The notion that a size 16 actress is such a “fat pig” as to star in a taboo-busting play about fat acceptance just churns my stomach. You know what separates me from that actress? About two inches of height. I had no idea I was exposing the Snook to such societal ridicule. (She says with sarcasm and bitterness…)
Charles
December 28, 2004 — 6:31 pm
Well my wife would have to get down to her bikini weight to even be a 16, and no one has ever “abused” me because of her size. I think if some “friend” made a remark about it, that person would not remain a friend for long. Of course, I’m not really the kind of person who cares much what other people think – but I know some people do. I think people who would make some remark about a woman’s size are really just displaying their own messed-up mental problems. Marilyn Monroe, Jane Mansfield . . . up until the 70’s, a size 14-16 was considered fine for sexy, voluptuous movie stars. When we visit Latin America, Africa, or the Middle East with skinny friends – let me tell you, all the men are ogling Denise – not our slim female companion. I actually feel sorry for stupid, sheltered Americans and others who have been turned into conformist zombies by marketing and the media , people that exist in such a closed and small-minded world.
Kris
December 28, 2004 — 10:26 pm
Thanks for reminding me that there are still good ones out there, Charles…
Ashlie Atkinson
January 2, 2005 — 5:12 pm
As the actress in question, I have to say that I couldn’t agree more. I do not understand what the big deal is. But I still have people coming up to me after the show who think it’s a stretch of belief that these two characters could ever get together, which I think is a really disturbing comment on how Americans view attraction. Interviewers have even gone so far as to ask why I would ever be an actress if you get so much physical scrutiny! One of the reasons I took this play (other than the fact that hey, I’m a totally unknown actor and this is my bread and butter) is that my character Helen is the only one in the play who is truly confident and happy with who she is. I have been padded up to a size 24 for the play and I have never felt sexier than I do at this point in my life.
I hope you get a chance to see the play. If you do, please let me know you are there. I would love to meet. you.
Kris
January 2, 2005 — 6:05 pm
Ashlie, thanks so much for chiming in. Hello! (How in the world did you ever stumble across this post?) I’m so glad to get your perspective on this. Can I ask you though: Why do you think they didn’t hire an actual size 24 actress to play the role? I don’t mean to demean your talents – I’m sure you were the best one for the job! – but it’s still a little perplexing to me. It’s nowhere near like Gwyneth Paltrow in a fat suit, but don’t you think there’s still an element of “We can have these characters say horrible things about this ‘fat’ woman because everybody knows she really isn’t one.” Maybe I’m overthinking a play I haven’t even seen yet. đŸ™‚ At any rate, I’d definitely be up for it but unless you tour Australia in the next few years, I’ll never make it. I’m glad your career is taking off for you though!
Anonymous
January 13, 2005 — 1:14 pm
Physics aside Parseval’s theorem has never really found any use outside of Fourier Optics
Kris
January 13, 2005 — 4:31 pm
I think you left your comment in the wrong browser window…