Feature:No more hype on slim being the ‘in thing’

Over the weekend, a fashion show was held for more than 15 plus-size beautiful women. This was the first of its kind in the history of Rwanda. The plus-size women, cat walked gracefully, happily and confidently on the runway and unlike most such women, they seemed to be positive and cheery with their size. This was a revelation to many who have always thought that only slim women can take part in beauty pageants and ,therefore, are the ones considered beautiful. I am certain that many women in Rwanda who are endowed with size were encouraged, because of the fashion show and felt more content and beautiful with their size. For so long, the western world and the media have always portrayed the slender as the beautiful ones. This is depicted all over the billboards, television advertisements and modeling agencies. One can barely see a fat woman on any billboard because we have all been brainwashed to believe that slim is eye-catching and beautiful unlike plus-size. It is also rare or almost non-existent to find a modeling agency hiring plus-size women because of the pathetic fallacy that the proper definition of beauty lies in being thin. Many women today will try out everything possible just to attain that skinny look of the famous models we are constantly exposed to on television. While we have fallen for the myth that only slim is beautiful, a million people out there would wish to be endowed with more flesh or curves for even just a day. On the contrary, those that are blessed with it will starve day and night; try out every diet just so they can look like the skinny girl on the cover of a magazine. It is medically recommended to keep healthy, eat right and exercise; whether one is skinny or plus-size, so there are no exceptions when it comes to these recommendations. Whilst one may be striving and dieting to look skinny, another may be trying hard to add some flesh. Some women also believe that they will not look attractive when they are big; however, ‘beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.’ Most important is for one to work out their inner beauty because it counts the most, unlike outer appearance, and whoever set the rule that ‘only slim is beautiful’! It is upon one to feel comfortable with what they have, eat right, exercise, dress right, keep healthy and feel good about oneself. Do not listen to negative criticism as long as you are comfortable with your size unless a doctor medically recommends that you slim down for health reasons. Size-Zero or Plus-Size is all stunning and beautiful! Your perfect size is what you decide. m.kaitesi@yahoo.com