This is an extremely important issue in society today. Everywhere you go or see, there are body image issues. I am here to advocate for the "Plus-Size" word to be banned. Honestly, there is no need for it. Some may see it as easier, but good things do not come easy and this word is certainly not a good thing. Many people have joined the campaign of not wanting to use the word anymore, including Melissa McCarthy, Tyra Banks, and Queen Latifah. Others have even started campaigns, like the #DropThePlus campaign by Stefania Ferrario and Ajay Rochester, to finally put an end to this word. It is very empowering to see all these beautiful women advocating for a stop to this "plus-size" word.

However, it is still a big problem in the world today. Now, anything "plus-size" word related is getting prominence and positive effects because these women are finally being put in the same fashion shows as the women who have been "industry standard" since the beginning. This is a very positive action for the industries, but the mere fact that we still have to label these beautiful models "plus-size" with the other models who are just labeled "models" is a BIG problem. There should be no labels. Labels are very damaging to everyone, not just models. Young people growing up will see these models being labeled and it will create a destructive view in their heads on what is beautiful and what is not. WHEN IN FACT EVERY SIZE IS BEAUTIFUL AND SHOULD NOT BE LABELED. What does plus-size mean anyway? PLUS-size. Is it an addition to all sizes? The number 104 is a number just like the number 4. When you are counting numbers, you say the number 104, not the "plus-size" number 104. That can be seen the same way with "plus-size" and models/other sizes today.

This word has become such a derogatory term, it just does not feel good to even say anymore. It has never felt good for me as a person. When I was a kid and I was "plus-sized" apparently, according to the labels of my clothes, I felt so insecure to just shop in the "plus-size" section, fearful that someone I knew will see me. I mean, everyone knew I was big, but there is a difference between people knowing you are big just by looking at you, and shopping for clothes in the segregated "plus-size" section of stores and people seeing you. It just feels weird and you will never be able to feel that unless you actually experience it for yourselves. What I am trying to say here though, is that I honestly hate the "plus-sized" word. And I am not the only one. Just by Googling "Plus-Size Word Debate" or anything of that nature will show you that many other people agree about this topic.

Ban is such a strong word, but it is not as hard as people think. If fashion industries start un-segregating their clothes between different sizes and stop using the word "plus-size," it will start a domino effect with media sites where they will hopefully stop using the word "plus-size" in many articles they write. It is an unneeded word. If your argument is that it is an easy way to describe models/people/sizes, it is not a good one. A MODEL is a MODEL, no matter what. A PERSON is a PERSON, no matter what. A SIZE is a SIZE, no matter what. Labels are not needed, especially ones that create a negative atmosphere to young people everywhere. 

All I am asking is please just look into this topic for everyone who has ever faced body image/shaming issues. Even though I created this petition for my class speech, I hope to create a more equal and inclusive size genre for all where different sizes are being showcased. Melissa McCarthy once said "It's a strange thing to stop at a certain size. Women don't, so why should clothes?" (Melissa McCarthy). 

AND REMEMBER: Beauty does not come with a size, and you are all beautiful, no matter your differences. You are you. Do not try to be like somebody else just because of a label.

THANK YOU IF YOU ACTUALLY GOT THIS FAR IN READING THIS PETITION. If you agree whatsoever, please sign it if you would like. If not, carry on with your beautiful lives and I wish you all well.