No Big Thing - Jessica Simpson and the Media Weight Fiasco

I am sure many of you have, like me, been inundated with the remarkable media attention that this little picture of one Jessica Simpson has garnered over the last week or so:


Photo courtesy of Ralph Notaro / Splash News

As such, I would like to issue a personal memo to all media outlets regarding said picture:

Dear Everyone,
Get over it.

We are really doing this? A girl gains a few pounds, and suddenly every media outlet in the universe has to launch themselves at her like blood thirsty harpies? For shame. America, I am calling foul, and I hope for the benefit of the species, others answer my cry.

We are living in a age of SWEEPING CHANGES: our country just elected it's first black president; we are going to be the first generation to move into the Elemental Age, depending on the wind and sun to power our world. We have the potential of eradicating extreme hunger in our lifetime: and we are alright with THIS? Verbally abusing a celebrity for not being a size 0? I think it is time for us as a people to come to terms with the fact that we cannot have our cake, and then give someone hell for eating it, too. We cannot be liberated and strong, but cast others down for not meeting our physical aspirations for them. If anything, this year has taught us that we as citizens have the power to shape the world around us, and this is one instance that I feel we need to speak out and say "No. We do not agree to this."

I am insulted and ashamed that our media outlets determine to demean someone just because she has gained a few pounds. These are the same media outlets that are the first to act with shock and dismay when these same girls practically starve themselves to death. Not only are they reporting on this little slice of hypocrisy, but doing so with unadulterated wicked glee: the sheer mockery that I have been witness to in the past week is enough to make me want to throw in the towel on any redemptive qualities I had hoped our celebrity media outlets may have had (which really weren't much to begin with). Blandishing and insulting the object in the news has never been nor should ever be the responsibility of the media - it essentially undermines the sole premise of a media outlet being an unbiased source of information.

Some would argue that the media is doing their job reporting the weight changes of a single person, but to that I argue that by deigning that something like this is newsworthy is discrimination, pure and simple. How is it that we can live in a culture that is staunchly against judging someone by the color of their skin, or their sex, but that feels it is perfectly acceptable to judge them by their weight? And how can a media outlet say it is their duty and responsibility to do so?

There are a few writers who have spoken up in defense of such reporting, claiming that these news sources are simply doing their jobs of providing Americans what they crave, and that celebrities must accept that it is a part of their job requirements to be beautiful at all times. Let me give these writers a little wake up call: firstly, just because someone WANTS something, does not make it ethical, lawful or right to GIVE it to them. We have all learned this valuable lesson through Marlboro, McDonalds, and countless other organizations that have attempted to earn a quick buck from other people's pain.

Secondly, being a celebrity has never nor will ever be limited to being physically perfect. The fact that you so cloyingly attempt to marry one to the other is just an example of how remarkably superficial and immature you are in your aspirations. Let me show you some examples of some awesome celebrities.

Aretha Franklin


Beth Ditto


Janis Joplin


These are just a few of the countless women who are lauded and respected as performers and artists, and not simply as the physical eye candy of a generation. By saying it is Jessica Simpson's duty to adhere to your standards of beauty is to negate any value to her career as a performer and artist, insinuating that she only maintains value if she helps you get your aesthetic rocks off. And that is not only insulting to her, but to all women in general.

But responsibility in this circumstance cannot solely rest on the media: we, as the consumer must also accept some blame. Americans, we must come to terms with our bad habit: we delight in watching what we believe to be others' downfall. Show us a celebrity that is doing well, and we eat it up. Show us a celebrity that is cracked out, whacked out, or in desperate need of help, and we practically throw a spite jubilee. As consumers, we must make it clear to media outlets what we do or do not desire and abide. It is only by our feedback and purchasing practices can we let these outlets know that we are no longer amused or interested in this discriminating weight game.

Things you can do to stop media outlets reporting demeaning garbage:

- Letters to the Editor: Send a letter, telling them how disappointed you are as a reader with the coverage this item is receiving, or their choice on how to handle said coverage.

- Don't Buy It: Put your money where your heart is. Make the commitment not to purchase any newspaper, tabloid or magazine that hawks someones looks as a news item. Even better, take that money and put it to magazines that celebrate women of all types, such as Bust Magazine or Venus Zine.

- Send Your Support: It may be hard to believe, but celebrities are perfectly aware of what is being said about them. Sending something as simple as an encouraging letter or email telling them you are not buying into the hype and still love them for who they are has a great possibility of reaching them, or someone who is in contact with them. Negativity always speaks louder than hope - so it's important to speak even louder when your message is a positive one.