Greetings my Clever Girl Life Crew! I’m Dr. Dawne, Chicago’s own Board-certified Ob/Gyn. My mission is to empower women with pertinent reproductive health facts. Sunday night at the 2018 Grammy’s, Rihanna performed her latest hit, “Wild Thoughts”, and gave a great performance. Once again, body shaming occurred, where people commented on the fact that Rihanna was noticeably heavier than she’s been in the past. “Thicker than a snicker”, was stated in more than one conversation. Some resorted to the classic question, “Is she pregnant?”, because, OBVIOUSLY she wouldn’t be that size on PURPOSE, (a classic body shaming technique). But what I also noticed is that… a lot of people not only loved Rihanna at her new weight, but also people found her… SEXIER. Now let’s be clear, Rihanna is an absolutely stunning woman, period, so she is already starting with a stacked deck. But in reading posts from people from all walks of life, men and WOMEN, most stated that if Rihanna wanted them for the night, she could have them. She had women really questioning their sexuality, and I was here for it all.
More importantly, people are commented on how HAPPY Rihanna looked that night and has been looking lately. She really seemed to be enjoying herself during her Grammy performance. I think it’s no coincidence that these events are occurring at the same time. Basically, Rihanna is not pressed. She has more than proven her star power and longevity in the music industry. She is a fashion icon, pushing the envelope with her style choices. Her latest business venture, Fenty Beauty, is wildly successful as well (not to mention setting a new standard for including ALL skin tones in her makeup line). At this point, Rihanna is untouchable; and she knows it. What I admire is how she OWNS her body image, and basically dares someone to front her about it. “If you can’t handle my 2007 Gucci Mane, then you don’t deserve my 2017 Gucci Mane”, she has said, basically, saying take me as I am, or leave me be. I myself applaud her for it.
Why? Because the double standards women are held to can be crippling. There’s an unrealistic demand for women to be eternally beautiful, eternally young, and eternally thin; otherwise their worth plummets. Even in fields that aren’t based on looks, the undercurrent is still there. And we women often fall for it. The weight loss systems, gym memberships, plastic surgery, work to create unreasonable expectations. Don’t get me wrong, a healthy lifestyle is always the goal. But when we base our self-worth on our physical attractiveness, when that falls away, we need a stable foundation to base our self-worth on. While we are developing a strong, healthy body and mind, let’s also remember to develop strength in our character; such as kindness, patience, and self-acceptance
Rihanna represents an accomplished woman with demonstrated success. She has learned enough about herself and has gained enough confidence in herself to be UNBOTHERED about her nay Sayers. We should all take note. #thickRihanna #body shaming #body confidence
So be sure to check out my website at www.DrDawneobgyn.com, and follow me on FB, IG and Twitter at DrDawneObGyn. And remember,
Know More, Be Better!
Dr. Dawne Collier-Dupart is a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist, women’s health educator, 2X best-selling author, and speaker. Dr. Dawne resides in Chicago with her husband, Olufemi Dupart and puppy Apollo Creed. For further information about how to overcome body shaming, read her new book “The Clever Girl Life: A Teen Guide to Positive Body Image, Self-Confidence, and Life Happiness’, you can find it here.
