Plus Size as a derogatory term?

Question

This term denotes patriarchal hatred of women. It infers these women are over the size limit to a negative degree. It's interesting to see this term does not apply to men. It is an attempt to make what is normal abnormal and to make womyn who wear
clothing over a size 12 feel like slovenly fat slobs, gross aberrations and
losers. The plus size label definitely sends a message of bias towards the
womyn the patriarchy deems 'fat.' Sort of along the same lines as 'feminine
hygiene' products tell us we are inherently filthy. The patriarchy feels as
though it must neatly label, classify everything even if it is derogatory.

Answer 1

Wow. Feel better now?



I don't agree with you at all. Plus-size is not a derogatory term, and I have seen it applied to men (albeit not often). And women themselves buy feminine hygiene products; if anyone finds the concept demeaning, you'd never know it from the sales figures.

Answer 2

I don't see "plus size" as a derogatory label.

I'm unable to buy into your thesis - it just doesn't hold water or offer objective proofs to support your position. In addition, linking your issue with these two words with Hillary-bashing really just kills the whole argument for me. One thing has nothing to do with the other.



If you look at it from an objective standpoint and base the label on clothing-based sizing, it simply means that such women wear sizes that are above the straight size run of 0-8. How is that derogatory? It's objective fact. I can find dozens of websites that celebrate the term "plus size" in much more concise and elegant manners than your bashing of the term.



I appreciate your passion, believe it or not, and the fact that the numbers 10 and up on size tags strike utter fear and hatred in some people is a joke, but attacking the "patriarchy" via this particular term requires a well-thought out, objective and organized argument, and I just don't see that here.



We all label things - you've done it several times in your post, and by using the language of the "patriarchy," no less.

Answer 3

I think you're right that the term is unnecessary, but I personally never saw it as negative. Almost all of the women I find attractive are plus-sized, which I see as normal. So I don't use the label.



I think your three points after your main question are slightly off, though. I can't speak for any other people, but I'm against Hillary Clinton (and for John McCain) because I disagree with her politically. It has nothing to do with her being female. If, say, Elizabeth Dole, a woman who I do agree with politically, was able to win the presidency, I would vote for her.



As for plus-sized men, that would never fly because guys tend to care less than women what other people think of them. Most girls I know want to be liked by anyone they meet. As such, they worry about their appearances more. Most guys could care less. What would masculine hygiene products even be? You might be reading into this a little much.

Answer 4

I agree with RoVale on the need for clothes that are longer!

It seems most clothing is made for shorter people.

I go between a 10 and 12, and am made to feel as if that is too big, that a size 6 is normal. This is by my female friends, men have not ever made me think or feel "fat" at sizes 10 or 12.

I do remember when I was a little girl my Mom had gained a lot of weight and wore a brand of jeans called "Wide Load", I was embarrassed by that, not because of her size, but the name on the jeans! I thought it was very derogatory toward her, she was and is a beautiful woman regardless of her weight.

Answer 5

That's ridiculous. A plus sized woman is larger than average and will have a harder time finding clothes. Labelling a store or section "plus size" makes it easier for her to find clothes.



And they do have this for men. Usually it's called Big and Tall, but the meaning behind it is the same.



You can find many other examples of euphemisms for products that are used by men and women. Toilet paper is really a dirty poo wipe but that label isn't going to make people feel comfortable.



This has nothing to do with patriarchy and everything to do with society as a whole.

Answer 6

Something that I've discovered from reading recent books about rhetoric is exactly how powerful simple word connotation can be. I read this interesting article about Hillary Clinton's campaign- how some groups that have formed against her specifically used sexist language. Personally I'm no Clinton supporter myself, but I still find it disgusting when I see groups opposing her called "Stop Running for President and Make Me a Sandwich." The article that I read addressed how more swear words are only applicable to women (b!^ch, whore, etc), and that some denounce Hillary with the terrible phrase "she puts the c@%t in country"-again, it disgusting.

I hadn't thought so seriously about the word choice of "plus size" and "feminine hygiene," though. I'm not sure if it makes as strong of a case, but it's still thoroughly engrossing to think about.

Answer 7

Are you stark raving mad?

Plus sizes denotes anything from a large woman's jeans to a very tall man's suit. Like the first poster indicated, it is a 'fact' that the sizes are above the regular sizes (perhaps not in some countries).

Have you devised a better, more shorthand term?

Answer 8

I wear over a size 12 and I am hardly obese. In fact, I'm far from it. Size 12 is quite slim for me since I am tall. I just wish there was more of a selection in clothing that are properly proportioned for tall women. I often get men's jackets and pants because they have longer sleeves and inseams and fit me better.

Answer 9

I see what your saying, but what should they be called?

Or better yet it would be great if our sizes where more like men. they could have waist, hips, inseam.

On the hygiene products, that makes sense...if we didn't have them it does make a mess. It's better then a lot of other names one could come up with.

Careful naming your size on here several of the guys seem to think that a size 12 is "morbidly obese"

Answer 10

I'd rather be called "plus-sized" than fat. And of course you rarely see it applied to men's clothing. Their clothing sizes actually make sense. They're measured in inches realistically, not the manufacturer's interpretation of what a size X should be.

Answer 11

Wow. I've never thought of it that way. Although, I've noticed that Lane Bryant sizes are different than that of other brands...such as a 3 (labeled average) being normally a size 20 or something like that. I used to work at a Rugged Wearhouse, and we carried all sorts of brands including LB.

That IS weird about men's sizes...the closest thing I've seen equal to a plus size in women are "Big Men's clothing" or "Extra Long and Tall."

Answer 12

Okay, so lets go back to using simple correct terms: Fat.

Or perhaps you prefer medical terms: Obese.

I however am opposed to changing the term voluptuous and curvy to mean fat, just so fat women can feel better about themselves. To change words to soften the blow of reality on anyone is simply to enable them to continue to live an unhealthy and debilitating lifestyle. By the way, that is what 'plus size' was originally for; to appease fat women!

Answer 13

i think its better than other things they could use. they culd say obese , fat persons clothes or they could use the tent scale. to go from pup tent all the way up to circus tent and bigger. I know somebody might get offended by this but i'm a big fella 350 plus pounds and wear a size 50 in pants but i actually have a sence of humor about my size. those who get offended about people mention their weight i have one suggestion get over it. Either lose weight or learn to be happy with who you are at the size your at

Answer 14

Plus-sized is not derogatory, it is descriptive. And men purchase hygiene products as well. Get over it.

Answer 15

whilst i exploit words which includes curvy and voluptuous i'm refering especially to an hourglass, pear or vase shape discern and having a definite waist/hip ratio, to not females being obese or fat. As for thick, that's what i might evaluate somebody with somewhat greater meat on their bones generally as a results of muscle from determining. huge and massive; that could desire to intend distinctive issues. it would desire to be describing a lady bodybuilder or a tall amazon woman. this is not an define of fatness yet length. I evaluate myself thick and curvy and my physique fat share is interior the healthful variety. yet I might desire to declare i'm not rather extremely joyful whilst a woman with 35% physique fat and abdomen that hangs over her pants refers to herself as thick or curvy.

Answer 16

shh, shh, calm down Him. here, have a twinkie KIDDING!



i didn't think people still use plus size. when i go shopping with my wife, the "plus size" section says "Women's Sizes". The smaller clothes section says, "Misses".