Saturday, September 09, 2006

Being PHAT (Pretty Hot and Tempting) in America

When people here in America tell me that I have a big behind, I tell them that I wish it was twice the size. When I answer that, I can see them in shock. I grew up in Africa and believe me, the bigger the behind the more beautiful one is considered.

In America having a blessed behind is considered ugly, being overweight. Look at the way people initially laughed at Jennifer Lopez because they said she had a big one. I was appalled at the airbrushing of her pictures to reduce the size of her behind. Funny, nowadays people are buying padded pants to make themselves look like they have big one. Thank you Beyonce? and all the others in the ‘bootylicious’ movement.

Truth said in most African cultures having a flat behind is considered ugly. Being thin is a sign of illness and misery. This brings me to my point today, and that it the film Phat Girlz.

Phat Girlz is a film written and produced by an Ethiopian-American, Nngest Likke. The film is based on her frustrations that she felt in America as a plus-size women. Phat Girlz did not do well at the Box office, and I’m not surprised. America is a society that worships what Hollywood feeds it. It’s image of beauty is a skeletal thin, blonde blue eyed woman. Phat Girlz protagonist is a heavyset black woman…a no no in Hollywood .

In Phat Girlz many Americans are in disbelief that a gorgeous well toned, Dr. Tunde (Jimmy Jean-Louis) can fall in loved with heavyset PHAT sister Jazmin (Mo’nique). Well, of course it’s possible and to him she is the most gorgeous woman on the planet. He was raised in a culture where the ‘Thick Madam’ is Queen. The saying that, “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” rings true here.

Well I have the Phat Girlz DVD, and I have watched everything on it and heard about thetrials and tribulations of making them film. I have to say that I am and will be forever grateful that this film was made. As I have said before it is long overdue. The film will definitely have a cult following. And with the release of the DVD Phat Girlz has moved from the #1 worst movie on the Internet Movie Database to the #7 its rating will probably rise as more people watch it. It’s no secret that there were racist and anti-fat campaigns against the movie which led to low turn out at the movies.

Phat Girlz is not about glorifying being fat, but accepting who you are, living life and yes, Phat peoples dreams can come true too.

Director /Producer Nnegest Likke asks viewers which ending they prefer. I prefer the Extended version ending where Jazimn tells viewers to go be with the one they love. That’s a romantic ending that gets viewers involved.

I look forward to Phat Girlz 2.

6 comments:

Reel Fanatic said...

As someone who shares your admiration for big behinds I can only say huzzah .. I was gonna skip Phat Girlz on DVD, but with your unique perspective, I think I'll give it a chance

Anonymous said...

Hey Chemi i have big admiration with sisters who are comfortable with "blessings". I am always amazed and moved looking at those curves, and the carefully moulded behinds, full lips and trust me i am not going to express all. I am not pervert, but when it comes "to tell it all" Ain't scared of nothin'.
I really do appreciate originality, me being jet blue black brother did not appreciate when people come and say damn peter you too black. What the ...! Africans come in Different shades. I believe the shade i have represent something intangible. This taught me appreciation and admiration i see beauty when hypocrites try to divert because of their short comings.
Whatever you represent i am with ya!

Maisha said...

hello chemi,nice blog you got here.imma add it to my faves so expect some whacky comments from a nutcase...;)

iamnasra said...

Its nice to see your blog...Im glad to be here

Anonymous said...

Hi Chemi!
I googled you as I hadn't heard much about you over the last --- decade?! and I'm really happy to see you are busy and productive. It seems you have also become a promoter of Phat Girlz - good for you! You won't believe it, but I have been living in Makongo, close to UDSM for the last five years. Next week I move to Mikocheni. I have a partner and son (age 13) living in Arusha, and I spend my time working on governance and corruption issues (research and consultancy). Do you ever come this way?
Best regards,
Brian Cooksey

MARK MAMBO said...

Hey Chemi ! Hongera sana Bi Mkubwa ! We are all fine here in Bongoland, and the skyscrappers are now mushrooming like dagaas in lake Tanganyiaka. Even your TNS building is shape-shaping now. Keep up the good work in your Blog.