Skinny Shaming
By Madeline Simon
Actress and founder of lifestyle brand Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow, caused a scandal when she discussed her diet on the “Art of Being Well” podcast. Many reasonable people can agree that her daily bone broth and vegetables combination is not particularly sustainable. It’s also comical considering that she has written multiple cookbooks. But what is far more alarming than the star’s lack of self-awareness is the outrage that her personal health choices have sparked among the online mob.
Why must they disparage someone who is transparently sharing their efforts to pursue optimal health?
Where is the outrage for Lizzo who has a TV show dedicated to glorifying morbid obesity? Or perhaps, more appropriately, the entire Kardashian family and their refusal to be honest about undergoing expensive, artificial cosmetic surgeries?
Surely, promoting obesity and Brazilian Butt Lifts are far more toxic to the culture than the opinions of an older celebrity whose target audience is wealthy moms in Los Angeles and New York City.
While I do not agree with Paltrow’s political positions, I believe the visceral reaction comes from the fact that she is putting a mirror up to society and saying, “if you want to look like me, put in the work.”
She also does not apologize for being what is now the trifecta of evil in our culture: thin, white, and rich. Instead of apologizing for her “privilege,” Paltrow, having a Hollywood-sized ego, overshares all the tricks she does to maintain her physicality.
If you do not like how Paltrow looks or what she promotes, you don’t have to follow her. We all know an annoying someone who will not quit talking about their new diet. If you can mute that guy or girl on Instagram, you can easily refrain from consuming Goop products or messaging.
If there were masses of young girls out there refusing to eat so that they could fit the “Goop look,” I’d probably have a different opinion on the matter. In reality, we are seeing obesity rates skyrocket and the average age for plastic surgery/injectables plummet. If we want to cancel Paltrow, then we also must cancel Remi Bader, Khloe Kardashian, the list goes on. Targeting the stereotypical “hot girl” might be the more popular take, but we must really consider who is actually shaping the youth. News flash: it is not a divorced mother of two.
Madeleine Simon is a columnist at the Conservateur, a member of the Nashville Junior Chamber, and a Talent Acquisition Specialist.
Media via Adam Rose / Netflix
