So far, I have tried to keep the messages on this blog positive and not to rant too much. I just feel that this approach has better effect most of the time. However, my friend and colleague forwarded me a picture, while shopping, of a product called fatgirlscrub from the fatgirlslim line by Bliss.
I have to say, I was kind of shocked. I thought for a long time about how I was going to deal with the subject. This line, which is a body firming line uses caffeine to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is a play on the name Fatboy Slim, the DJ who was popular in the 1990’s, I think. I am certain most people do not remember this association.
I know that there will be those who will think I am being too serious, sensitive or that I am lacking in the sense of humour department. That is fine.
I spend a good deal of my time fighting against stigma in my daily job. I also spend time fighting against anti fat bias or the negative perceptions against people who are overweight and obese.
To me, this could be the greatest product on earth but who is it targeting( girls) and what message are they sending them (any fat is unacceptable, even the kind everyone has).
Incidentally, if you are going to have body fat, this is the type to have. It is superficial and not near any organs.
The fact is, up to 90 percent of women have cellulite no matter how “slim” they are.
Marketing to girls or women that they need to “rub or scrub their blub” is offensive to me. Likening women to whales is not funny.
There are plenty of other firming creams and scrubs who don’t have catchy names that do the same thing as this product.
I see young girls, everyday. Girls, who are bullied, hate their bodies and hate themselves. ( No exaggeration).
I think as responsible consumers, it is up to us, to prevent these very same girls from being targeted by marketing campaigns that perpetuate these negative stereotypes.
What do you think?