Stephen A. Smith has made a career out of critiquing the best athletes in the world, but on Thursday night it was his turn to get put under the microscope when he threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium.
The ESPN talking head strode out to the mound confidently but was doomed from the start by his ego as he insisted on throwing his pitch from the top of the mound rather than in front of it. Over-confidence has claimed many a first pitch thrower, as throwing off of the mound is just a completely different feeling than throwing off of flat ground, and Smith was no different. He wound up and delivered a ball that barely made over the grass to the dirt, bouncing 10 feet in front of home plate in a rather pathetic effort that even he was disgusted by.
If you don’t pitch regularly, it will almost always lead you to dirting the ball and that’s exactly what happened to Stephen A. It also should come as no surprise that hubris was Smith’s downfall on the mound on Thursday evening. I’m sure Smith will have some fun with his effort tomorrow morning on First Take, but it really started with the decision to go to the top of the mound — and I hope they call Mad Dog in to roast him before he heads to Arizona to get “sauced.”
Stephen A. Smith has made a career out of critiquing the best athletes in the world, but on Thursday night it was his turn to get put under the microscope when he threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium.
The ESPN talking head strode out to the mound confidently but was doomed from the start by his ego as he insisted on throwing his pitch from the top of the mound rather than in front of it. Over-confidence has claimed many a first pitch thrower, as throwing off of the mound is just a completely different feeling than throwing off of flat ground, and Smith was no different. He wound up and delivered a ball that barely made over the grass to the dirt, bouncing 10 feet in front of home plate in a rather pathetic effort that even he was disgusted by.
If you don’t pitch regularly, it will almost always lead you to dirting the ball and that’s exactly what happened to Stephen A. It also should come as no surprise that hubris was Smith’s downfall on the mound on Thursday evening. I’m sure Smith will have some fun with his effort tomorrow morning on First Take, but it really started with the decision to go to the top of the mound — and I hope they call Mad Dog in to roast him before he heads to Arizona to get “sauced.”
I’ve been on a personal quest for nearly a decade to visit all 63 major US National Parks. Currently, I’ve visited 59 – many multiple times and in various seasons. As you can imagine, I’m most often asked, “Do you have a favorite park?” I didn’t want to commit for a while, but I knew nearly a decade ago — the first time I visited Grand Teton National Park outside of Jackson, Wyoming — that I’d found “the one.”
There is something so magical about that first time the Teton Range comes into view – it’s as close to “overly emotional” as I get. And even with the increased crowds of the last few years, I still find myself returning multiple times yearly.
But, yes, the crowds. Jackson and Grand Teton are undoubtedly “hot spots” to travel. Of course, I understand why (see above), so I’m not going to try to gatekeep anyone with “other similar spots” or “less crowded alternatives” – because there is no alternative, in my opinion. Yes, you must be more organized and plan more in advance to pull off a seamless trip to Grand Teton and Jackson. But that can be part of the fun.
I used to think it was crazy to hear people talk about planning National Park trips up to a year in advance, but now I get it. So, while we are ending one high-traffic season, now is actually the time to start planning for the next (as in, next summer). Here are my recommendations:
WHERE TO EXPLORE:
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Emily Hart
While I imagine there are people here and there who travel to Jackson and don’t visit Grand Teton National Park, I would not want to be friends with those people. Grand Teton is a crown jewel of the National Park system (and I would know), with jutting peaks, beautiful blue lakes, incredible wildlife, and opportunities for adventure around every corner. Just hoping on the park road for a drive will undoubtedly be one of the most awe-inspiring views of your life – it’s that magnificent. And it’s basically in Jackson, with the airport inside park boundaries.
One could spend a lifetime exploring this park and never get sick of it. But I recommend a few things to get you started.
