Former SI model slams new plus sized model

Sports Illustrated just released their highly anticipated swimsuit edition. Of the three models chosen, one of them is plus sized. Ashley Graham, the plus sized model, is a groundbreaking addition to the magazine. Throughout SI's history, their cover girls have been small and petite. With the addition of Graham, SI is making an attempt to broaden their audience and address the issues surrounding body image.

 Cheryl Tiegs, a former SI swimsuit model, believes that celebrating Graham sends a negative message to women. She tells People magazine, "I don't like it that were talking about full-figured women because were glamourizing them, and your waist should be smaller than 35 [inches]. That's what Dr. Oz said and I'm sticking to it." 

Ties comments illustrate that there is still immense stigma and shame associated with plus sized women. In deeming them unworthy of talking about, we are cutting a group out of the picture. As women, and as people, we need to uphold and celebrate all women and those who identify as a woman, regardless of their size. 

-McKenzie