Black Women and Body Image

Or perhaps I should have just titled this post as "Women and Body Image". Nawwww, I'll keep "Black" in front of women. It's the age old discussion, and fodder for many jokes. Black women and their size. Big butts didn't come into vogue until Jennifer Lopez was admired for hers. Black women are stereotypically built with large backsides. Now, buttock enhancements are all the rage. Full lips were the first wave of popular enhancements that stereotypically are associated with the Black race.

But now with the multiple Academy Award nominated(and winning) movie "Precious", the leading role of that movie required that a very large young black woman be cast as its star. Lee Daniels said so, in fact, when interviewed on EXTRA! he said (exaggerating) that "the role was for some 450 lb black woman--and we had no idea where we would find her!" I gasped when I heard him say that, and to Gabby Sidibe's credit, never have I ever seen a sistah--black or white, carry herself with such confidence and poise. She's amazing! With that said, does Howard Stern's discussion carry any weight? Pardon the pun.

Well, I totally disagree with him and his side-kick Robin Quivers that "she's not a part of Hollywood". Gabby Sidibe most certainly is, and has the nominations to prove it! The girl was AMAZING on the screen, and has real acting chops. Now, do I earnestly believe that yes, given her size Hollywood will stereotype her into certain roles. They stereotype Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Anniston and many others. For sure they will do the same for Gabby. No doubt she will be cast as the bully, the misunderstood girl,---all roles that require her to live in the ghetto and not speak the King's English as she does naturally.

What I hope is that she will take ALL of that positive energy and love and decide to make a positive health change for HER and not for Hollywood. What a statement that would make for her fans, and young and older women alike who admire her.

You go Gabby! Show 'em whatcha workin' with girl! The world's your oyster.

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America