Within the past 5 months I have become an African American book connoisseur. I have excessively been purchasing inspirational and guide books by African Americans authors. Yesterday, I walked in Barnes and Noble and saw the new Jennifer Hudson book, “I Got This”. This book is a memoir and an in-depth look at her journey to weight loss with Weigh Watchers. Viewing her interview (attached above), details the specifics of her book and why she decided to write one. She discusses why she decided to lose weight, how she has been treated differently because of her weight lost and just a tiny bit of her life growing up on the southside of Chicago. 

I am still debating on if I am going to purchase the book, but my research has sparked a few questions. Why are we as African American’s so indulged with losing weight? Why is it that appearance, in so many avenues dictates how far you will get? I understand and agree that you should look your best when you walk out the house, but no one should not feel pressured to lose weight in order to accepted by their peers. 

I myself, have completed a weight loss journey and it has been strictly for me and no one else. Have I noticed that I have been treated differently? Yes. Have I noticed that stares come more often? Yes. Have I been offered more opportunities? No. I guess that is the difference between Jennifer Hudson and myself. 

Either way, as African American women we need to do things for ourselves and no one else. We must stop looking at Buffy “The Body” and wishing we had her body. We have to stop looking at “The Basketball Wives” wishing we had their money. It is perfectly fine to want more for yourself, but comparing yourself to reality television and unrealistic body images is not the way.