Plus-Sized Discrimination: America's Unrealistic Standards for Body Image

Surviving in American society as a plus-sized woman is no easy task. Surviving as any woman isn't easy. Between all the materialism of society and the expectations that everyone should be a size 2, it is not easy for woman to fit into the American mold.

Yesterday, while searching for plus-sized shorts at our local mall, I came to discover that one of only two plus size exclusive stores in the mall had shut down. Out of a mall with 200 shops, only two stores carried exclusive plus size clothing for women. According to fullandfabulous.org, the average American woman wears a size 14 dress, and one third of women are a size 16 or larger. Most stores only carry up to a size 12 or 14.

How is it, that in a society where such a large percentage are full figured women, that there are so little options for purchasing clothing? Whether or not mainstream America embraces full figured women, it is an absurdity and is completely discriminatory for women of full figures to have minimum options for clothing. As America's waistline continues to expand, our acceptance of what is soon to become the majority is shrinking less and less.

I am currently a size 20, and working diligently to lose the weight. I would be happy and content to be a size 14 or a size 16 again. However, even when I do shrink in size, my options will still not open up to be able to find a good array of fashionable clothing. Some of the few companies that embrace the full figured woman, such as Lane Bryant and Torrid, offer a nice selection of clothing. However, unlike our size 2 friends, many fashionable and trendy styles are unavailable to plus-sized women.

Unfortunately, of the two stores that were at the local mall, Lane Bryant and C.J. Banks, my personal favorite is now closed: Lane Bryant. In a county known for being the capitol of junk food, we continue to expand options for its residents to increase their waistlines, yet offer fewer options for them to properly and fashionably clothe their full, average, figures.

The plus-sized person, whether male or female, is constantly being discriminated upon. I can see it in the looks around me. While I actively work out at the gym, and try to eat well, I am still a size 20, and that is unacceptable for many in this country. Thee fact that there is little control over the food options that are presented to us on a daily basis, a person with a food addiction cannot help but to indulge their temptations. Society places all blame on the individual, rather than looking to the unbelievable marketing and temptation factor that is happening within the food industry.

Just as a chain smoker is addicted to cigarettes, and alcoholics to alcohol, food addicts are addicted to all types of food. The marketing has been changed and reserved for smoking and alcohol, yet for food, there is no control. It is as if it is not recognized as a valid addiction. Yet so many in this country suffer from the pangs of food addiction with no help, but to be told to eat less and work out more.

For those of us making that step to a personal commitment to health and fitness, we want to reward ourselves in other ways than food. I have chosen to reward myself with clothes, a bike, things of that nature. However, with one less store available to fit my size and style, my reward system is not going to achieve its original intentions.

It is time for the clothing and food industries to step up to the plate and embrace the full figured person. Government should begin regulation and require all cities to ban trans fats. Lower the cost on healthier alternatives, and make eating healthier and exercising a staple of American society instead of the potato chip.

The fashion industry needs to expand its narrow mind and embrace people of all sizes, shapes and colors. The full figured consumer is ready to spend money on your goods, but when there are no options for the goods they are looking for, it only creates frustration and anger. It is time for the fashion industry to take a step and embrace the new majority consumer.

The plus-sized person is ready for a change. Whether or not you are ready to accept it, the time has come when the full figured person is leading into the new majority. Options need to be presented, and old styles need changed. The discrimination that was once against colored people, and women, is now against the new generation of people: the plus-sized person.