by Bridget ♥
Member since:
September 18, 2006

I find it disturbing, the message they are sending our children...

March 12, 2009 12:57 AM EDT (Updated: March 12, 2009 01:24 AM EDT)
views: 191 | comments: 64

There has been recent talk about the weight gain of Kelly Clarkson and Jessica Simpson, it's all over the news, internet and magazine covers across America.

What are we teaching our children, especially our daughters!  I find it disgusting and disturbing that  people put so much attention on weight gain, especially with celebrities.

In my opinion, WHO CARES!  It can happen to the best of us!  :)

I'm teaching both of my children, my son and my daughter, that is the "real world" it's your inner beauty that matters and you should NEVER judge a person by their looks, weight or race.  All that stuff is secondary and not nearly as important as the person themself!

I think people need to focus on things that REALLY matter!

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Comments: 64

Andrea H. Mar 12, 2009, 12:59am EDT
Your absolutely right! Good for you, Mine have been taught the same.
Yeah, now they look normal. And that's a big deal why? Oh yeah. It's not.
Elizabeth B. Mar 12, 2009, 1:06am EDT
you are so right!! I think they look great! most men prefer curves on ladies anyway, its the media and fashon twits that say such insulting things!!
People are so worried about the self esteem of kids, and keeping kids healthy, then they ridicule anyone who gains any weight at all. Kelly Clarkson looked heavier, sure, so did Jessica Simpson. Neither one looked "fat", or even "over weight". They just aren't the typical size 2 twigs found in LA.
Vikki M. Mar 12, 2009, 1:08am EDT
I agree completely! I'd much rather see a celeb with a healthy weight than stare at all those scrawy women that look like they eat once a year and could blow away in a breeze. It's the inner beauty that is the real judge of character.
Janet "Jax" B. Mar 12, 2009, 1:12am EDT
I think both celebrities look fine...healthy even, especially in this age of skinny being "in."

With my daughter being 12, weight is right in the forefront. She's getting older and her body is changing....and all these really skinny models and TV stars, she feels self conscious that she's 'too fat' It's terrible.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Mar 12, 2009, 1:17am EDT
You are so right. Thanks.
Mariana T. Mar 12, 2009, 1:24am EDT
I agree - the average woman in American is 5'4 and weighs 140 pounds - the models that show off clothes on runways are about 5'11 and weight 111 pounds...so my advice is to keep kids away from the TV and around real people - then, they won't feel they have to be anything but what they are. Salud
Hmmm...I tell my boys, never to date a fat gal, and to always check out the momma so they know what the girl's going to look like in twenty years! ha ha ha
Krystal Harwell Mar 12, 2009, 1:31am EDT
I never liked being the fat kid in school.. :( thanks for sharing :)
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 1:33am EDT
LMAO Krissy! You sound like my husband!

I can always count on you to make me laugh!
Glad I could oblige ya! lol
My momma told me not to marry no fat boy. Not unless I wanted to maintain the shed he built over his tool. I don't even know how to make fried chicken.
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 1:41am EDT
Laughter IS the best medicine! :)
OMG DE! I love it! We must be long lost sisters! lmao
Shannon H. Mar 12, 2009, 1:51am EDT
It's nothing new, really. I think that as parents we have to work hard on teaching our children the qualities that make them valuable and not leave that to society.
Shannon H. Mar 12, 2009, 1:51am EDT
L, you have once again astonished me with your brilliance. Umm, yeah.
Nugget Berry Mar 12, 2009, 1:52am EDT
I always thought it was an american thing?
Ariel Storm Mar 12, 2009, 1:53am EDT
The media I believe is in large part to blame for the increasing number of cases of anorexia and bulimia in young girls. When constantly bombarded by images of stars and magazine models that are size 0 it creates an unhealthy image of what your body should look like.
Nugget Berry Mar 12, 2009, 1:53am EDT
being fat is not taking care of our bodies, that's how I look at it, it's a choice that that individual makes, I don't really have an opinion on it, the media takes everything and twists it around anyway... as far as juding people, there will always be someone there to judge, good not to teach the kids that, but- it's like a rotten apple that you know will show up.
Jennifer O. Mar 12, 2009, 1:58am EDT
I think the coverage is ridiculous especially when at her high weight jessica Simpson is only like 140 pounds!
Barbara B. Mar 12, 2009, 2:08am EDT
Bridget, I remember when I was getting a few pounds
on, out came TWIGGY the skinny gal !! And that was the
trend back many years ago.
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 2:08am EDT
L Wade,