EASY TO MODERATE HIKES:
TAGGART LAKE
Emily Hart
If you’re not used to elevation, mountain air, and hiking, I’d stick with easy-to-moderate hikes on your first visit. When a hike in the Teton Range is rated as difficult, it is – trust me. I always recommend the famous Taggart Lake Loop to visitors. At just under 4 miles out and back, it offers some of the best views of the Teton Range, with a slight elevation gain and an incredible lake to take a breather at before returning.
STRING LAKE LOOP
Emily Hart
Another fantastic moderate loop hike is String Lake Trail, at just 3.7 miles roundtrip and only 252 feet of elevation gain. It begins at one of my favorite spots in the park – String Lake and continues around with beautiful views of String and Leigh Lakes. You can also continue to Cascade Canyon from this trailhead, which is much more strenuous.
ACTIVITIES:
KAYAK AT JACKSON LAKE
Emily Hart
If you visit in the summer, you’ll want to get out (or in) Jackson Lake. Rent a kayak or canoe on the water at Colter Bay Marina for an hour or two with incredible unobstructed views of Mount Moran and the Teton Range. Kayaks start at just $35 per hour, and canoes just $30. You can also opt for a motorboat rental.
SWIM AT JACKSON OR STRING LAKE
Emily Hart
I love to spend time on the Jackson Lake Swim Beach with a snack and maybe a drink, dipping my toes or going entirely in the water, depending on the time of year. You’d be surprised how many people you’ll find swimming in this natural cold plunge. String Lake is another perfect swim option, with seemingly warmer water and — in my experience — fewer crowds.
JENNY LAKE BOAT TOUR
Emily Hart
If you visit during the summer and early fall season, be sure to book a trip on a boat tour of Jenny Lake. One of – if not the most popular spot in the park – Jenny Lake is classic Tetons. While you can shuttle across the lake to shave some miles off a hike, I recommend the scenic cruise learning from NAI Certified Interpretive Guides.
FLOAT THE SNAKE RIVER
Emily Hart
Something I love about the Tetons is the abundance of water. There is always a lake or a river nearby, including the legendary Snake. With headwaters just inside nearby Yellowstone National Park, the Snake is a major tributary of the Columbia River and the largest North American river emptying into the Pacific. The most famous photos of Grand Teton by Ansel Adams feature the Snake prominently, and it’s a bucket list experience to get out on. Many guiding companies run rafting trips down the Snake, which is more scenic than whitewater and offers a view you would never otherwise have of these majestic mountains.
WHERE TO STAY:
MOUNTAIN MODERN MOTEL
Emily Hart
Just two blocks from the iconic Jackson Square lies the revamped and renovated Mountain Modern Motel. Offering many different room types – I loved the one-bedroom suite – this isn’t your average motel. With a great sense of style that brings in elements of the surrounding mountains and thoughtful details for the adventurer among us, it perfectly toes the line between an adventure basecamp and a luxurious place to relax after a long day of exploring.
CAMPING AT COLTER BAY
Emily Hart
During the warmer summer months, I love to spend a couple of nights in the park camping – and I always choose Colter Bay Campground. It’s large, with easy access to the general store, grocery, restaurants, marina, and lake while feeling secluded amongst the trees. You’ll have to reserve your site in advance (like all campgrounds in the park) on recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
WHERE TO DRINK:
MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR
Emily Hart
You can’t visit Jackson without a stop at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. A Wyoming staple, the bar – established in 1937 – has long been the go-to venue for drinks, Western dancing, and music. I always love walking in for a glass of wine and sitting at a table to people-watch.
JACKSON HOLE WINERY
Emily Hart
I always aim to find a local winery on my travels, even though many local wineries are… not exceptional, we’ll say. But Jackson Hole Winery is one I keep coming back to. The setting outside town is so idyllic you might feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set, and the wine is just as impressive. There are only tastings available at the Winery location (glasses available at the downtown tasting room), but that is what I recommend anyway.
Make an advanced reservation and come ready to enjoy the libations and the view. The Rendezvous Red is a favorite.
