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A post from a social media user read: “LiZzO sHoUlDn’T hAvE wOrN tHaT.”
Do you think Lizzo really gives a f**k what you think?
On Sunday night, Lizzo in all of her voluptuous and BBW glory, attended the Los Angeles Lakers game, likely to unwind after just having wrapped up her Cuz I Love You Too Tour a few weeks prior. The Houston songstress made headlines for wearing an outfit that blended the concepts of risqué and couture, resulting in an oversized dress, or shirt, with a cut out hole in the buttocks area. Yes, her ass and thong were on full display for the world to see.
To add insult to your injury (because not all of us were pissed — I was geeked!) she celebrated the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers' Laker Girls performed their half-time routine to Lizzo’s hit song "Juice." How did she celebrate this momentous occasion? Twerking, of course!
Personally, I was flabbergasted when I logged online to see people really taking time out of their day to bash Lizzo’s outfit choice, deeming it inappropriate for a family friendly event. Isn’t this the same family friendly event where Nicki Minaj showed up last year in literal leather bondage? I can’t recall her receiving nearly as much backlash as Lizzo did. That is not to say either of the two deserved it — no one should receive backlash for their clothing choices, especially Black women. Unfortunately, most of the world feels comfortable policing the bodies of Black women and how they express themselves, but when we as Black people start to follow suit, then it becomes a bit more alarming.
When I see people taking the time out of their “packed schedules” to degrade this Black Queen on her outfit choices, that’s high-key rooted in fatphobia. I’m reminded of Sara Baartman. For those who are unfamiliar, Baartman was a South African woman who was put on display in the manner of a freak show attraction during 19th century Europe. Onlookers were able to gawk at her while commenting (probably criticizing) her appearance. Are you all not doing the same thing? I mean, surely the generation, who is so “booked and busy” doesn’t have time to partake in the cyber-bullying that I’ve seen in the past few days — at least that’s what I hoped.
It’s unfortunate that so many people are still holding on to archaic standards of beauty that have been largely forced upon us by external sources that prioritize white beauty standards. These standards are so internalized that a lot of folks react in such a visceral way to anything or anyone that doesn’t fit that mold. We don’t know for sure what the responses would’ve looked like had Rihanna or your favorite wannabe Black girl, Kim Kardashian, worn something similar, but we have an idea.
In 2014 when Rihanna was presented the Fashion Icon lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, she wore a lovely sequined dress with her breasts on full display. The Barbadian musician was largely praised for this daring fashion statement, so why isn't Lizzo receiving that same energy? Before you go on to state that those were two different events, with a family-friendly NBA game being incomparable to a Fashion Awards show, please keep in mind they are both high-profile celebrities, deserving of the same criticisms and the same level of respect.
For years, those of us who don’t fall in those rigid confines of what society deems physical beauty have been subjected to mistreatment and unfair bias when it comes to our weight and what we wear. I’ve been seeing a lot of folks making statements along the lines of, “Well of course other fat people will support Lizzo.” And you know what? You’re damn right! We have a full-figured, talented superstar stepping up as an advocate for real body positivity and we love to see it. Everyone should love to see it — it being the fact that Lizzo is actively trying to deconstruct the toxic ways in which we think of beauty and body politics.
I honestly don’t think Lizzo cares about the fatphobic backlash that she’s receiving. In fact, she even said so. A part of me feels when people who belong to communities that have largely been ignored and treated with contempt and start to simply not give a f**k, their oppressors become angry. They become angry because despite their attacks and ridiculing, people like Lizzo will continue to rise up, secure the bag and leave you with that silly ass frown that you think means something.
Why do you care so much what people wear? Look within yourself and try to make strides towards understanding why Lizzo should pay for your insecurities.
