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Guest post by Glen Johnson
A year ago I asked the readers of my blog a question “is plus size blogging ethically correct or is it just frustrated whining?” Fast forward to almost the end of 2009 in some ways I am still asking that very question trying to figure out if those of us in the plus size blog community are really making a difference or just shouting to hear ourselves talk.
Part of me says absolutely yes we are making a difference because of the relationships I have forged as well as some of the positive events I have witnessed since starting in the blog world so many years ago. Another part of me is not so confident because of the hatred that I see spewed out in the comment section of blogs as well as within the feed streams on Twitter as well as from some of the posts from my fellow bloggers.
I am going to go out on a limb and say yes what we plus bloggers are doing is positive and for the good of the entire curvy community. Even though blogging can bring out the narcissistic nature in a person which to many can be viewed as negative if the goal is to help others by the spreading of positive information then regardless as to what the Meme Roth’s and other critics say about large men and women we have a voice and we are not afraid to use it to protect our rights.
There have been many time over the last five years that I have wanted to quit because at time I like I was beating my head against the wall. In times that I am moments away from hitting the delete button I receive emails like the one below to let me know that my/our voice is very important.
Mr. Johnson,
I would love to be considered for “Beauty of the Week.” I’ve been plus-sized most of my life and have finally realized at the age of 37 that “a little extra” can be quite beautiful. Sexy can be any size and your site is so encouraging! Even if mainstream media hasn’t fully accepted the phenomena, there’s a growing culture of women who are no longer willing to be ignored and men who can recognize true beauty in all it’s many shapes and sizes.
Between emails like this and hearing the words of others stating that the plus size community has a voice that is strong and powerful when used correctly I can stand by my earlier statement that we in the plus size blog community are doing a fantastic job of being advocates for the curvy community. Not only are we addressing our personal needs but helping others out whether we know it or not.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my voice with the readers of this blog as well as those that frequent Full Figure Plus. Without platforms like the one that Sarah has built as well as my own a section of people will continually be discriminated against but without a written account of the fight to end size discrimination forever.
By the way congratulations to Sarah on starting a new chapter in her life! If you know her or are getting to know her wish her good luck on starting on a new journey of bliss!
Glen is the author of Full Figure Plus a blog that is dedicated to writing about plus size fashion and all things relevant to the plus size community.
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Unfortunately there will probably always be the ugly comments made by ugly people with little else to do. However, there is a large amount of women who do indeed appreciate the efforts of the plus size blogging community. The majority of American women are plus sized – and forget what ya heard – we are sexy, we love fashion, and love feeling beautiful, just like any other woman on the face of the planet.
Great article Glen. i was thinking about something very similiar the other day. I think that every little bit helps. I think we are moving towards a much better place interms of acceptance
Good post Glen. Yeah it can feel that you are talking to a wall but those occasional emails that thank you for your efforts make it all worth while. If I have affected one persons attitude and changed it for the better then I shall carry on.
Remember the old saying, ‘one man/women can move a mountain’
[...] Are Plus Size Bloggers Actually Making a Difference? – me guest blogging on the Plus Size Clothing Scoop. [...]
There is a huge audience for plus size bloggers out there. I think many still don’t understand the concept of blogging and commenting or there is a fear that comes along with commenting that many haven’t embraced yet. The little love letters offer wonderful assurance that you are not just talking to air. It’s all good.
yes indeedy the love from the behind the scenes action makes my day. I love how even though I may not get a million comments that I still have an impact on others in a positive way.
I highly support all the people that works towards a more realistic society, that encourage women’s confidence and rejects unhealthy role models!
plus size: if you’ve got it flaunt it: http://www.citychiconline.com/content/Plus-Size-Clothing–If-you-ve-got-it-flaunt-it.aspx