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Let’s Not Label Ashley Graham as ‘Plus-Sized’ – She’s Just Gorgeous!
Sports Illustrated has made waves by featuring a curvy model on the cover of its annual swimsuit issue for the very first time, and it feels like everyone is reacting as if they’ve just found the Holy Grail. Stunning size 16 model Ashley Graham is one of the three cover stars this year, and the internet is buzzing with excitement.
Last year, Graham participated in the #curvesinbikinis campaign for a brand called Bikinis For All. Sports Illustrated even allowed them to purchase ad space in their swimsuit issue, which led to a frenzy of applause for simply showcasing a woman who doesn’t fit the magazine’s typical mold. Everyone went wild for that ad, so it seems SI took note and decided to take a leap this year.
But let’s not forget, this isn’t the first time SI has included a “plus-sized” model. Last year, they featured a model who was a size 12, which is often labeled as “plus-sized.” If that’s the case, we seriously need to rethink these silly labels. They dipped their toes in the water with Robin Lawley, and when the world didn’t end, they figured why not put a “plus-sized” model on the cover? Thank goodness for that.
Now, don’t get me wrong—Graham is absolutely beautiful and should flaunt her bikini body everywhere. The lack of curvy representation in swimsuit issues makes this moment feel significant for women everywhere. But it’s also disheartening because it shows we still believe that curvy women aren’t the norm. We actually accepted the idea that Lawley was the first “plus-sized” model in SI, even though anyone with common sense can see there’s nothing “plus-sized” about her.
And who even came up with the term “plus-sized”? The average American woman is 5’4” and a size 14, so why are we still using these outdated labels? The Huffington Post declared that “Sports Illustrated Just Made History By Putting A Plus Size Model On Its Cover.” History? More like they finally opened their eyes. Graham is conventionally sexy!
In an Instagram post, SI assistant managing editor MJ Day stated, “The three covers of Hailey, Ronda, and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit. All three women are beautiful, sexy and strong. Beauty is not cookie cutter.” Well, duh! You don’t need to be a genius to see that.
Last year, Graham delivered a TED talk discussing her journey to body acceptance. She revealed how being labeled a “plus-sized model” made her feel like an outsider in the fashion world, despite her incredible success. She shared, “I felt free once I realized I was never going to fit the narrow mold society wanted me to fit in.” Graham prefers to think of herself as “my-sized” instead of “plus-sized.”
She expressed frustration when asked about her profession. “I’d say, ‘I’m a model!’ and then have to add, ‘Well, I’m a plus size model.’” Graham is out there advocating for body positivity, but I can’t help but wonder if this label of body positive spokesperson is something she chose or something that was thrust upon her. Regardless, she’s spreading a vital message.
As Graham said, “People in the fashion industry told me I would never be in magazines, let alone on the covers.” Well, look who proved them wrong! While SI might not deserve a standing ovation for finally recognizing diverse beauty, Graham absolutely does.
In summary, let’s celebrate Ashley Graham for who she is—a stunning model who is breaking barriers. And while we’re at it, let’s rethink the labels we use. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and it’s high time we acknowledge that.
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