Yes, exactly. Just live your life and set examples that way.

The issue here is that this type of protesting too much is how she remains popular.

@ShadowAmicus @Athena Wow, I didn't see protesting at all. I saw someone making a statement about how hard it is to accept yourself when you're bombarded with messages that you're not good enough. She seemed awkward, and I get that. But I give her a lot of credit, because she's one of the first curvy models to have made it in the mainstream, and she's a role model for a lot of women like myself who've felt ashamed of their bodies, especially when we were younger. Plus-size departments were hidden in the back of stores, and clothing styles were awful for years -- imagine being in your 20's and the only things that are available to you are old-looking and dowdy. And constantly being taken down for your size, all the time. It's harder to just "be" when you're dealing with all that crap.

@bleurowz I understand the issues of lacking self confidence, but watching someone tell you to feel better is not a solution, particularly when she doesn't sound convincing. It is a cultural problem, particularly in america; women in germany seem to have no such hangups about their bodies - it is all a state of mind.

@ShadowAmicus I'm very much aware it's a cultural thing. The US isn't Germany, and unfortunately, a lot of women and girls here have gotten very negative messages about their bodies, and it's going to take some time to change that. She sounds convincing to me, though I know one person speaking up isn't going to change anything -- but it starts with one person, and then another, and another.

@bleurowzThen be brave and become a changeling - you are beautiful - just believe in yourself

@bleurowz

I do understand that plus sized women have faced challenges. Where Ashley misses the mark here is that all women face body image challenges. Not too long ago a member here spoke of how she was criticized for being too slender. A man stated he preferred someone with more curves.

I have friends who are told they have no shape and that makes them feel terrible. I've been told I'm too muscled. We are all being scrutinized in some way and more than ever curves are not only accepted but loved! You can say in some cases that saddened are the women with normal sized butts!

I don't care who thinks I'm too fit, or slim, or if someone thinks I should lose a few. Why should I? All shapes and sizes appeal to some people and most importantly, my body appeals to me. I don't feel the need to convince anyone of it.

Ashley goes on too much about this poor treatment while simultaneously receiving millions of "likes" on her Instagram and endless support from fans. I think this is a bid for popularity by playing the victim.

She is a beautiful woman with a great career. Her weight fluctuates by 30 lbs or more, often, suggesting she is trying to lose weight.
There is a real disconnection regarding what she says versus what she does. And, the messages that slim women aren't "real women" is unacceptable.

How dare she?

@Athena You're absolutely right, body image IS something everyone grapples with. But it seems you think she should be the spokesperson for EVERY different-sized woman who exists, or she shouldn't say anything. If you're so pissed, instead of criticizing her, why don't you find other examples of different-sized people speaking out to add to the conversation?

@bleurowz

I think she has every right to speak on the subject of the struggles she faces with her body type.

But, why does she have to suggest thin women are any less womanly? Not sure why this point is so difficult to grasp
Also, I am a slim, fit person... I say that not because I wish to brag, but because, despite this, I can be and am very supportive of, and can also speak in defense of all body types. What is her problem? Why not be more inclusive?

I wouldn't describe my reaction to her as angry. She has nothing to contribute that has that much value to the extent I'd care that much. I do think she'd be angry if I, or anyone else, were to suggest that plus sized woman aren't real women.

Perhaps you would be too? If anyone is criticizing anyone, it's her and claiming victim status to do it.

@Athena I gave you the benefit of the doubt and watched the video again... I don't know what you're hearing, because nowhere does she suggest that thin women are less womanly. I hear absolutely no criticism aimed at anyone, except at the industry that told her she wasn't good enough... I also don't hear victim, I hear someone who overcame a lot of negativity... She also mentioned many times about woman learning to appreciate their bodies, but didn't specifically mention plus-sized women. She mentioned the survey done with thousands of women in several countries where only 2% of women found themselves beautiful -- I find it impossible to believe she was talking exclusively about curvy women... You want to see her as negative, that's fine. I don't.

@bleurowz
I'm speaking of other interviews I've seen with her. There have been many. It's why I mentioned at the get go that I'm not a fan of hers.

It's great that she has fans. I'm not one of them. I look to people who present with a bit more class. Many other curvy women do who have no need to mention their first world "curvy model" problems.

@Athena Fair enough. I suppose I'm just not properly classy.

@bleurowz

Oh I see, based on where you went with that.

This all makes a lot more sense now.

@Athena No, I just don't agree. That doesn't make me unclassy.