THE ROOFTOP AT THE CLOUDVEIL
Emily Hart
For the most stunning view on the square, head up to The Rooftop at The Cloudveil. The newly opened luxury hotel is perfectly appointed with rustic chic furnishings that complement the mountain vibes. I enjoyed a glass of wine (or two) on the rooftop, admiring the view of the mountains and square below before heading downstairs for dinner.
WHERE TO EAT:
THE BISTRO AT THE CLOUDVEIL
Emily Hart
On the main floor of The Cloudveil, you’ll find The Bistro, a Parisian brasserie-style restaurant with outdoor café dining, a zinc bar, a fresh oyster bar, inventive cocktails, and seasonally prepared dishes. I started with Panisse Chickpea “Fries” with Greek yogurt that was surprising in all the right ways, and followed it with Grilled Trout accompanied by charred corn, fava beans, asparagus, vierge sauce, and spring onion.
The service was exceptional, and I only regret not returning for more the next night.
DORNANS CHUCKWAGON
Emily Hart
A Grand Teton classic, Dornan’s Chuckwagon (open seasonally) has served hefty portions to travelers since 1948. Just outside the park gates, you’ll be gobsmacked by the Teton view as you enjoy your meal. I generally opt for a burger (when at a chuckwagon, right?) and a beer or glass of wine. The atmosphere is casual and absolutely stunning.
LEEKS MARINA PIZZERIA
Emily Hart
Grand Teton is somewhat unique in National Parks in that there are several dining options within the park itself. One of my favorites after a long hike is always Leeks Pizzeria. Located on the park’s North side (a perfect stop between Yellowstone and Grand Teton), Leeks serves up pizzas, calzones, and local brews in a casual atmosphere with incredible views. Like many other offerings in the park, it is open seasonally, but you can never plan too soon – especially when pizza is involved.
JACKSON LAKE LODGE — BLUE HERON LOUNGE
Emily Hart
For something slightly more upscale (but National Park upscale is still decidedly casual), check out Blue Heron Lounge within Jackson Lake Lodge. I love to stop in National Park lodges on my travels as they generally have incredible architecture, history, and views – add a cocktail, and I’m in heaven. I recommend sitting outside at Blue Heron and enjoying the panoramic Teton views with a drink and a casual bite.
It’s been ten years since the world lost Roger Ebert to cancer, and his voice is sorely missed. Ebert had a pure love of cinema, and even though he was a film critic in a sweater with a Pulitzer Prize, he wrote and spoke in a way accessible to every man.
He didn’t care if a film was a Hollywood blockbuster or art-house fare; what mattered was whether it deserved his highly-coveted “thumbs up.”
Ebert was an extremely gifted communicator whose interests went far beyond film. In his later years, he often mused about music, politics, and American cultural events with the same eloquence, thoughtfulness and wit.
A great example of Ebert’s passion for film and artistic expression is his rebuke of a heckler at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival after a screening of “Better Luck Tomorrow.” The film, directed by Justin Lin, who went on to direct multiple films in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is about a group of Asian American teens who are perfect students in class but do morally reprehensible things for money in the shadows.
The heckler lashed out at the filmmakers for showing Asian Americans in a negative light.
“Why, with the talent up there and yourself, make a film so empty and amoral for Asian Americans and for Americans?” the heckler yelled.
As the filmmakers gathered their thoughts, Ebert stood up to defend their rights to artistic expression. He also passionately spoke up for an artist’s right to depict people however they like, regardless of their race.
“What I find very offensive and condescending about your statement,” Ebert lashed out, “is nobody would say to a bunch of white filmmakers, ‘How could you do this to your people?’ This film has the right to be about these people, and Asian American characters have the right to be whoever the hell they want to be. They do not have to ‘represent’ their people.”
The crowd broke out to thunderous applause as Ebert passionately supported the young filmmakers. Sadly, Ebert would lose his voice to thyroid cancer just four years later.
