New Show Confronts Size, Body Image and "Fat Camp"
People are buzzing about a new ABC show set to air on June 28 starring Nikki Blonsky (from Hairspray) in a drama about a teen's journey through fat camp and body acceptance. Will you watch it? Here are my thoughts ...
"I couldn't be more thrilled that the main characters are all plus-sized," actress Nikki Blonsky said. "It's ground-breaking in that way. I think kids will be able to relate because they can finally say about someone on television: that person looks like me."
Critics are already cheering about lines from show, like this one from Blonsky's character: "Everyone wants us to hate our bodies. Well, I refuse to."
Click here to watch the trailer.
While I think this looks like a terrific show, I wanted to throw something out there: The bit about "I refuse to hate my body" is empowering, for sure. But I also contend that eating right, exercising and working to be fit is an undeniable form of self-love. I sometimes feel frustrated by the impression that getting healthy = hating your bod. Sure, it's changing your bod, but you're showing yourself love by getting fit, getting healthy. Of course, you have to do it for you, not because a drill sergeant at fat camp is shaming you into it. (I'm sure the show goes into these issues.)
Anyway, I applaud the ABC producers for putting a show together that looks like it will confront the types of body image issues that real teens deal with, without airbrushing.
Thoughts? Will you watch this show?
