The plus size community anxiously anticipated the premiere of TLC’s “Big Sexy” after having had our hopes dashed by Fox’s ill-fated “More To Love”. Maybe this time the show’s producers will strike the right chord by dispelling myths behind big women, but first the powers that be need to reconcile their own fat prejudices by assuming a TV audience won’t embrace “Big Sexy” unless “they portray them as insecure, love-starved rejects” as the Dallas Observer blogger Elaine Liner wrote.
I found a mixed bag of tricks though. Some of the same voyeuristic devices were employed here as in “More To Love”. Is it really necessary to show every lump, bump and grind of shaking flesh? Just because some of us wear Spanx, are we interested in watching another big girl squeezing into them like sausage casing? Anxiety over the bathing suit portion of the fashion show isn’t unique to plus size reality stars. Even Kris Jenner of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” lamented about wearing a bathing suit on a Bora Bora vacation and Kyle Richard’s of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” went to a pool party without a suit because her body “wasn’t ready for a bathing suit”.
What I found far more compelling was Tiffany’s (Big Sexy’s breakaway star) self-effacing wit and her willingness to explore why her ex-boyfriend, Dante rejected her. “You were crazy. You were stalking me”, he said. Perhaps her self-consciousness and neediness was the root cause of her break-up. He added she was the one who had a problem with her size. The promise of her eagerness to explore her deeply-rooted self-esteem issues beyond the superficial themes expressed here intrigued me as a viewer.
What I would like to see is less horse and pony show and more substance. We aren’t “freaks of nature”, we’re beauties in big bodies living life on our own terms.
About Deborah Friedman
Deborah Friedman helped pioneer the plus-size modeling industry in New York, as one of the first such models photographed by Marco Glaviano (whose lense has also focused on former main-stream model Kelly Emberg). An interest in the film industry prompted a move to Los Angeles where Deborah continued modeling while working as a feature writer for BBW (Big Beautiful Woman Magazine). Inspired by the growing demand for plus-size clothing, Deborah entered the garment industry as a salesperson representing the Richard Simmons clothing line. This led to a career in sales and merchandising where Deborah often created designs reflecting a fresh, updated perspective. She introduced a plus-size pleat pant design that became a popular bestseller for many manufacturers. The cocoon dress, another of Deborah's bestselling designs, was proclaimed a hit by fashion critic Mr. Blackwell. While catering to celebrities at Hammacher Schlemmer's chic Rodeo Drive location in Beverly Hills, Deborah achieved the status of top salesperson. She moved on to develop her own catalog marketing firm where she specialized in promoting a variety of products -- from wind-defying umbrellas to health and fitness programs. Now, Deborah brings us her personal experience, business acumen, and appreciation for quality design and manufacture to www.plussizeplum.com an online lingerie boutique and her blog www.plussizeplum.com/blog
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I was really excited about watching this show after hearing about it for several months before the premiere. I was a little disappointed with the show honestly. The girls on the show didnt seem as secure of themselves as the show said they would be. Several didnt want to do the bathing suit portion of the fashion show. If you are going to make a reality show based on BBW’s… then at least get super confident ones..
http://t.co/aSXvVNa My review of "Big Sexy". http://t.co/uXTQogi
Very Little Sex with Big Body Issues http://t.co/u4Kl6RB via @Plusmodelmag My review.
PLUS Mag Updates Very Little Sex with Big Body Issues – The plus size community anxiously anticipated the premiere o… http://t.co/ysoBgla
PLUS Model: PlzRT – Very Little Sex with Big Body Issues – The plus size community anxiously anticipated the premier… http://t.co/RcJqryc
Very Little Sex with Big Body Issues http://t.co/tPEJ9yd via @Plusmodelmag
Very Little Sex with Big Body Issues http://t.co/O5Y0nyK via @Plusmodelmag here here!!!
I enjoyed the show and can only imagine that as we watch more episodes we will see more sides to these beautiful ladies and more confidence. Confidence that got them there and keeps them going! The show to me seems like a journey of self-love acceptance, and owning the title “Big Sexy” in a world that does not embrace the full figured woman as it does her size 0 sisters. I liked how real it was. True, I don’t think that every plus sized girl gets treated like this at a club and so on BUT I am sure it was a reality check for some people who probably never even realized that stuff like that actually happens, only reminding us of some of the unfair treatment big girls can sometimes receive. Ladies represent! Watching the ladies talk about past relationships and issues accepting their size while growing up to me was very real because sometimes you have to know where they are coming from before you can see where they are going. They have already accomplished so much and are doing it BIG, so far I’m hooked! Can’t wait to see what the coming episdoes will bring. Ladies congrats, Peace & Love!
Very Little Sex with Big Body Issues http://t.co/u4Kl6RB via @Plusmodelmag Review of "Big Sexy"
Have a read, very interesting.. http://t.co/47Xw80g
http://t.co/mOGaSOP
Check out this great "Big Sexy" review from Deborah @PlusSizePlum
I loved watching this show, I recorded it and I watch it and it gives me this amazing confidence I never knew I had,. I went and looked in the mirror and for the first time I saw a beautiful and sexy curvy woman who just after Big Sexy fell in love with who I am.I take my hat off at you girls and thank you TLC for opeing up an amazing world that other wise was pushed aside because of embarrassment. I am proud to be me all of me.