Ebert’s response was also a bold statement about civil rights. Even though, twenty years ago, Asian Americans were severely underrepresented in American cinema, that shouldn’t limit a Taiwanese American filmmaker from portraying them how he saw fit, even if the portrait was unflattering. What gives the heckler the right to tell Lin how he should depict Asian Americans on the big screen?
Ebert further supported “Better Luck Tomorrow” by giving it a glowing 4-star review and naming it one of his top films of 2003.
“‘Better Luck Tomorrow’ is a coming-of-age film for Asian-Americans in American cinema. Like African-American films that take race for granted and get on with the characters and the story, Lin is making a movie where race is not the point but simply the given. … Lin, who directed, co-wrote and co-produced, here reveals himself as a skilled and sure director, a rising star. … His film is uncompromising and doesn’t chicken out with a U-turn ending.”
It’s been ten years since the world lost Roger Ebert to cancer, and his voice is sorely missed. Ebert had a pure love of cinema, and even though he was a film critic in a sweater with a Pulitzer Prize, he wrote and spoke in a way accessible to every man.
He didn’t care if a film was a Hollywood blockbuster or art-house fare; what mattered was whether it deserved his highly-coveted “thumbs up.”
Ebert was an extremely gifted communicator whose interests went far beyond film. In his later years, he often mused about music, politics, and American cultural events with the same eloquence, thoughtfulness and wit.
A great example of Ebert’s passion for film and artistic expression is his rebuke of a heckler at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival after a screening of “Better Luck Tomorrow.” The film, directed by Justin Lin, who went on to direct multiple films in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is about a group of Asian American teens who are perfect students in class but do morally reprehensible things for money in the shadows.
The heckler lashed out at the filmmakers for showing Asian Americans in a negative light.
“Why, with the talent up there and yourself, make a film so empty and amoral for Asian Americans and for Americans?” the heckler yelled.
As the filmmakers gathered their thoughts, Ebert stood up to defend their rights to artistic expression. He also passionately spoke up for an artist’s right to depict people however they like, regardless of their race.
“What I find very offensive and condescending about your statement,” Ebert lashed out, “is nobody would say to a bunch of white filmmakers, ‘How could you do this to your people?’ This film has the right to be about these people, and Asian American characters have the right to be whoever the hell they want to be. They do not have to ‘represent’ their people.”
The crowd broke out to thunderous applause as Ebert passionately supported the young filmmakers. Sadly, Ebert would lose his voice to thyroid cancer just four years later.
Ebert’s response was also a bold statement about civil rights. Even though, twenty years ago, Asian Americans were severely underrepresented in American cinema, that shouldn’t limit a Taiwanese American filmmaker from portraying them how he saw fit, even if the portrait was unflattering. What gives the heckler the right to tell Lin how he should depict Asian Americans on the big screen?
Ebert further supported “Better Luck Tomorrow” by giving it a glowing 4-star review and naming it one of his top films of 2003.
“‘Better Luck Tomorrow’ is a coming-of-age film for Asian-Americans in American cinema. Like African-American films that take race for granted and get on with the characters and the story, Lin is making a movie where race is not the point but simply the given. … Lin, who directed, co-wrote and co-produced, here reveals himself as a skilled and sure director, a rising star. … His film is uncompromising and doesn’t chicken out with a U-turn ending.”
It seems like so many iterations of unfettered joy from our childhood haven’t made it to the modern age, and playgrounds are no exception.
Gone are the days of metal slides that scorched the derriere in the summertime, seesaws that doubled as human catapults and the notorious merry-go-rounds that separated the weak from the strong. Good old fashioned character building—safety be damned!
As it turns out, a few of these old relics are still standing. And footage of kids playing at one of these bygone parks is filling adults—particularly Gen Xers—with sweet nostalgia.
Dubbing it the “Last Gen X Playground” by Ronda Schofield filmed a video of the local haunt in all its rusted glory.
As the iconic 80s song “Maniac” plays in the background, we first see some kiddos swinging on a very odd contraption that sports a generic clown face.
