The recent incident that occurred involving news anchor Jennifer Livingston from WKBT-TV in La Crosse, Wisconsin raises an interesting question. Are overweight women good role models? One viewer voiced his opinion to her in an email last week stating that she should rethink her responsibility as a role model due to size and unhealthy nature.
What has been interesting is that her on-air response has been aired across the Web and while many have stood behind her and supported the stance she took, calling him a bully and dealing with that aspect of the problem, others have confirmed the viewer's statements by saying that she is not a good role model because of her weight.
My thinking is that people are made up of so much more than just how they look. A woman's size does not define her. She may be the most giving person, loving mother, caring wife, intelligent woman, etc. Her body weight does not make her a bad role model.
I have personally struggled with my weight my whole life. I have an emotional bond with food that I've been dealing with for many years. No one really knows the struggles I've been through or what attempts I've made at losing weight. I was chosen for a weight loss program a few years ago and have since become a competitive powerlifter.
I am strong, confident, creative, caring, nurturing, loving, resilient, smart, helpful and would give friends and family the shirt off my back if they were in need. I think those things make me a good role model, regardless of how much I weigh. I have two boys who are aware that I struggle with my weight, but they also see that I never give up, I'm not afraid to try new things and I am more active and fit than many women who weight less than me. They are proud of who I am.
I'm glad that this news anchor spoke up about this and used her platform to address the topic. I believe that she is a positive role model who won't stand for bullying and may help others stand up for themselves too. She may also, unintentionally, help overweight girls and women accept themselves and have the confidence to defend themselves when the need arises.