http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4200762-video-some-thighs-too-fat-for-lululemon-pants-says-founder/ (link to the original story)
http://jezebel.com/lululemon-founder-sorry-he-said-your-fat-body-was-fucki-1463219018
(link to site hosting apology video)
This story isn't very "new" now, but I felt it was relevant to our discussion about beauty standards One week or so ago, the founder of Lululemon addressed the recent recall of some of their yoga pants. In an interview, he proceeded to imply that the defect in the pants wasn't do to a manufacturing problem, rather, it was due to the women who wearing them with such choice quotes as:
"Quite frankly, some women's bodies just don't work for it,"
"It's really about the rubbing through the thighs, how much pressure is there over a period of time, how much they use it."
In the wake of his comments, he's understandably faced much criticism, which prompted an apology video (which can found by following the second link). I don't have many deep thoughts on the matter, other then the thought that this kind of situation tends to be prevalent in patriarchal society in which we all live, which sees fit to dictate which bodies are acceptable (especially for women). If a product doesn't fit the way it was supposed to, it's easy for the head of a company to simply blame consumers for not having the body type that they decided was desirable, share that view in public, and not expect any criticism, not to mention the non-apology-apology....it's messed up. But I'm interested in your thoughts, so please, share them in the comment section!
The fact that he tried to justify what he said by saying "No, I think they can — it's just how you use it." is just proof that he knew he was wrong. And I like how they mentioned his wife's reaction. Honestly, he is a professional and the fact that he can't sensor himself from saying insensitive things and doesn't know the difference between what's appropriate to say and what isn't says a lot about his character.
ReplyDeleteI just don't understand. He works for a company where their main consumers are women. Like hello?
ReplyDeleteSo you are expected to be able to work out vigorously in them. I feel like the women that buy these products are women that sped and awful lot to do an excessive amount of cardio in pants that aren't going to split with wear. Beyond the fact that this guy is an idiot that I feel really thinks the problem is with a few whiners with thunder thighs, I feel like there has to be a defect with the actual material or stitching, something. He sold a defective product for the intended use and instead of believing that he could be wrong, its easier to fat shame.
ReplyDelete