Then the camera pans out to reveal a metal slide weighted down by a concrete cinder block (classic), dilapidated rocking horse swings, and a spinning seesaw that’s certainly seen better days.
But you know what? The kids today seem to like it just fine.
While plenty of these staples have been replaced by safer alternatives, viewers on TikTok couldn’t help but reminisce about their childhood favorites.
“The lunch ladies at my elementary school would give us waxed paper so we would slide faster down the slide,” one person recalled.
The horse swings were my favorite,” add another. “Impossible when you get bigger, no knee room!”
One even quipped “Metal slides on a hot summer day… getting blinded and burnt at the same time.” Ah yes, a simpler time.
As people shared their recess war stories, it became all the more clear why many of these fixtures are no longer around.
“Broke my leg on the spinning thing and got stitches in my chin from the teeter totter,” one person joked.
Still, folks definitely felt their childhood come alive again after Schofield’s clip. Many felt it should be restored and kept a historic landmark of sorts.
The pre-internet days might have been a little rough around the edges, but there was an undeniable rugged charm about it all. In many ways, it was easier for kids to just be kids, allowing for social interaction, reckless abandon and learning that a few knee scrapes doesn’t signal the end of the world.
Those days might be behind us—and probably for the better, ultimately—but it’s still nice to hop back in from time to time.
Now, where’s the vintage mall with cheesy glamor shots, vinyl shops, video game arcades and RadioShacks?
It seems like so many iterations of unfettered joy from our childhood haven’t made it to the modern age, and playgrounds are no exception.
Gone are the days of metal slides that scorched the derriere in the summertime, seesaws that doubled as human catapults and the notorious merry-go-rounds that separated the weak from the strong. Good old fashioned character building—safety be damned!
As it turns out, a few of these old relics are still standing. And footage of kids playing at one of these bygone parks is filling adults—particularly Gen Xers—with sweet nostalgia.
Dubbing it the “Last Gen X Playground” by Ronda Schofield filmed a video of the local haunt in all its rusted glory.
As the iconic 80s song “Maniac” plays in the background, we first see some kiddos swinging on a very odd contraption that sports a generic clown face.
Then the camera pans out to reveal a metal slide weighted down by a concrete cinder block (classic), dilapidated rocking horse swings, and a spinning seesaw that’s certainly seen better days.
But you know what? The kids today seem to like it just fine.
While plenty of these staples have been replaced by safer alternatives, viewers on TikTok couldn’t help but reminisce about their childhood favorites.
“The lunch ladies at my elementary school would give us waxed paper so we would slide faster down the slide,” one person recalled.
The horse swings were my favorite,” add another. “Impossible when you get bigger, no knee room!”
One even quipped “Metal slides on a hot summer day… getting blinded and burnt at the same time.” Ah yes, a simpler time.
As people shared their recess war stories, it became all the more clear why many of these fixtures are no longer around.
“Broke my leg on the spinning thing and got stitches in my chin from the teeter totter,” one person joked.
Still, folks definitely felt their childhood come alive again after Schofield’s clip. Many felt it should be restored and kept a historic landmark of sorts.
The pre-internet days might have been a little rough around the edges, but there was an undeniable rugged charm about it all. In many ways, it was easier for kids to just be kids, allowing for social interaction, reckless abandon and learning that a few knee scrapes doesn’t signal the end of the world.
Those days might be behind us—and probably for the better, ultimately—but it’s still nice to hop back in from time to time.
Now, where’s the vintage mall with cheesy glamor shots, vinyl shops, video game arcades and RadioShacks?
Although it is difficult to tell if there is a trend of Americans moving out of the country, rough estimates show that around 8 million currently live in other countries—double the 4.1 million living abroad in 1999.
The most popular countries for Americans to move to are Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom, in that order.
A big reason why some are leaving the U.S. is that an increasing number of employers allow people to work abroad. Others are choosing to leave because of cost of living increases and “golden visa” programs. Golden visas offer the chance to get a foreign residency permit by purchasing a house or making a significant investment or donation.
