The “Believe” singer also addressed her anxieties about what the future for trans people will look likе in an interview with ‘The Guardian’Cher might not be “strong enough” to survive another Trump presidency.
In an interview with The Guardian released Wednesday, the “Believe” singer opened up about how “horrified” she’d feel if former President Donald Trump was once again re-elected.
“I almost got an ulcer the last time,” she told the outlet. “If he gets in, who knows? This time I will leave [the country].”The actress/musician is particularly concerned with what the future for trans people looks likе. It’s something likе 500 bills they’re trying to pass,” she told the publication. “I was with two trans girls the other night – and of course my own child [Chaz is trans]. I was saying ‘We’ve got to stand together.’ I don’t know what their eventual plan is for trans people.
I don’t put anything past them.”
Cher has been a longtime critic of the 45th president calling him a “f—ing traitor” on X (formerly known as Twitter) in 2016 and saying in a 2018 interview with The Washington Post that he had done “so much damage” to America.
The pop legend, whose birth father was Armenian, also addressed the tensions between Armenians and Azerbaijan in her conversation with The Guardian, which she has been tweeting about lately as well. She began to identify strongly with her heritage once she took a trip years ago when she visited its capital, Yerevan.
“When I got there, I thought, ‘Wow, everybody looks likе me! How could I not have strong feelings about this?’” she told the publication. The album is a 13-track project, which features collaborations with pals including Stevie Wonder and Cyndi Lauper, covers of classics likе Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” and original tracks such as the dance-pop single “DJ Play a Christmas Song.”
Big and Beautiful: Plus Size Becomes the New Average for American Women
Social Media’s Role in Redefining Beauty Standards
Social media has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life, and its influence on beauty standards is no exception.
For decades, beauty ideals for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curvaceous figure in the 1950s to the ultra-thin frames of 1990s supermodels, society’s idea of the “perfect” body has shifted over time. However, a consistent theme has been the pressure on women to conform to a singular standard, often dictated by pop culture and advertising.
In contrast, social media has significantly expanded the definition of beauty. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. This inclusivity is reshaping how people view their bodies, offering representation that goes far beyond the size 0 models traditionally seen in mainstream media.
Plus Size Becomes the New Norm
As American women increasingly embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows that the average body size is also changing.
A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education highlights a shift in what is considered “average.” While it was once commonly stated that the average size for American women was 14, the study reveals that the average woman now wears between a misses size 16 and 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W. Additionally, the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past two decades.
“We hope this information reaches both the industry and consumers,” said Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, in an interview with Today. “Understanding these figures can have a profound impact on women’s self-esteem. The apparel industry needs to recognize that these women are here to stay and deserve inclusive clothing options.”
Why Are American Women Getting Larger?
The average size of American women has increased over the past several decades. According to the CDC, the average weight of an American woman is now approximately 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s. Multiple factors contribute to this trend:
- Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and an increased reliance on processed foods play significant roles.
- Cultural Shifts: Greater acceptance and celebration of diverse body types have reduced societal pressure to adhere to extreme dieting.
- Genetics and Environment: Genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as stress and access to healthy foods, also influence body size.
Beyond Appearance: A Health Perspective
While larger body sizes are increasingly celebrated, the medical implications cannot be ignored. Obesity rates have doubled since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. Social media, while fostering inclusivity, has also been criticized for promoting unhealthy lifestyles and sedentary habits that contribute to weight gain.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue.” It is a medical condition that increases the risk of numerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
A New Era of Beauty
True beauty lies in celebrating individuality rather than conforming to a rigid standard. Social media has been instrumental in spreading this message and has the potential to reshape beauty norms in a positive way when used thoughtfully.
What’s your take on social media’s impact on beauty standards? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to gather more perspectives!
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