Hey All!!!
I was reading a story about Matthew McConaughey today on http://www.theybf.com/. He was interviewed by ELLE magazine and was asked, "Any woman you can think of who might not be coverworthy, but whom you find attractive?"
Matthew M.'s response: "Not so specifically, but yeah. And I see it more with black women, who get dressed up and they’re wearin’ everything to fit snug, and they’re walking the walk. And you’re like, Man, look at you go! Where did you get that? She might be a larger package, but boy, she sure understands how she’s wrapped."
Now, honestly, Matthew M. doesn't interest me. No offense. I just haven't connected with him as an actor or anything else. Physically, he's not my type; so, I don't go ga-ga when he comes on screen or is shirtless between magazine pages. The only reason I'm writing about this is because after reading the comments posted on http://www.theybf.com/, it was very apparent that many women had taken offense.
In my opinion, the offended women are being too sensitive. Now, don't get it twisted...my "too sensitive" comment does NOT apply across the board when discussing race. However, in this case, I believe it fits. How long have African Americans complained about being invisible in mainstream society? How long did it take for a Black woman to grace a mainstream magazine cover, or to even get a spread inside? For so long, Black people had not even been a consideration for anything...jobs, club memberships, private schools, acting roles, modeling gigs, etc.
Today, it's not a perfect world, but much improvement has been made. There are still some "firsts" to be accomplished, but many have already been achieved...as well as, seconds, thirds and so on. Many would give some thanks to Hip Hop for today's spotlight on African Americans and our culture. Hip Hop's influence can be seen throughout the world. So, with all that shine comes good and bad.
The BAD...folks are going to talk whether you want then to or not. Comments are going to be made. Opinions are going to be given. You will not like many of them. However, would you prefer to be invisible again? Would you prefer to not be mentioned or thought of at all?
Regarding Matthew M.'s comment...I have no problem with it. I truly believe he was paying a compliment. Apparently, he dates Black and other women of color. Here are some pics of Matthew with the mother of his son, who, I've read, is Brazilian.
Offended commenters mainly pointed out two points. Number one, the question was about women who are not coverworthy. It can be inferred that Matthew thinks Black women are not coverworthy. However, I would bet money he loves seeing Halle Berry and a few other sisters on any magazine cover. His answer reflects the fact that he is very familiar with the Hollywood culture that is behind the interviewer's question. Size standards in the modeling industry are no secret. In recent years, there have been efforts to make those standards more healthy and realistic; nonetheless, rail thin is still in, as far as too many are concerned.
It is the same with Hollywood actresses. When I worked in LA, rumors were rampant about various actresses not eating enough for a small child, let alone a grown woman. Every other day, some actress was fainting from hunger on a set. To see those same actresses in person was a frightening sight. Some even looked too thin on TV, which supposedly adds 10 pounds.
Secondly, commenters took offense to Matthew saying "larger package." Well, it's not hard to be larger than the frail women Matthew sees on a regular in Hollywood. To me, being larger than those women is a great thing! If I could, I would examine the self-image of the women offended by that statement. I would venture to say that they are not so comfortable with their own sizes and felt a little judged. So, it's not that what Matthew said is offensive, so much as these women are sensitive about their weight.
Now, I could be wrong. I've been wrong before, and I'm okay with that. Still, I don't believe Matthew M. meant any harm. I believe his attraction for Black women is real, and I would encourage one of my Black girlfriends to go out with him if he asked her.
What about YOU?!? Consider what I've said and let me know your most honest thoughts. I look forward to it.
Thanks!!!
CiMa xoxoxo