A couple is going viral on TikTok because they’ve decided to leave America and move to Spain. Luna Ashley Santel had wanted to move for a long time, but her husband wasn’t on board with the change until he had a lightbulb moment while visiting a Spanish café. The couple are parents of a 4-year-old daughter, and a big reason for their decision to leave is her safety.
Here’s what shifted for him. I’m sure this’ll piss the right people off. No pun intended. #movingabroad #spaindigitalnomadvisa #movingabroadwithpets #movingtospainwithkids
While spending time in Spain, the couple went to a crowded café, which would have made them uncomfortable back home in St. Louis, Missouri.
“There’s a ton of people walking around. Being from St. Louis, that’s not a very comfortable place for me to be in,” the husband said. “And you turn to me and say, ‘Have you seen all these people?’” he recounted his wife saying.
“And you’re like, ‘None of them have guns,’” he continued.
At this moment, he realized that living in America caused him to be on alert whenever he was out in public. A feeling he never got in Spain. “And I realized this weight that I had been carrying around my whole life wasn’t necessary. Like what we think is normal is not normal,” he said.
When it comes to firearm policy, Spain and Missouri couldn’t be more different. In Spain, owning a handgun for self-defense is allowed when you are in verifiable danger. In Missouri, there is no permit requirement to carry a firearm, whether it’s concealed or carried openly.
In Spain, the gun death rate per 100,000 people in 2019 was 0.64. Whereas, in Missouri, the chance of being killed by a gun is more than 36 times greater, with 23.2 people per every 100,000 dying by gun in 2021.
The video resonated with many Americans who feel uncomfortable living in a country that has become accustomed to mass shootings.
“There’s so much mental energy we dedicate to simply existing in the U.S.,” Mintmage wrote.
“As a father of two young boys, your husband’s explanation has me shook because I cannot disagree,” Astrolo-G added.
“That is literally my main motivator for leaving the country. I am terrified for my son,” Doula Faye wrote.
Luna’s husband isn’t the only one in the family concerned about school safety in the U.S. Luna, a former teacher of 7 years, believes that sending her daughter to a school where they have “terrifying” intruder drills is unacceptable.
“It’s nothing that I want my 5-year-old child to have to accept or learn as normal,” she says in another TikTok post.
Replying to @CholeraMeBadd a huge reason we are getting out. #gettingoutoftheusa #movingabroad #alicedrill #alicedrills #iquitteaching #ididntsignupforthishit #movingtospainwithkids
Although it is difficult to tell if there is a trend of Americans moving out of the country, rough estimates show that around 8 million currently live in other countries—double the 4.1 million living abroad in 1999.
The most popular countries for Americans to move to are Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom, in that order.
A big reason why some are leaving the U.S. is that an increasing number of employers allow people to work abroad. Others are choosing to leave because of cost of living increases and “golden visa” programs. Golden visas offer the chance to get a foreign residency permit by purchasing a house or making a significant investment or donation.
A couple is going viral on TikTok because they’ve decided to leave America and move to Spain. Luna Ashley Santel had wanted to move for a long time, but her husband wasn’t on board with the change until he had a lightbulb moment while visiting a Spanish café. The couple are parents of a 4-year-old daughter, and a big reason for their decision to leave is her safety.
Here’s what shifted for him. I’m sure this’ll piss the right people off. No pun intended. #movingabroad #spaindigitalnomadvisa #movingabroadwithpets #movingtospainwithkids
While spending time in Spain, the couple went to a crowded café, which would have made them uncomfortable back home in St. Louis, Missouri.
“There’s a ton of people walking around. Being from St. Louis, that’s not a very comfortable place for me to be in,” the husband said. “And you turn to me and say, ‘Have you seen all these people?’” he recounted his wife saying.
“And you’re like, ‘None of them have guns,’” he continued.
