halved in size, but also the eradication of any and all normal flaws in media images. We are so ceaselessly bombarded by smooth, creamy perfection at every turn that oneself cannot measure up. Even the perfect people are not perfect enough. In television and movies, no wrinkles, bulges, unsightly moles, body hair, bra lines, panty lines, a dress wrinkled in the waist and skirt from sitting down—thanks to CGI, “all gone!” as a friend of mine says to her shiba inu when lunch is done.



To reach out to larger lovelies and spread the word, http://www.aboutcurves.com/ is having a charity drive for NAAFA (National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance). They have asked plus-size bloggers to write, and I am proud to do so. Even if, as always, I'm slightly late. Click the link for more information:



http://www.aboutcurves.com/charity





Before I write anything else, there is one item I must get off my ample chest: if I meet the people behind the Victoria’s Secret ad campaigns and catalogs, there would be blood on the streets. Even the gaunt Dachau victims that lurch down the runways during Fashion Week are more realistic than those pencils with false breasts. Victoria’s Secret has it all…One can feel bad about being skinny, flat-chested, large-chested, heavy, tall, short…any woman that does not look like these bizarre hybrids. And the quality of their merchandise is far lower than their prices would indicate.



The name “Victoria’s Secret” brings to mind the image of a young Victorian female, all plush curves and dimpled elbows. Beautiful lingerie enhancing the splendor of an actual human body. Sensual fabrics on sexual females. The hint of a double chin above a soft neck. Long hair spilled across a satin pillowcase.



Thousands of ads toting exercise machines, DVDs, pills, programs, all guaranteed to make you lose weight and keep it off. Sometimes I wonder:

a) Why have I never met anyone personally who underwent such a transformation?

b) If all of those hordes of “afters” are thin, how can there be any fat people left, logistically speaking?



You might think this is a “been there, done that” tirade. We have been there. We have done that. But never as completely. Never as unremittingly. Women are trained from the cradle to think of themselves as physically inadequate in some way. Heavy women even more so. Now, overweight isn't only overweight, it is a crime against humanity. At least according to TMZ and their ilk.



Where are the role models for larger lovelies? Every time a heavy beauty has a career breakthrough…she sheds poundage. And since said beauty has always given publicity about “loving myself the way I am”, the frantic backtracking becomes comic to watch. “Yes, I did love myself at that weight, but life can be enjoyed at any size!” THEN WHY DID YOU LOSE SIXTY POUNDS, BITCH? (Yes, I’m looking at you, Jessica Hudson. I know there are others. But I’m looking at you.)



We are betrayed at every turn. America Ferrera started “Ugly Betty” as a larger lovely, but grew progressively thinner as the show’s run went on. Singer Jordin Sparks is ´delighted´ to have lost weight. Media websites love to run slideshows of “Amazing Transformations!”



That’s another peeve. You don’t lose weight. You have “An Amazing Transformation!” “Complete Body Makeover!” Good God, it makes me long for the days when the goal of losing weight was well…losing weight. Buy a smaller bra. Wear pleats. Can we ever go back? If we're going to make abortion illegal again, while we're at it, can't we go back to excess poundage not being a mortal sin?



Pardon the pun: Fat chance. My apologies if this rambles a bit, but I have low blood sugar. I am going to go eat a chocolate cupcake. In public.



Ciao,

Elisa

Daily Venus Diva Launches Diva In Need Project

DAHLINGS -



This is a cause I can truly support for larger lovelies everywhere!



The number 1 plus-size lifestyle magazine, Daily Venus Diva.com (DVD) is pleased to announce the launch of the Diva in Need Project, which will begin on Thursday, August 18th, 2011.



This new outreach program has been created to encourage women across the plus-size market to find their own empowerment, while providing them with opportunities to better their lives that they may not currently have access to.



Stephanie Penn-Danforth, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Venus Diva Magazine says, “Every Diva deserves to have her dreams come true, her wishes granted. This contest not only allows DVD to become a deserving woman’s fairy god mother, but it gives us the opportunity to introduce readers and contestants to plus-size friendly companies.”



Every month, DVD will select one deserving entrant based upon their need, and work with plus-size business across the nation to contribute the necessary item. The first business to announce their intention of working with this program is Sealed With A Kiss Designs, a Los Angeles-based company offering trendy, affordable plus size fashion.



DVD is looking for women that need:

new attire

resume services

technology

or anything else that will help them land a new job, get that promotion, or succeed in a task that will better their lives and circumstances.



Program Director and Editor Janie Mackenzie-Cohen states, “I am incredibly excited to speak with these women, learn more about who they are and listen to their stories. It’s seems almost impossible for DVD to select just one deserving woman per month to provide these services to, but we are thrilled that we have the ability to help strong women make the absolute best out of the opportunities they are presented with and thrive in all areas of their life!”



To find out more about the program, please visit: www.DailyVenusDiva.com



To submit your story and need, please e-mail: Janie@DailyVenusDiva.com



Please link this blog entry to anyone you think may benefit!



Ciao,

Elisa

Bust Magazine Lauds WWII War Hero Nancy Wake

DAHLINGS -



Every now and again I stumble across a story that I simply must share with my darling readers. This is from Bust Magazine:



The Real Wonder Woman: WWII Hero Nancy Wake Dies at 98



by Erina Davidson

She was possibly the most badass woman in the history of World War II. One of

the most decorated WWII servicewomen, Nancy Wake led 7,000 maquisards - armed resistance fighters - in battles against the Nazis. She rode a bicycle for more

than 500 miles through several German checkpoints to replace codes her wireless

operator had been forced to destroy in a raid. She even killed an SS sentry with

her bare hands - a fatal karate chop - to prevent him from raising an alarm.



Young, slender, and beautiful, Nancy flew under the enemy radar; the

Nazis were looking for gun-wielding, burly men like themselves. Little did they

know, the brunette bombshell was a fierce Nazi killer. For her ability to evade

capture, Nancy was given the code name “White Mouse” by the Gestapo.

For more of Ms. Davidson's fascinating article, please click on the title link. It is truly inspiring. I highly recommend this tribute to an amazing woman. And not because she looks like Barbara Stanwyck.

Ciao,

Elisa