uHollywood

Should underweight models be banned from participating in runway fashion shows?

Absolutely not.

Do I want to see underweight models walking the runway?

The answer is also no.

The media, and certainly the fashion industry, have helped create a distorted idea of what a beautiful woman should look like. Unfortunately, the fashion industry is what it is and, for models, a successful industry means having a job. I don’t believe that any model or, person, for that matter, should be penalized for doing their job to the best of their ability.

I do, however, believe, that a person starving herself or making herself sick to try to meet some ridiculous standard, is hideous.

Unfortunately, I do not believe that banning these underweight models from runway fashion shows is the answer.

Who would decide which models were actually underweight?

Would a physician be required to determine if a model is underweight or would that be judged by appearance alone?

Wouldn’t banning those models that are deemed underweight be discrimination?

Would an underweight model be banned from a show because there is concern for her health or because some people are uncomfortable seeing her?

What would you state to that model?

“I’m sorry, Sweetie, but we have been sitting here judging you and decided that you just don’t have enough meat on your bones. Go eat a steak and potato and come back and see us. Remember not to put on too much weight though, we do not want you looking fat.”

I loathe the thought of any woman looking at herself in the mirror and feeling that she isn’t enough. Not thin enough or pretty enough, but does she also need to worry that she’s not thick enough?

In a perfect world there would be standards. Healthy standards. Every anorexic model would get counseling. Designers would make their clothing a couple sizes bigger. Every person would recognize their own self worth no matter their size, shape, or color.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world.

In a society that’s struggling to find a balance between obesity and anorexia, we’re constantly bombarded by images of what is “right,” or “wrong,” or “beautiful.” I believe what we need to find is what is healthy. Physically, spiritually, mentally.

I think that banning underweight models from runway fashion shows would just be another way of someone saying, “I’m right, and because you do not conform to my ideals, you’re wrong.”

That’s just my opinion.