I Can Smell the Haterade on Howard Stern’s Breath…and it Stinks
by Kelly
What do you think about Howard Stern’s comments about Precious star Gabourey Sidibe? It is highly unlikely that she will have a very long Hollywood career due to the body-image obsession that is inherent in the entertainment business. However, did he have to put it so rudely? I’m a fan of being blunt, but I think that Stern (his reputation as a shock jock aside) could have picked his words better.
He called her, “the most enormous, fat black chick I’ve ever seen … You feel bad because everyone pretends that she’s part of show business and she’s never going to be in another movie,” Stern added.
“What movie is she going to be in? ‘Blind Side 2,’ she could be the football player.”
Howard accused Oprah Winfrey, who introduced Sidibe at the Oscars when the best actress nominees were announced, of lying to Sidibe.
“When we look at you,” Winfrey told the 26-year-old from the Oscars stage, “we see a true, American Cinderella who’s on the threshold of a brilliant new career.”
Stern disagreed. “She told an enormous woman the size of a planet that she’s going to have a career,” he said during his broadcast. “Oprah should’ve said, ‘you need to get help, we don’t want to lose you.’ “
For Stern, Sidibe’s size is not just a problem for her career, but her health as well.
“You just want to say to her, listen, honey, now that you’ve got a little money in the bank go get yourself thin, because you’re going to die in three years,” he said.”
There is a lot going on here that’s just plain moronic:
1) She’s a large person, and yes, obesity has its health risks. Does Stern really think Sidibe doesn’t know this? Until he gets his medical license perhaps he should stick to talking about tits and ass – those are the only anatomical features Stern knows two shits about.
2) He says she is an “enormous, fat black chick.” Uhh, why does her race matter in this case? If Stern was just worried about her health (as he claims), this shouldn’t even be a factor.
3) Proposing that she play a football player in Blind Side 2 is a pretty funny joke…if you’re a 14 year old. Which, judging by Stern’s show, he very well might be.
4) Sidibe is definitely not the size of a planet, but Stern’s ego sure is.
5) Finally, why does this guy have to rain on her parade? It comes off as offensive, insensitive, and condescending – but worst of all, it’s an adult male in a position of power making fun of a 20-something young woman who has just been thrust into the spotlight for the first time in her life. She has been the epitome of grace and confidence thus far and she doesn’t need arrogant assholes like Howard Stern running their mouth.
That’s about all I have to say about it. Your thoughts?
Well said.
Although, I will admit to cringing during Oprah’s introduction, not because I thought what Stern did was okay, but as a not-small woman myself, I feared for this young lady for what was inevitably coming, not only for her but for others her size as this performance is highlighted, and her new found celebrity draws attention to other 20-somethings not equipped to handle an idiot like Stern. The only thing that I will say in Stern’s favor (and I don’t like him by any means) is that he said what a lot of people were thinking.
On the other hand, does he really think that she’s never heard that viewpoint before and couldn’t he have left it alone while she receives her well-deserved accolades?
This is indeed her time to shine. Her comportment showed someone who not only exudes confidence as you said, but grace as well.
Actually race and ethnicity matter, but you’re right, Stern didn’t say “fat black chick” to express his concern. What a douche.
Err… Ad Hominum much?
I love reading the posts here; but Mr. Stern was spot on in my opinion. He did in no way denigrate women as a whole – he was just attacking obesity, crudely.
I don’t think it should even be discussed. She may be an object of derision to “Him” but he is riding this “non-issue”, because lets face it, controversy sells! I’m running a campaign to bury people like these in silence. Join me!
-Fellow of the Feminist Academy, Nairobi Chapter