At this moment, he realized that living in America caused him to be on alert whenever he was out in public. A feeling he never got in Spain. “And I realized this weight that I had been carrying around my whole life wasn’t necessary. Like what we think is normal is not normal,” he said.
When it comes to firearm policy, Spain and Missouri couldn’t be more different. In Spain, owning a handgun for self-defense is allowed when you are in verifiable danger. In Missouri, there is no permit requirement to carry a firearm, whether it’s concealed or carried openly.
In Spain, the gun death rate per 100,000 people in 2019 was 0.64. Whereas, in Missouri, the chance of being killed by a gun is more than 36 times greater, with 23.2 people per every 100,000 dying by gun in 2021.
The video resonated with many Americans who feel uncomfortable living in a country that has become accustomed to mass shootings.
“There’s so much mental energy we dedicate to simply existing in the U.S.,” Mintmage wrote.
“As a father of two young boys, your husband’s explanation has me shook because I cannot disagree,” Astrolo-G added.
“That is literally my main motivator for leaving the country. I am terrified for my son,” Doula Faye wrote.
Luna’s husband isn’t the only one in the family concerned about school safety in the U.S. Luna, a former teacher of 7 years, believes that sending her daughter to a school where they have “terrifying” intruder drills is unacceptable.
“It’s nothing that I want my 5-year-old child to have to accept or learn as normal,” she says in another TikTok post.
Replying to @CholeraMeBadd a huge reason we are getting out. #gettingoutoftheusa #movingabroad #alicedrill #alicedrills #iquitteaching #ididntsignupforthishit #movingtospainwithkids
Michelle Elman, a body positivity coach, helps people who are struggling to find confidence in their own skin.
After persevering through numerous medical conditions and surgeries in her own life, Elman realized a few years ago that body positivity wasn’t just about size or weight. Things like scars, birthmarks, and anything else that makes us feel different of self-conscious have to be a part of the conversation, and she tries to make the movement accessible to everyone.
Sharing her own journey has been one of her most effective teaching tools.
In May, she shared a post on Instagram of herself trying on a dress she bought five years ago in order to prove a powerful point.
In the first photo, from 2012 — when she was a size 12, she says — she’s wearing a size 14 dress. In the new photo, she’s wearing the same dress, though she says she normally wears a size 20.
“NUMBERS DON’T MEAN ANYTHING,” she wrote in the post. “So are you really going to let a change [in] dress size dictate your day? Are you really going to let an increase in a number affect your mood?”
“A higher dress size doesn’t mean: — you are less beautiful — you are less worthy — you are less lovable — you are a worse human — you are a bad person — you are a different person AND it doesn’t even mean you have a bigger body.”
The viral photo inspired thousands of people. While a huge majority of the comments were positive, there was still something bugging Elman about the response.
Not everyone was getting the right message.
“Since the creation of this account, I have always been told I’m beautiful ‘for my size’ and I never wanted to talk about it because I thought I was being pedantic but eventually decided to speak my mind about it,” she says in an email.
She decided to create a follow-up post to set a few things straight about what body positivity really means.
In the second post, she took a different approach to the “before and after” shots we see so often on Instagram. People loved it.
In the caption, Elman addresses a couple of things well-meaning people got wrong about the message she was trying to spread. Some commenters said she looked “skinnier” in the 2017 photo which, though meant as a compliment, just reinforces that being skinny is somehow better.
Others said she wasn’t fat enough, to which Elman could only scoff.
“If people tell you they are a certain size, believe them,” she wrote.
“People think that body positivity is about trying to convince people that bigger bodies are attractive, either physically or sexually,” she says.
But that’s totally missing the point of what her work is all about.
“If you are still relating your love for your body to society’s perception of beauty,” she says, “then you are still reliant on someone else’s opinion. Body positivity is about saying that you are more than a body and your self-worth is not reliant on your beauty.”
Her second post is currently sitting at over 26,500 likes on Instagram — a clear sign that this is a message many of us desperately needed to hear.
This article originally appeared on 06.08.17
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