misnomer
JF-Expert Member
- Apr 13, 2011
- 203
- 69
In most African countries women do not aspire to the emaciated skinny look. In Nigeria, brides-to-be attend "fattening rooms" and women in Mauritania tie their ankles to ensure maximum water retention. Men in DRC boast of attracting mwasi wa kilo (women of weight).
A recent beauty contest in South Africa has led to a debate about whether large is lovely or thin is in. On the catwalk, Uganda was not be represented as all its 100 candidates were deemed too big around the hips, and the country was deeply insulted.
"Ugandan girls too short, too broad," said a newspaper headline inKampala. "Ugandans do not want western standards of beauty. They want something they can relate to. If you are skinny, people might think you have Aids", said designer Sylvia Owori.
A recent beauty contest in South Africa has led to a debate about whether large is lovely or thin is in. On the catwalk, Uganda was not be represented as all its 100 candidates were deemed too big around the hips, and the country was deeply insulted.
"Ugandan girls too short, too broad," said a newspaper headline inKampala. "Ugandans do not want western standards of beauty. They want something they can relate to. If you are skinny, people might think you have Aids", said designer Sylvia Owori.