Celebrities and their weight – it’s a topic that sells magazines and fills up hours of airtime on television talk shows. Even though the majority of Americans are overweight or obese, when it comes to celebrities, we’re pretty intolerant of anything less than a size six.
Singer-actress Raven-Symone
So when a star like Raven-Symoné, the former Cosby Show darling and current star of That’s So Raven, comes out and talks openly about how much flack she gets for being on the curvy side, it makes headlines. And what makes even further headlines is her recent union with product giant Dove, to build self-esteem in young girls through a series of workshops that the actress herself leads.
In a recent interview with People magazine, Raven-Symoné let’s us know that when her body critics start to tear away at her tough exterior, she turns to her strong social support system to boost her up. She vents to her best friend over the phone and maybe even yells and screams a bit too but once that release is out of her system, this strong-willed and spunky singer-actress “breathes past it.” She also has a solid belief in herself. She feels healthy, takes care of herself through exercise and regards herself as “thick and fabulous.”
Now, she is taking her fame and her positive self-esteem and inspiring other young girls to take care of themselves, physically, mentally and emotionally. Her workshops are meant to improve 11- and 12-year-old girls images of themselves and most importantly give them tangible tools that they can turn to when challenges arise.
Let’s face it, we live in a pretty unforgiving world when it comes to looks and body size. And for girls, it’s just not an easy path to gracefully walk on. So when bright stars like Raven-Symoné have the platform and genuine skills to serve as role models for the younger generations, we should listen.
I have been so proud of Raven for years about how gracefully she has handled herself and her weight in the public eye, I am thankful that she is doing all that she is to further inspire younger girls. I wish there had been more role-models like that when I was growing up.
It is so encouraging to see young women such as Raven giving back. She is taking an issue that she has been criticized for and turning the subject into a topic that young girls can feel comfortable discussing. And it all boils down to being healthy– not about how others see you, but about how you feel, what your health is like, and how you see yourself. Good for you, Raven, and I wish you much success. It’s a tricky topic, and I’m sure you are doing a fabulous job getting the message out there. Karen Bessey Pease, author of juvenile fictoin (Grumble Bluff) http://www.karenbesseypease.com
I love Raven if she was 300 pounds it shouldn’t matter she has been a role model for girls for years if god wanted us the same we would be the same if we were suppose to all be a size 2 then we would people are haters stop the hate 2009 please mind yo business
hey raven.i think you have a very good body.you are not thick thin you are not fat.it’s not healthy to be very thin.you are a very good rolemodel for girls and you will always be one.so enjoy your life and ignore the people who say that you are fat.they are jelous of a very beautiful,sweet and nice girl like you.please email me at .i would like to be your friend.i am going to be so proud.