I’m a ‘mature’ large-sized model, and in conversation with my agent at Ford Models in New York, I found out that I’m the only one in North America.

Let me repeat: I’m the only one. 
And I’m not getting booked.

I’m good with not getting booked because another model fits the casting brief better, but I’m the only one. So, if there were a casting brief, I would be the only one to choose from. Ipso facto, there is no casting brief for a mature, large-sized model.

Why?

We may have an old-woman-at-the-top problem here — specifically, the women in charge of the fashion business. 

Big, voluptuous young bodies are great, but I have the sneaking suspicion that big, voluptuous old bodies are seen as having been Let go.  Unappealing.  Maybe even a little shameful. 

Being old and large-size, it seems, is bumping up against those unwell stereotypes we were raised with, the unconscious, ingrained, generational, and tired, anorexic aesthetics of heroin chic. 

I believe that we (old women) are so deeply ingrained with these stereotypes that we can’t see ourselves with the same grace and empathy that we see others. Instead, we lament our aging bodies and lost youth — and my cohort is actually in charge of the fashion world.

The fashion industry has the power to show our daughters and granddaughters that authentic grace and beauty can exist for aging women.

We have the same moral obligation to demonstrate that being beautiful while being old comes in as many shapes and sizes, ethnicities, and quirks as it does while being young. 

I think it’s time for the old women at the top to wake up, show some empathy — to themselves first — and then fight for some grace for the rest of us by wielding their power for cultural good.  Write the casting brief. Start with New York Fashion Week. 

For our culture to be well, we need to see an authentic range of role models of aging. 

Article by Alicia Johnson, is a a model/global brand marketer/author, who has a book coming soon, titled Buried Treasure: A Field Guide to the Life-Changing Magic of Revealing Yourself.

This article, Opinion: We May Have An Old Woman Problem Here first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Guest Blogger.

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“Big back” is often used to describe someone consuming large quantities of food and is commonly used as a fat joke regardless of the person’s size.

While it’s unclear who coined the term, it has gained traction in online communities and memes. Whenever the term is used in a meme or social media clip, it’s of someone being greedy or pretending to be “fat” while also being greedy. But is the slang “big back” fatphobic?

Content Creators Speak Out About The Term “Big Back”

Many plus size individuals and content creators have started speaking out against the term, labeling it as fatphobic and offensive. They argue that “big back” is another way society tries to shame plus size bodies, reinforcing negative stereotypes and perpetuating body shaming. They also emphasize that phrases like “big back” perpetuate a culture where plus size individuals are constantly ridiculed and marginalized.

For instance, lifestyle content creator Alice (@alicennn) explains her reasons for how counter-progressive “big back” is.

“When people are told that their big back jokes are offensive, it’s just to say, ‘Oh, it’s not about being fat, it’s about being big and greedy,” Alice explained. “So, you see how we are back to fat people are big and greedy. The personification of being big and greedy is to literally be large.”

Dylan Davis (@dylan.davii) discussed how the term allows people to call others fat but “jokingly.” Furthermore, it doesn’t consider plus size individuals’ feelings.

These creators are using their platforms to highlight how harmful language can affect mental health and self-esteem. They stress the importance of respecting everyone’s body, regardless of size, and call for an end to using terms like “big back” that can cause harm. They encourage a more inclusive and respectful dialogue around body image by calling out these issues. It is not just about condemning a single term but about challenging the broader culture of fatphobia and promoting body positivity.

Is the Slang “Big Back” Fatphobic to Me?

Honestly, as a plus size girlie, the term “big back” doesn’t offend me. Jokes or terms rooted in my size are nothing new, innovative, or creative. I’ve heard it all; quite frankly, “big back” is just another word. To me, “big back” is used interchangeably with greedy. And if you’re being greedy, you’re being greedy; size doesn’t matter. Honestly, the only word that truly offends me is the “n-word,” for obvious reasons.

However, just because “big back” doesn’t offend me doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt others, and I am aware of that. I do not condone bullying. Everyone’s experiences and feelings are valid, and if a term makes you feel less about yourself, you’re allowed to call it out. It’s important to recognize what might be a harmless joke to one person can be deeply hurtful to another. This distinction is crucial in understanding the broader conversation around body shaming and fatphobia.

So, I ask again, “Is the slang ‘big back’ fatphobic?”

It depends on who you ask.

For some, it’s a harmless joke; for others, it’s a painful reminder of societal judgments. The important takeaway is to be mindful of how our words affect those around us. Empathy and respect go a long way in making everyone feel seen and valued.

Whether “big back” hits a nerve or rolls off your back, the ongoing dialogue about fatphobia and body positivity is a step towards a more inclusive and understanding world.

This article, Op-Ed: Is The Slang ‘Big Back’ Fatphobic? first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jazzy.

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