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Recently, Marilyn Monroe has been in the news again (if you haven't heard, go to www.news.google.com and type in "monroe" and "lohan"). I happened upon one of the stories and they were talking about Monroe's body size.
I have heard numerous times "Oh, Marilyn was a size 12" or a size 14 or a size 16.
I hate hearing this because it doesn't actually mean anything. Monroe was about 5'5" and weighed, at her heaviest, probably about 140 lbs.
There is no way that Monroe was wearing what we would today call a size 16. Companies know that women don't want to be putting on a large shirt so as the average size of women goes up, the size of the clothing goes up too. It's called vanity sizing or size inflation and it's pretty well known/documented.
Now, there's something to be said here about the increased rate of obesity, the distortion of body image prevelant in society and even American consumerism, but I'm sure you all know these points already. I just wanted to say that it irritates me that every time I hear about Monroe in the news, I hear about her dress size, which is of little importance.
Posted by
Laurie Perini
I have heard numerous times "Oh, Marilyn was a size 12" or a size 14 or a size 16.
I hate hearing this because it doesn't actually mean anything. Monroe was about 5'5" and weighed, at her heaviest, probably about 140 lbs.
There is no way that Monroe was wearing what we would today call a size 16. Companies know that women don't want to be putting on a large shirt so as the average size of women goes up, the size of the clothing goes up too. It's called vanity sizing or size inflation and it's pretty well known/documented.
Now, there's something to be said here about the increased rate of obesity, the distortion of body image prevelant in society and even American consumerism, but I'm sure you all know these points already. I just wanted to say that it irritates me that every time I hear about Monroe in the news, I hear about her dress size, which is of little importance.
Posted by
Laurie Perini
posted by The Phoenix Files at
10:35 AM
9 Comments:
So I am guessing Phoenixville's version of Polka Dots couldn't outfit Marilyn Monroe either?
Seriously, I am 5'9 and wear a size 14. I am not large, but I was insulted that Polka Dots only catered to small women, and in the end slammed the rest of us for being too large. I have a very good income, but didn't spend a dime of it there because she had nothing to offer me. Too bad for Polka Dots.
The anger is misdirected at Polka Dots. They according to the letter to the editor a few weeks back, It was a well over paid pony tailed Borough financed Main Street Manager that made the remarks. Yet, not council, nor the CDC or even this paper have chided him for these remarks. Being a curvy gal myself, I am offended by his remarks and anyone who loves us should be offended as well.
Marilyn Monroe did have comedic skills and earned nominations and awards...
But she is still primarily a sex symbol. A lot of this is her suggestive body and verbal language, but of course also involves her body.
Because of that, it might not be the most important aspect of her, but it does play a good role.
Some who strive, advise and/or pressure for a slimmer body could be criticize for bringing unfair commentary onto the past.
On the other hand, there are those who incorrectly list her as a size 16 in an attempt to honor women today who don't wear a size 0.
The media can be blamed for influencing Body Dismorphic Disorder and it's true that your size doesn't solely define your health. Even the BMI has flaws which many are hopefully aware of.
However,(not to stereotype) I see and hear a lot of curvy women and larger men who call themselves "healthy", who preach to the choir about the psychological damage while ignoring the physiological.
I've even seen these people down their fifth drink of the night at Molly's or eat out multiple times a week. WE KNOW WHO WE ARE.
So yes, let's encourage acceptance of all sizes. However, let's not go nuts and recall Dove Body ads to empower and excuse multiple trips to Brown Cow.
The average American woman is a size 14. As for your obsession with Marilyn's size, I suggest a little therapy for body dysmorphic disorder. Look it up.
^http://alphareadingsolutions.com/
A decent site that will help with reading comprehension skills
To Anonymous 2/22 @ 6:12 pm
I didn't realize the Average Woman was a size 14. Thank you for that information. Why then didn't Polka Dots cater to the average woman? They might have done a little more business. Being a size 14 myself, I might have even purchased something there.
I heard from several people that Polka Dots filled their Phoenixville store with clothing Main Line women wouldn't buy. What makes the owner think we wanted it-in a small sizes no less?
Dear Curvy Gal,
The owner of Polka Dots slammed larger sized Phoenixville women in her exit interview with a Phoenix reporter. Her words were on the front page. Pony Tail just offered his remarks to counter hers.
What exactly was said by the owner and what was said by the main street manager?
The only interview I could find is this link reporting the closing,
http://www.phoenixvillenews.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Daily?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.pgpath=%2FPVN%2FHome&r21.content=%2FPVN%2FHome%2FTopStoryList_Story_1517423
But I don't see any slam on larger sized women
^update: Link didn't go through, but the article I'm referring to is the Feb 1st article titled: "Polka Dots Set For Closure"
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