Octavia Spencer Is A “Thick, Chocolate Mint”

Black women are generally heavier than white women, but they are also more confident, according to a study of 800 American women.

The survey, done by the Washington Post and the Kaiser Foundation, found that “66 percent of overweight or obese black women had high self-esteem, compared to 41 percent of average-sized or thin white women.”

This study’s findings run parallel to much of the race and weight issues brought up by this week’s Academy Awards. This year we finally saw some refreshing figures and styles. Octavia Spencer rocked her curves in an amazing dress while Angelina Jolie’s boney leg scared the crap out of people. Viola Davis looked amazing with her natural hair not covered by a wig.

In an interview (body talk starts at 1:58) taped the day before the Oscars, Spencer spoke about losing weight in a way that mirrored the Washington Post‘s survey findings. Although she said she wanted to lose weight, she reassured us that ”I love my body…I’m not trying to be a thin mint. I want to be a thick, chocolate mint.”

These words echo those of the black women surveyed. Most black respondents said that they do not want to look like models, and looked to celebrities like Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson who still have their curves.

Between this study and the fresh faces at the Oscars, happy, curvy women are finally being paid attention to. If young women see Octavia Spencer talking about how much she loves her body, think of how they could benefit. Or Melissa McCarthy, who is starting her own clothing line. These are great role models, especially compared to the models and celebrities who talk about losing weight when they already have the arms of 12-year-old boys.

Contact the author here: jennY@morningquickie.com