Why Two TV Shows are Making Me Cringe - Drop Dead Diva, More To Love

[Caseyfern]

Anyone else feeling it, too? The sense of exception processing, wrapped in a thinly coated lack of size acceptance and frosted with a big glob of being different?

As tempting as it is to ramble and rant about these two shows, I'd much rather hear what you have to say about them. Let 'er rip!

[Dawn M. Leonard]

Drop Dead Diva also portrays the skinny girl also. The show focuses on more than the weight. More to Love.....could do without all the damn whining and tears. Yes, plus-size women may have had difficulty with relationships.....have to tell ya....my thin friends experience negativity also. As more of the shows are produced, hopefully the topics will get more positive

[Caseyfern]

Well said, Deb. Image issues cripple so many at such an early age, and shows like More To Love reinforce those image issues instead of minimizing boundaries. As always, we need to stay positive and supportive, and encourage more and more to participate in forums of non-judgmental discussion of size issues.

[Deb Lohrer]

I watched More to Love one time and found the fact they felt it necessary to post every woman's height and weight when no other Bachelor show does made me angry but not as angry as the fact these women were so full of self loathing that they cried to have lost their "ONLY chance for love" As long as women buy into that mind set they will never understand being sexy and/or lovable is 90% attitude. I am a 56 yr old woman and I wish I could teach young women how to project sensuousness and confidence and let them see how easily they can have relationships.

[beth anne herrin]

"Vital Statistics"? Since when did body measurements and weight determine who a person is? Like the two of you, I don't think this is relevant in any way. What about what a woman has accomplished? Is she a great and caring mother? Does she volunteer at local homeless shelters? Is she running a non-proffit organization? Is she a teacher? Does she own her own business? Is she a soccer coach that inspires young girls? Hmmmmm I think there is so many interesting things to find out about a woman that does not include her weight and measurements!

[Stacy Banks]

Excellent observation Mary...I too was distubed by the "vital statistics" that weren't vital at all!

[Mary Barlog]

Casey I have only watched Drop Dead Diva and it does bother me that they are making such a big deal about being plus size. However they are showing this character finding herself and appreciating her new body for what it is and getting comfortable. The character is evolving and seeing her previous self in a different light. I was so afraid there were going to immediately have her go on a crash diet and perpetuate that stereotype.

As for More to Love ... I've never sat through an entire show, rather during a flip of the channel I've seen snippets. My first gut reaction was utter disgust. I'm a fan of the Bachelor and Bachelorette; this show, not at all. My first main reaction was due to the screen overlay when they are interviewing the various contestants. When they interview during either the Bachelor or Bachelorette they show their name, age, occupation and where they are from. This show includes the MEASUREMENTS and WEIGHT of each of the contestants! I found this to be very disgusting, demeaning and just plain stupid. Why is it so important to know all their vital statistics when the size 2 contestants are never put up to this same standard. It just goes to show the depths they will go down to for ratings.

Anyway, this is my two cents worth.
~Mary
http://www.TuNickels.com

[beth anne herrin]

Stacy: I appreciate your hesitation! I had an unbelievable experience not too long ago. I was invited to speak at a surgical weight loss clinic on Fashion. The Doctor had identified that the clients had lost weight, but they were not changing other areas in their life IE appearance. They were still hiding behind big over sized tunics and elastic waist pants.....of course....all in black. The age range was from 20's to 60's. The clients had lost over 100 lbs, but were still in plus size clothing. Most around a size 18. BUT!!!! They looked GREAT!! and HEALTHY!!! During the event, we had the women try on bras and foundation, new clothes styles and each women began to transform right in front of us! They looked in the mirror liking and respecting the woman looking back. I hear what you say about the "self esteem " issues.......I personally don't think having a healthy self image as a plus woman includes an in your face Diva attitude......I think it is about being the best you are, where you are!

[Stacy Banks]

I have to say I'm on the fence about it...I've watched both shows, and while I feel any plus sized representation in mainstream media is a good thing--the shows also seem exploitative in a sense. Several of the women on "More to love" seem to have self esteem issues...and "Drop Dead Diva" perpetuates a lot of negative stereotypes about plus sized women.. I guess I will continue to support both shows..hopefully they will improve over time!

[beth anne herrin]

Casey: Thanks for requesting the feedback. I canhonestly say, I have not watched either. Mostly because no time, but on another level......I was not certain I would appreciate how the "more to love" issue would be handled. It just seemed like another opportunity for media to mis-interpret what "plus size" is and to "assume" that dating and love is different at a size 20 than it is at a size 2. I don't think so. Maybe I should watch so I can have a more informed comment?......nah, not really that interested.......