Despite the activities of activists around the world, fat shaming – discrimination against overweight people – is still part of the culture. In Britain, the subject of ridicule and rude jokes about appearance was no longer even a person, but an “too fat” mannequin in a bridal salon.
The owner of the Somerset Bridal bridal salon in Minehead (UK), Debbie Shelley, said on her Facebook account that one of her mannequins was hit by a flurry of criticism – not only from visitors, but also from ordinary passers-by. The fact is that he imitated an overweight woman …
The Briton explained that overweight women become clients of her boutique no less than thin ones, so it seemed to her right to purchase a 5XL size mannequin and put it in the most prominent place – in the window.
The new purchase fell in love with Shelly so much that she even gave her a name – Fuchsia. It is probably related to the color of the mannequin – it is hot pink.
But passers-by did not like Fuchsia. According to Debbie, they often make unflattering comments about the size of the mannequin.
“Many mothers point at a mannequin in the form of a magnificent woman and advise their young daughters not to become so fat, otherwise no one will marry them, can you imagine?” – the owner of the salon is amazed.
Shelley adds that it is not uncommon for older ladies to stop near the window and wonder: who will marry such a plump girl?
The entrepreneur also spoke about an incident that occurred during the fitting of one of her visitors. The girl asked to take off Fuchsia’s wedding dress and heard strangers laughing at what was happening. Debbie noticed that her client was visibly sad because of this.
After that, the Briton even decided to place a sign near the mannequin: “Fuchsia has feelings, and we think she looks amazing. Please send her some love and don’t stoop to insults.”
At the same time, some stores install mannequins that visitors like, perhaps too much. For example, in October 2020, in Stavropol, Russia, a man stole a female mannequin dressed in lace underwear and stockings.
The incident was caught on surveillance cameras – later the footage was published by Telegram channels. The video shows how an attacker in a ski mask and a black suit breaks a window, then quickly gets inside and gets out already with a mannequin in his hands.
At the exit from the store, the thief lost his balance and fell, but quickly got up and ran away. According to the publication, the thief was in a state of intoxication, but he was never found …
Be that as it may, it is high time to admit: we are all different, we all like different things, and if someone does not like other people’s forms, this should not be reported to the one to whom they belong. If it is not yet possible to protect the feelings of people, then for a start you can practice … on mannequins.