Peace and Blessings,

I'm new to this forum and glad to have found it. I've been reading the posts but this is my first contribution.

I'm a graduate student at a large midwest university where it is difficult to engage my colleagues in discussions on topics that interest me related to race, sexuality and body image. I've been a fan of the show "The Parkers" and I'm interested in the way the relationship between the professor and Nikki Parker plays out. On the surface, it seems to send a positive, empowering message to large Black women. But the subtext seems to send the message that Nikki is freakish and abnormal after all is said and done. The professor is downright abusive at times. Is it just me or are these mixed messages? What do you think? I know it's a sitcome and it's supposed to be funny, but I'm detecting some traces of racism. Why is Nikki denied a fully realized sexual relationship? All outward appearances point to a strong sexuality, but it seems constantly undermined? And why are people so uncomfortable talking about large Black women's sexuality?

I think in the African-American community, large women are more acceptable. Most Black men like "thick women".

I do think that each person should care about their bodies through exercise and diet. Not everyone can be a size 2, but a person should be the size that is healthy for them.

Some of the comedies don't appeal to me because some of the shows stereotype. Our community is diverse and I don't think the media accurately portrays all aspects of our people.

People should be happy for whatever size they are. I remember when I was just long and lanky before kids, I wanted curves. Now although I'm not fat, I got the curves I wanted, Why did I want them?