What a Fitch!

Abercrombie & Fitch has gotten themselves in a bad situation lately. Mike Jeffries, the CEO, has recently spoken out about why his brand does not cater larger sizes for larger people. He said that they only want the "cool" kids wearing the brand and some people just don't belong. 

What's my opinion on this? I can't fathom into words just how enraged I am by how narrow-minded some people can be. It really pushes my buttons to witness people judging others based on their exterior. In my opinion, Mr. Jeffries is definitely in no place to judge. Yes, he's in charge of one of the leading retail stores worldwide, but that doesn't exempt him from having morals. It is completely and utterly unreasonable for him to categorize and label people in general, including children (yes, Abercrombie caters from babies to adults). At such a young age, children are being forced to be molded into the ideal shape Mr. Jeffries thinks is "right." Not only is that completely impractical, but it is also insulting to people in general.

His opinion, which comes from a personal bias and lack of understanding, is very much unfair. Targeting the "popular" kids segregates and promotes stereotypes and cliques. His negative message tells society that unless you're "skinny" you can't be "cool" and if you can't be "cool," you can't wear Abercrombie & Fitch. Unbelievable! Brands, whether you believe it or not, are giant role models in our society, but his brand doesn't promote the well-being of everyone at all. It creates this illusion that Abercrombie lies on a special level, and if you don't fit the image, you don't belong. It's a brand based all on the stereotypes of high school, which doesn't teach teens what equality exactly is.

Beauty, I think, should be a personal perception. It should not have physical characteristics or a definite definition. Though it may be cliché, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. Beauty is something found in a whole person, their every being - not in their perfect nose, or bright blue eyes. And I think society nowadays really needs to realize this. Mr. Jeffries recent announcement does not help this cause at all. Teenagers nowadays try so hard to fit the expectations society already has for them to be "perfect," but things like this add to the fact that they are very much imperfect. Not only is this unreasonable and impossible to be perfect, but it sets this unrealistic goal. To be honest, Mr. Jeffries doesn't even fit his own mold so who is he to criticize others?