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.
"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.
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
