As we may all be critically aware, size seems to matter (in more ways than one!). But for the purposes of this poll, we will focus exclusively on clothing, weight, and by extension, body image.
With any category of measurement, sometimes we love certain numbers and simultaneously hate them, all because they tend to be an indication of our success, our failure, and oftentimes . . . our self-worth. (See
The abominable zero: How we demonize size)
Though many of us would like to pretend that we are above numbers and classifications -- that we don't care about trivial things like the tags on our clothes or a mere 5 pound weight gain (or loss) -- tell the truth:
Do you notice? Do you mind? Or do size and weight bother you and / or excite you in kooky, unreasonable ways?
Since women and men stereotypically seem to have different sentiments on the matter, the answers have been divided by gender.
Other articles of interest:
The abominable zero: How we demonize size
Body image backlash: female celebrities and the weight-obsessed media
Embracing mature female beauty: Twiggy ironically leads the way
Kelly Clarkson: A woman who actually loves her body!
Women role models from Megan Fox to Sarah Palin: Do they all benefit women's progress?
Pregorexia on the rise: How pregnant women can be anorexic too
A picture is worth a thousand lies: Will airbrushed images be banned in France?
Calorie restriction or marketable anorexia?
Naturalness vs. unnaturalness: French 'Elle', makeup, airbrushing, and appearance
Juliette Frette
Comments
I think this poll says it all really. Every woman is paranoid, to one extent or another. And 35% of men are liars ;)
I'm a woman and I'm not paranoid to any extent, but sadly there are only a handful of us. I doubt men lie when they say they aren't worried about their weight. There is a ridiculous double standard; men are allowed and expected to be overweight (typically as long as they have money/success) but women must always look like Barbie. Let's change that, shall we?
oh okay, for sure. let us just change the way everyone thinks. i dont think we can do it. but ill start with myself.
There definitely is a double standard. Seth Rogen can have a career because he is funny even when he is fat.Kirstie Alley on the other hand gets ridiculed for her weight on the cover of magazines.
"I measure some of my physical fitness and appeal by weight and size." Definitely the physical fitness...not sure about appeal: who the h#ll knows what women want?!? Can't really do anything about my height (tall, so it works out), so its really about weight and body type/size -- women are probably much more forgiving than men when it comes to appeal. Hey, I still owe you the blog comments on the article...(in the middle of thesis writing, but I'll def. find time to do it).
i get paid to shame people that step to me or my team. dont get me wrong, im not above doing it for free. and for your info, very soon they'll call it probono.
Size, well women obsess about their size about as much as men do, just different "sizes" www.lpsg.org ;)
Size, well women obsess about their size about as much as men do, just different "sizes" www.lpsg.org ;)
my fellow americans, i have not been entirely truthful with you. i did gagoogidy that girl. i gashmoygadied her gaflavity with my googus. and i am sorry. - gq
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