The University Star | Opinions | Thursday November 14, 2013 | A5
BODY IMAGE
All body types should be embraced
Ashley Trumps Opinions Columnist Journalism senior
arger body types are equally as Lslender attractive as the conventionally figure—a truth that is wrong-
fully concealed by mass media. As I grew up watching television shows and movies, I noticed the “fat girl” was always ridiculed and forced to lose weight before she could be loved. Only skinny chicks could be taken seriously. Slightly overweight or downright heavyset girls served as “the fat friend” or “the project.” I
internalized this from a young age. I believed in order to be loved and respected, my body needed to meet a certain weight criteria. Losing weight was always a priority, because nobody likes to be mocked or rejected, and I felt being overweight was a deviation from the norm. The term “overweight” is problematic anyway—having more fat does not have to equal having “too much” weight. This view is shifting slightly in today’s world, but not by much. Most movies continue to cast only slender women in leading roles, television shows feature mostly stalk-thin girls, and God forbid I ever open a magazine—those ladies are unreal. The already meager bodies of the women in these magazines are so stretched and mutilated with touch-ups they look more like strange leggy aliens wearing masks than actual people. Even when browsing a pornography website, skinny is the norm, while fat women are viewed as a fetish. These images and ideals pervading day-to-day life cause people to forget the truth—all bodies are good, and fatties are hot too. Chubby chicks have just as much of a right to feel sexy and desirable as thinner ladies do. They
do not need to be praised as “brave” for wearing a crop-top or short skirt. They are brave for loving themselves in a society that is already riddled with self-doubt. Self-confidence is about people being comfortable in their bodies. Self-respect is about people treating their bodies with love and care. These concepts do not depend on size. If comfort lies in the next size up, that is the sexiest size for a woman to be—regardless of whether it is a zero or a 20. Whether the body runs on cake or carrots, as long as it is happy, it is attractive. Lack of fat does not add sparkle to the eyes or sincerity to a smile. Were fatness to be embraced, many unhealthier foods would lose their stigma. Women could openly enjoy 1,000 cookies without feeling the ridiculous guilt they are taught to experience from a young age. No more apologizing for eating—the function necessary to keep our bodies running. No more justifying enjoying the food that goes into the body. Every bite could be a celebration, and every look in the mirror could be peaceful. No matter the measurements, confident bodies are attractive. So come on, ladies—rock those rolls.
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POLL City officials have recently discussed implementing parking meters and permits downtown. Do you think students, residents and downtown employees should have to pay for downtown parking?
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SOCIAL ISSUES
‘N-word’ usage only acceptable within black community
Brandon Sams Opinions Columnist Journalism freshman
tudents and youth need to better Seffects understand the history, impact and of the “N-word” within African-
American culture, especially since its usage and appropriation by non-blacks is neither desired nor required. Originally, the “N-word” became a common epithet in the early years of the 19th century to refer to slaves and freemen of African descent. The word dehumanized and ridiculed black individuals for generations. It belittled their identity, ethnic heritage, existence and race with unfair stereotypes as well as unfounded caricatures of laziness, ignorance and worthlessness. The word limited and defined an entire demographic and served as the last word many blacks heard before they were hung with a noose on the branch of a burning tree. However, the word holds a very unique place in modern American vocabulary. On one hand, it is a vile insult that serves as possibly the most offensive term in American English—a word that has plagued the existence of African-Americans for more than 200 years. On the other hand, it has been reclaimed by some black youth as a term of endearment and solidarity. A problem emerges when non-blacks attempt to appropriate AfricanAmerican culture by reclaiming the “N-word” for their own use. Many marginalized groups have successfully reclaimed language once used against them. It seems women have reclaimed “bitch,” gays have reclaimed “queer,” Jews have reclaimed “J.A.P.”—the list goes on. But those outside of those spheres are exactly that—outside. A man or unfamiliar female going up to a group of women and referring to them as “bitches” would not be interpreted too well. It may be fine “in-language” between said ladies, but as an outsider such words are not acceptable. Certain interactions within a culture are permitted, whereas the same interactions between cultural outsiders are not acceptable—this concept is generally understood among many people in today’s society. However, for a majority culture that may feel entitled, the fact that saying the “N-word” is off-limits is seen by some as an insult. Those within an entitled culture might not see it that way, but the underlying impact of entitlement is to blind people to their own privilege. I have both seen and heard people of other races uttering the “n-word” only to be quickly dismissed, insulted and/ or attacked. Students should realize the world is not their “hood,” and not everyone is not their “homeboy.” That said, students should think before they speak and take care not to be ignorant of their surroundings or other people’s feelings, particularly when using offensive slurs. I have personally shut several people down for thinking it is okay to say the “N-word.” I could not care less what people do in their personal lives, but I demand respect and will be damned if someone in my vicinity disrespects me to that great of an extent. The opposition often echoes the ridiculous excuse, “it does not mean the same thing it used to.” I am sorry, excuse me? Who are they to tell me and my fellow black people what is and is not offensive to us as a race? It would not be okay if I went to someone’s house, stole their flat screen television and told them in their house with their property in tow, “stealing is not like it used to be.” I would swiftly be greeted by the police outside. Students would do well not to define what is and is not offensive to groups and cultures of which they are not a part. Students should learn about black history and the black struggle before trying to appropriate its culture and terms. Even then, they should be aware they are not in a position to tell people within the community how to feel.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, November 14, 2013. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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