integgy

So, Jezebel* is a-flame in the comments section of an excellent article about Beth Ditto, by Dodai. However, I cannot help but be incredibly irritated at Ditto's refusal to acknowledge how difficult it is for fat women to find clothing. She is quoted as saying:

"I don't understand all these women who say they feel betrayed by fashion. A piece of clothing can't talk - it can't tell you that you can't have it - so really, you're just telling yourself that. You make yourself the victim, because if you want clothes that bad, then make them yourself. You have to get creative if you're fat. I'm really good at turning a belt into a necklace, and I can always find a nice pair of earrings."

And all I seem to be able to say is SERIOUSLY? I mean, I think the skill to sew is a lovely thing to have, but the point is that fat women shouldn't have to learn to sew. Yeah, it's hard for anything to fit anyone correctly. But it's not as hard for women who are size 14 and below to walk into a store, and find something anywhere close to fitting. I don't see you telling smaller women to learn how to sew, telling them that they can't complain about limited choices. Because, well, they don't have limited choices. It is not our responsibility as fat women to change ourselves, because if we just learn how to sew because we want clothes in a certain style, how are we helping other fat women get access to clothes that they like, and that fit? I guess what baffles me so much, is that she's trying to have it both ways. She promotes fat acceptance, but then turns it around and blames us for complaining about not being able to find clothes anywhere near our size. Where is the consistency?

And this is not to say that I don't support being creative when it comes to finding cute fatshions. I'm sometimes amazed at things that are supposed to be my size, but are too small, and things that should be too small fitting perfectly. Creativity is excellent. However, it's also difficult to be creative when, walking into the largest mall in California, you discover can only buy clothing at 5 or 6 stores. Please, do throw more of your excuses about how it's our fault for "making ourselves victims". True, clothing cannot talk, but the mouthpieces of the fashion industry can, and they're the ones who continuously to refuse to acknowledge that fat women deserve to clothe themselves in the latest trends. For someone who otherwise comes off as fabulously self-aware, comments like this on your part disappoint me.

*And of course, after over 2 weeks, I STILL don't have an approved commenting account. Fuckers.