Sports Illustrated magazine showed their support of body diversity recently by featuring size-16 model Ashley Graham on the cover.
While many body diversity supporters are praising the magazine for featuring Graham in a purple string bikini, former Sports Illustrated model Tiegs thinks otherwise.
Tiegs came out against the decision to put Graham on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in an interview with E! news.
When asked about her thoughts on Graham’s curvy body displayed on the cover, Tiegs said, “I don’t like that we’re talking about full-figured women, because its glamorizing them, because your waist should be less than 35 inches. That’s what Dr. Oz said and I’m sticking to it.”
First, we should deny the idea Dr. Oz is some monolith of medical and diet advice. While he is a medical doctor qualified to give guidance, I distrust any medical professional that claims your body should fit into certain measurements. That advice breeds body and health obsessions.
Second, it is impossible for Tiegs to know whether or not Graham’s waist measures 35 inches or less. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Clothing sizes are completely arbitrary and do not make or break a healthy individual.
Just because Graham is a size 16 does not mean that she is unhealthy.
The same principle goes for people that have thin bodies.
As a size 16 woman, I was glad to see Graham’s fabulous curves on the cover of a magazine. Not only did I feel my body was represented with Graham on the cover, I felt like my body was validated.
Tiegs went further when she said, “No, I don’t think its healthy. Her face is beautiful. Beautiful. But I don’t think it’s healthy in the long run.”
I can’t tell if Tiegs is more afraid of full-bodied women or the fact that seeing a body like Ashley Graham’s on the cover of a swimsuit issue will make women feel better about their bodies.
Especially women who have bodies that look like Graham’s.
What’s not healthy in the long run is continuously promoting a body type that is unattainable for women who aren’t professional models. The only reason Tiegs has stayed thin is because it is her job.
Shame on you, Tiegs. Shame on you for publicly shaming another woman’s body by claiming she is “unhealthy,” and shame on you for saying Graham’s body isn’t glamorous.
Women of all sizes are glamorous and can be healthy. Sports Illustrated is demonstrating the beauty of a more full bodied woman and that should be celebrated and not condemned.
In response to Tiegs’ comment, Graham told the audience of the Ellen DeGeneres Show, “We have to promote to women to be healthy at every size, as long as they’re getting off the couch and moving their bodies.”
Sorry Tiegs, but Graham seems like a better advocate for women’s health than you because she’s not putting other women down when she gives health advice.
rcm2@indiana.edu
@RachelCMiller1
