Does Size Matter?

Christian P. Davis

Professors Smith and Wells-Edwards

English 101 OL

10 April, 2011

Does Size Matter?

Our identity is made up of many different elements. When a group of people are asked

what identifies one, many differing opinions emerge. Our initial value in the eyes of

strangers have historically been determined solely on appearance alone. Even though everyone is

responsible for how their own personal identity is defined, a large factor for most is how others

determine value based upon ones physical appearance.

Assumptions about obese or heavy set people are strong in today’s society. Most

assume an overweight physical trainer does not know how to do their job. More often than not

overweight people are automatically grouped into a category of incompetent or lazy persons. As

they are lumped into these categories; they begin to accept being socially isolated and associate

only with others who are in the same category. Some may isolate themselves completely in order

to avoid the social awkwardness all together. This type of submissive behavior is brought out in

the essay “Masks” written by Lucy Grealy. Here she describes eating lunch in her school office:

“I felt safe and secure in that office, but I also felt lonely, and for the first time I definitively

identified the source of my unhappiness as being ugly” (70). She then goes on to describe how

she felt once her mask was off and returned to her normal appearance. “Relieved because I

felt no connection with that kind of happiness. I didn’t deserve it and thus I shouldn’t want it”

(71), this shows how she returned to the acceptance of how others viewed her to be.

As children, some dream of travel and adventure by working as an airline flight attendant.

For many years airlines had very strict regulations on weight not only to secure a job but to

maintain employment as well. Larger people who desired to work for the airlines weren’t

allowed to work as a flight attendants, instead they were likely utilized at the ticket counter or

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baggage areas. This made career advancement more difficult as they continued to have an

identity that is unacceptable and very limiting to their personal and professional development.

Embarrassment, fear of failure and depression are all self limiting factors that can immobilize

oneself from achieving a positive identity and self-worth.

Another way society has shown the identity being shown is the commercialization

and exportation of heavy set ones on such television shows like “The Biggest Loser”. Here

what Americans feel are unacceptable obese individuals are parade around for a 1 hour show and

put through growling courses and exercises while trying to lose weight so that they will be better

excepted by those around them. These show and display the individuals having low self-worth

and unable to care for themselves. In the end many are let go from the show to return to the

world as failures and those who could not better themselves while being broadcasted on national

television. I would have to wonder how it feels to look at a shirt that reads “Loser” as cameras

are rolling? This is just one more challenge individuals face in today’s social environment.

Another challenge these individuals face is being called negative nick names that can

result in increasing the stereo-type that follows people around. Some may include hippo, land

whale, and more drastic styles. This type of name calling behavior is addressed in the essay

“Who You Calling a Bitch” written by Queen Latifah. Here she shares that “nobody has the

right to call me out of my name” (35). This statement can be adapted to many aspects of

identity, one being heavy set people and the names they have allowed themselves to be labeled

with. Overtime these type of labels about overweight people become built into our culture. Do

you see many high end sales department stores such as Nordstrom having heavy set people

working on their floors or in the stores?

A local study showed the average Nordstrom female employee was at least 5’

7”, skinny and primarily younger depending which area they worked in. Some did have tattoos

but usually most were very attractive. The same went for the male employee’s also who were

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usually closer to 5” 11”, well dressed and in very good shape. Some took on the look of Puff

Daddy but none of them were overweight. When a high end store sets this sort of unofficial

standard it tends to isolate individuals from being part of this group. The study went on to note

that heavier set people walking through the store often observed different clothing but most often

never tried it on. It did mention that a lower end store such as JC Penny’s which had a big and

tall section showed a much higher percentage of heavy people using the dressing areas trying on

clothing and making purchases. They were accepted in this environment and even had a special

area to purchase good quality clothing for larger people from a name brand department store.

How other people view identities is never in the hands of those being viewed, especially

when a person’s weight is the driving factor. To succeed and overcome this obstacle overweight

individuals need to recognize opportunities for growth and advancement. Size does not limit

and prevent a successful career or a meaningful family life. Actions will always speak louder

than words. Speculations based on appearance are only just the misperceptions of others. Size is

only inhibiting the ones that allow it to effect their true identity and self-worth. So, does size

matter? To put it ever so simply: Absolutely not! Those who are strong enough to maintain their

own integrity and courage will find in their heart that size does not matter.

Work Sited

Latterell, Catherine G. Remix: Reading and Composing Culture Second Edition Boston *

New York Bedford/St. Martin’s 2010. Print.

Grealy, Luck. “Masks” Latterell pages 70-71

Latifah, Queen “Who You Calling A Bitch?” Laterell page 35

Television Show “The Biggest Loser” NBC Studios Inc.