Nike’s Plus-Size Mannequin Proves The World Is Full Of Love Amid ‘Fatphobic’ Backlash
When London’s flagship Nike store revealed their redesigned floor on June 6, inspired by “the diversity and inclusivity of the sport,” the world was overjoyed. Particularly owing to the inclusion of plus-size and para-sport mannequins, reflecting that athletes come in all shapes and sizes. Fact.
Well done @Nike !! First plus sized mannequin! ❤️❤️👊🏻👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/UvnoIxEo5E
— 🐣🐚Michele lee ..thats me🐣🐚 (@micklee68) 6 June 2019
"With the incredible momentum in women's sport right now, the redesigned space is just another demonstration of Nike's commitment to inspiring and serving the female athlete," said Nike's general manager and vice president for women in Europe, Sarah Hannah, in a statement.
And it makes sense – Nike stocks a Plus Size Collection with sizes ranging from 1X to 3X, and it would be ludicrous not to display that.
However, it seems one journalist wasn’t having a bite of this ‘ploy’.
In an article for The Telegraph’s Lifestyle section, writer Tanya Gold outlined how “obese mannequins are selling women a dangerous lie.” As expected, the internet is furious (and rightfully so).
Gold explained that the new Nike mannequin is far more than a healthy size 12 or a “hefty” size 16; “she is immense, gargantuan, vast. She heaves with fat.”
She goes on to say that this mannequin dressed ready for a run would never be able to complete such a task, but Tanya, please, how the do you know the capabilities of complete strangers? This pretty visceral description of the mannequin is the real dangerous lie in our opinion.
Luckily, the Internet is on our side and the positive outpour of support for plus-size athletes and the array of personal stories coming forward is simply inspiring.
In response to The Telegraph’s “fatphobia” article, women around the world are opening Gold’s eyes with truth bombs: health is not determined by appearance.
Wow @Telegraph - nice job with the Tanya Gold click bait. I look like that @nike mannequin, and I’ve done a 10k, a half, & a marathon this year. And there’s another 10k & a half coming up. If you think obese women can’t run you’ve clearly been living under a rock. pic.twitter.com/Pb2rFM5sRd
— Tegwen Tucker (@tegwentucker) 9 June 2019
Hey @Telegraph #tanyagold this plus size athlete has run 5 marathons, an Olympic triathlon, 2 tough mudders, a 42 mile ultramarathon and hundreds of other races and ALL in this Fat size 18 body!! If you are ever in need of some coaching to help you with your worthyness call me!!! pic.twitter.com/RWZBW1B1Vj
— Too Fat to Run? (@Fattymustrun) 10 June 2019
What an ignorant shame mongering clown Tanya Gold is. What a hateful, judgemental, uneducated stance to take on what is a positive, progressive and BRILLIANT move made by @Nike @NikeLA @nikestore I COMMEND THEM ENTIRELY and think Tanya Gold best find the nearest bin and jump in🚮 https://t.co/tNbfjDUWQs
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) 9 June 2019
Hi Tanya Gold. According to you my fat body doesn’t even deserve to wear clothes to work out now. My apparent internet doctor diagnosed health conditions are stopping me even getting dressed. Despite constantly being told to lose weight&exercise, I seemingly am also not worthy to pic.twitter.com/vUj0jSbHDf
— George (@FFigureFBust) 11 June 2019
Talk about backfiring – it seems the Internet has, if anything, made sure these women feel even more empowered to buy some sleek new sportswear and hit the pavement running. We can only imagine who will be at the centre of their motivating inner-chant.
- Tait McGregor