You have got to be kidding me!
Barbara B. Mar 12, 2009, 2:09am EDT
Girls were going on diets of all kinds, even purging
themselves to get the TWIGGY LOOK !!
Barbara B. Mar 12, 2009, 2:10am EDT
I always managed to stay slim after that, never
weighed over 99 pounds in my teen years.
Barbara B. Mar 12, 2009, 2:12am EDT
I weighed 120 when I got married at 18 years
of age, waist was 19 inches then !!
Barbara B. Mar 12, 2009, 2:13am EDT
But in these latter years I kinda got 'fluffy',
that's what my grandgirl Kelsey calls me !!
Barbara B. Mar 12, 2009, 2:13am EDT
Hey I can still turn heads these days and I'm liking that !!
Gee, L. Wade, do you really think you can have any uglier thoughts about us fatties than we have about ourselves? Usually because we know what asses like you are thinking about us!
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 2:16am EDT
Krissy,

Rock on Sister!
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. Mar 12, 2009, 2:17am EDT
Hear, hear! Looks are always transient.
Linda T. Mar 12, 2009, 2:19am EDT
We watched American Idol tonight and as soon as Kelly Clarkson came out to sing my husband commented on her weight gain. When your in the public eye people are more prone to noticing your weight changes. For stars their reality is that the camera makes them look even heavier. They rely on their looks to keep them popular. I don't agree with it but it is the way life in the fast lane is. We can only hope that our examples teach our daughters and sons that beauty is more than what is on the outside. I personally think Clarkson looks better now.
Kirk do really believe that all of us that are overweight make a choice to be so? Do you really not realize that many of us fight it every day, workout for hours on end, eating healthy balanced meals in moderate portions and still have a hard time losing it? It isn't always as simple as whether or not we want to be healthy or not.
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 2:26am EDT
Kirk,

Why do YOU workout? Isn't it because YOU want to lose some weight? Did you gain weight because YOU didn't take care of your body, by choice?


My husband can drop 5 pounds in a matter of days without even trying! I work my tail off and am lucky to drop a pound in a week. We all have different bodies and what it "healthy" or "fat" for one person isn't the same for another!

Many people aren't "fat" by choice!
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 2:37am EDT
You go girl! Good for you Barbie!

BTW, I like "fluffy"
Baylee C. Mar 12, 2009, 2:50am EDT
It's so sad that everybody is judged, and no matter what you do, you can't change those people that choose to do those things.
Bryan "That 80's Dude" B. Mar 12, 2009, 3:18am EDT
While I dont agree with the notion that to be attractive you have to be able to see ribs I do think that it in many cases allow people to think more about their weight which in the long run is more healthy for them.
Amy H. Mar 12, 2009, 4:04am EDT
Yeah its been going on for years. CAn''t stop it now.
☀ Aunt Shanny Mar 12, 2009, 5:26am EDT
It sickens me to see Jessica Simpson reportedly called fat at a whopping size 8. I guess that makes me obese.
Carla B. Mar 12, 2009, 6:03am EDT
I agree with you, Bridget. Saying that a size 8 is "really fat" is not a good message to send to our kids.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Mar 12, 2009, 7:36am EDT
I agree and it makes the little girls start to get unhealthy ideas. After watching my dear cousin go through anorexia as a top model and now shoot up to over 300 pounds, I know the media can kill people with these impossible "ideals". Besides, we are all unique and beautiful. And calling someone like Jessica Simpson heavy is simply ridiculous. I was proud of my daughter because she heard the hype (at school of all places) and decided to read Simpson's biography for a school reading project. She spoke about her accomplishments and having a positive body image, maybe it helped a couple of her classmates who are already obsessed with their looks at 8! (I was so relieved, don't think I'll have to worry about my daughter :)
Monica H. Mar 12, 2009, 8:27am EDT
I think it's great that they are healthy now for their size. I don't think it's healthy at all when women literally starve and workout themselves into a size two jeans.
Christine P. Mar 12, 2009, 9:23am EDT
I agree with you a 100%!
DesertDarlene L. Mar 12, 2009, 9:39am EDT
I think Jessica Simpson looks fine at the weight that she was (she has since lost some weight again). She just looks great no matter what. I can't stand the big deal they made about it.
Tammy N. Mar 12, 2009, 10:12am EDT
I agree! We judge people to harshly these days! It's no wonder our society is plagued with eating disorders, self-esteem issues, abuse, et. Give folks a break!
Laura M. Mar 12, 2009, 11:13am EDT
Its sad. These women are NOT fat. They are normal. I have worked in fashion for years, the average woman shopping in our store is between an 8 and 14 are these women fat?? Not at all they look wonderful. I think it is horrible to force these young celebrities to starve themselves to fit some image. It is very damaging and unhealthy for them. Not to mention the message it sends to our young teens that believe they hype that if your over a size 4 your fat. For most people that size is not healthy, or even attractive. I was a 12-14 in high school and looked just fine. I got more attention for my curves than the stick figures I went to school with. I did not live on cupcakes. I ate a healthy diet, it was who I was and Im proud of that. Im a bit larger now after having 2 children, two c-sections that did alot of damage to my mid section making it hard to build muscle mass in my tummy.And having hyperemesis with both children putting my body in starvation mode to where it would store calories that would otherwise be used by my body. Is this because of my own choices?? No. it is a physical condition I have had to endure. I eat fairly healthy, in moderation, but it is still difficult to lose weight. And I certainly dont need people judging me and trying to make me feel bad about my body.
MrsRoad Runner Mar 12, 2009, 11:24am EDT
Having big and tall kids I can not agree more!
My 16 yr old is over 6' tall and over 200 lbs, my 13 year old is catching up to him! I look up to all three of my boys. My oldest boy looks up to his younger brother, many people do!

