Opinion

Beauty in the eye . . . of the beanpole

The last vestiges of prejudice and bigotry in America are reserved for two societal groups: the obese and the elderly (“Fat Chance,” Kyle Smith, PostScript, Jan. 10).

Each of us is entitled to our opinion, but “Fat Chance” is full of such vitriol that it absolutely crosses the line from opinion to hate-mongering.

“Shame,” Mr. Smith? After reading your article, I am certain that this mantle fits you better than we who enjoy “one milkshake at a time.”

Carol Cox

Manhattan

***

Smith is the voice of the 40 percent of us who remain normal in size, despite seemingly overwhelming odds of becoming obese.

Why is it that, a generation ago, you were able to single out the fat one in your neighborhood? Now, you are hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t resemble the Hindenburg.

Fashion designers are contributing to this horror by allowing their clothing to be manufactured in sizes resembling tents.

Since excessive poundage has become the norm, designers are going with the money. Why stand on principle when it hurts in the pocket?

Sharon Diamond

Manhattan

***

Since Smith’s job is reviewing movies, I assume he’s heard of a gorgeous plus-sized actress named Marilyn Monroe.

Every red-blooded male in America drooled over Monroe in the 1950s, and she was Hugh Heffner’s first centerfold in Playboy. But, in Smith’s warped world, Monroe is too fat to be pretty.

Maybe it’s time to dust off the old saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Sharon Rutman

Far Rockaway

***

Smith’s extremely well-written commentary, “Fat Chance,” is excellent.

Congratulations on such a fine job telling it as it is.

“Suffering from obesity”? Indeed.

Dr. Elizabeth M Whelan

President

American Council

on Science and Health

Manahttan

***

To refer to those gorgeous, voluptuous women as “whales” and “a herd” is demeaning and demoralizing. Not one of those women is obese. They are curvy, confident and beautiful.

Shame on you, Smith, for your mean-spirited small-mindedness.

Terri Smith

Orlando, Fla.

***

Seeing pictures like those in V Magazine doesn’t make this “American lard lady” head straight to the Twinkie drawer. Rather, it encourages me to work harder in my quest to get more fit and healthy.

These models present a realistic goal and an attainable standard of beauty. Contrary to what Smith might think, the “plus-size” models in question are rarely larger than a size 12.

Shame does nothing more than send so-called giantesses into hiding with their Doritos and Big Macs. Shame leads to feelings of worthlessness, which only trigger more abuse of food as therapy.

Self-confidence and self-love are far more powerful weapons in the war against fat.

Delia A. DeRose

The Bronx

***

Even though plus-size models may have more skin than their stick- figure counterparts, is it thick enough to make it with the catwalk crowd and its critics?

My guess is yes. Their excess flesh has probably attracted unflattering, weight-related names way before they started posing for a living.

When you only see the small-size gals portrayed, you can’t help but feel “large,” even if you’re a size 8. Now that models are tipping both ends of the scale, it’s time for the next fashion frontier to represent those of us in-between girls.

Lorraine Duffy Merkl

Author, “Fat Chick”

Manhattan