Originally posted by slick
My idols: Jann Arden, Momma Cass (RIP) and all the other "large" artists out there. Along with their outstanding talent, they have (had) the confidence to follow their dreams in spite of their size. God I wish I could be like that.
Slick, while I applaud you for not being sizist, I think it is just as unhealthy you list these people as "Idols."

Let's be honest. Mama Cass died of obesity related heart disease (not the reported ham sandwich choke.) She was 5'5" and 238 pounds- twice the normal weight for a woman her height. Obesity is just as unhealthy as anorexia.

I disagree with the idea that we should look up to people who are overweight just because they are overweight. Like her for her music if you want, but her body type is nothing to idolize. It is just as deadly, if not moreso, than Laura Flynn Boyle's weight.

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States because we are becoming a lazy fast food society. This kind of body is not the norm worldwide and it is a MAJOR killer of Americans every year. So no, I don't think we should idolize anyone because they have a deadly eating disorder.