As far as New Year's resolutions go, getting healthy and losing weight is always at the top of everyone's list. Whether it's a health risk or a self-image thing, reasons are reasons and that is all you need for motivation. Whatever your reason, that's all fine and dandy.
However, this post is birthed out of disappointment.
Raven-Symone walked into our lives as three-year old Olivia Kendall on The Cosby Show. (I, however, knew her from re-runs.) As she grew up and conquered the Hollywood scene, she always stayed grounded. She didn't let the stereo-types of Hollywood define her. That's a very admirable quality in a person.
Now, if you're anything like certain people in my family, you found her absolutely annoying from day one. But, I, on the other hand, thought she was talented and had great comedic timing. The thing about Raven that I liked the most was her self-confidence. When she wanted something, she went after it, no matter what people thought or said. If she wanted to record an album, she did. If she was offered a role they told her wasn't right for her, she took it and made it rock. At such a young age, too!
Raven was always had a curvy figure. A classy and beautiful curvaceous figure. It was who she was. It wasn't the topic of controversy in the media. It was simply a "take me as I am" attitude she had that was respected.
Today I read an article that just completely enraged me. I don't know if I'm getting the full story or not, but what I read just - completely disappointed me.
Raven Symone took her full-figured body and turned it into one that is sleek and toned. You might be saying "Oh, that's great! Good for her!" That's what I thought...until I read further. Raven-Symone said, (and I quote) "I thought I looked fabulous before and nobody else did." Losing weight to help you feel better about yourself is one thing. Doing it for other people, when you are already content with the way you look, is something different entirely!
Unfortunately, I kept reading.
"Actually, now I wear bigger clothes because I don't like the way people stare at me. I liked it before. Now, you're just looking at me for the wrong reasons. Before, you were actually looking at me for a real reason." Raven is not even comfortable with her new look! Why? Hunni, you did it for the wrong reasons! People are looking at you because you actually became what they wanted you to be!
I just don't get it. I'm one of those people who isn't always comfortable with the way I look, but I would never change my body for someone else. I might get healthier to
benefit people, but I wouldn't do it for the sake of others. This was one of those girls that was a role model for kids. This girl was a confident, talented person living her dreams. And now she's letting the people who don't matter tell her she's not pretty because she's "fat!" No way, Jose! That just boils my blood. I guess with all of the scandals in Hollywood with Miley and Lindsey, etc., I was just hoping one of them could prove to us that there is more to life that fitting into a cookie cutter world.
So, this is to you, Raven-Symone. While you are still a classy, talented lady, this was an incredibly disappointing move.