No Guilt Fashion

I wrote a post after my three year old daughter told me why she wears clothes. I asked at the end of that post if anybody wanted to guest post telling us why they wear clothes. This is what Curvy CEO sent me. If you would like to submit a guest post on why you wear clothes email me at danit AT noguiltfashion DOT com

Why I Wear Clothes – Guest Blog for No Guilt Fashion by Curvy CEO

I wear the clothes I do for one very simple reason.

I am a fat, black woman.

I don’t say this to denigrate myself. I gave up fear of the word “fat” long ago. To me, it’s just an adjective. Sure, I’d prefer something a little more musical sounding like “curvy,” “voluptuous” or “zaftig.” I’ll take “plus-sized” or “full-figured.” I am even comfortable with “overweight.” But, when most people see me they will not think of these polite euphemisms. Instead, I will just be “fat” and all of the negative connotations that come with that term.

Unfortunately, due to the pervasiveness of prejudice and stereotypes, once you add my race into the equation, many people will see me as this:

Hattie McDaniel as “Mammy” in 1939’s “Gone with the Wind”

Well, let’s be fair. It’s 2012. So maybe they might see me as this:

Mo’Nique as “Mary” in the 2009 film “Precious”

Lest you think I’m being too sensitive, I offer up the fact that even our beloved First Lady, who is noted for her commitment to health and fitness as well as her incredible physique, has been (wrongly!) subjected to this stereotype as well.

Now, if people can attack and mislabel one of the smartest, most powerful and most beautiful black women in the world, that makes it clear that they have no issue with stereotyping lil’ ol’ me.

That is why I wear clothes – I dress to impress. With my clothes, I want to say, “Yes, I may be ‘fat,’ but I am classy and fierce.” By doing so, I hope that maybe, just maybe, more often when they see women like me they won’t think of the stereotypes, but think of the elegance and achievement of plus-size women of color.

Hattie McDaniel after receiving the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1940

Mo’Nique giving her acceptance speech for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2010