We ran into this bigotry every day! My kids watch what they eat better at times then I do. Try buying fashionable, affordable clothing for kids who more then likely might be 6'6" possibly taller, bigger like there fathers family......

Many people do not understand what it is like to not have people who look like you around. How dare people be so shallow as to think "looks, weight or race" even disability is who a person "is"....

But we live in a shallow society.
Jo N. Mar 12, 2009, 11:26am EDT
I agree
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 11:50am EDT
It sickens me to see Jessica Simpson reportedly called fat at a whopping size 8. I guess that makes me obese.
?Aunt Shanny?, Mar 12, 2009, 5:26am EDT



You and me both Shannon! :)
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Mar 12, 2009, 2:14pm EDT
I want to preface this comment by saying I do think celebrities are TOO skinny.

However, most of America could stand to lose about 30 pounds or more. There has to be a happy middle in teaching your children that they need to maintain a healthy weight but not be obsessed with trying to get down to like 100 pounds or something ridiculous like that. Does that make sense?
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Mar 12, 2009, 2:15pm EDT
Whoa...she's a size 8? Awesomesauce! I'm skinnier than that fatty Jessica Simpson. Just kidding about the fatty part LOL...but it is nice to know I'm smaller than a celebrity
Larry H. Mar 12, 2009, 2:24pm EDT
They gained the weight on their own, I really don't care if they gain weight. They have the money to got to the spa, health club. They can lose the weight all by themselves.
Bridget ♥ Mar 12, 2009, 3:57pm EDT
That makes total sense Asilinn!

LOL, you are on fire if you are skinnier that a celebrity! LOL! You go girl!
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Mar 12, 2009, 5:52pm EDT
Being fat does not mean you do not take care of your body. I gained weight with each pregnancy. When I gave birth to my youngest I weighed less than before I got pregnant. She still managed to be over 8 lbs. I have had a hard time loosing weight since. I also take medication that causes me to gain weight. It is a side effect on three of my meds. So, having weight does not mean I don't take care of my body. People who think this, I wish they would have the same problem I have. That way they would know how it feels. Yes, some people abuse their bodies. But not all people do.
Nellie (The Bad Santa of Gather) Mar 12, 2009, 6:04pm EDT
There is a difference between heavy and being obsese. My best friend is heavy set, but dresses appropietely. (sp)
My problem with heavier women is they get a size too small, showing off middrifts with rolls, or hip huggers showing buttcracks. Sorry that isn't appealing, that is gross. You can look decent heavy. There are many beautiful clothes for a heavy women at decent prices. What is hard to find is small clothing for naturally small women like myself, I have to go to the teen section because I wear 2/3's, and I am not underweight by choice, it is my build.
Now obses people make me sick...sorry, but it is the truth. There is No reason to be that "fat" when you can't tell if the stomach is the butt or the other way around, I know people have seen people like that.
Cole H. Mar 12, 2009, 6:12pm EDT
I know what you mean about buying clothes that fit. A little extra meat is great, but nobody wants to see a can of biscuits poppin' open... that's what 10 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound sack looks like, and it isn't 'pretty'.
Cole H. Mar 12, 2009, 6:13pm EDT
Oh, and I don't care how fat or thin you are, say 'no' to crack anyway...
Vic Needs Coffee Mar 12, 2009, 9:27pm EDT
I have to agree with you.
Steph-in-NE ..... Mar 13, 2009, 12:20am EDT
I agree,, If I could look like Kelly clarkson and be called fat go for it,, BRING it on I would say
Austin Cushing Mar 14, 2009, 12:30am EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations, and check out this week's Help These Articles!
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Mar 14, 2009, 9:15pm EDT
I can't stand to see people in clothes that don't fit. I also don't go around wearing tight fitting clothes either. I can't believe some of these woman and men who wear tight jeans and have their bellies hanging over...yuck!!
Ghostly Ghoul Mar 17, 2009, 1:01pm EDT
I think it's important to teach our kids about healthy weight, I do care about over weight people. There are far too many out there. We need to teach healthy habits and protect recess in schools.
Amy just hangin' out M. Mar 25, 2009, 10:20pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least 50 page views, and so it has been removed from the group Views R Us. Congratulations, and thanks for posting to the group!
Kathy D. Nov 9, 2009, 7:41pm EST
I agree Bridget!

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