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Redefining Body Image: The Power of the Black Superwoman, Power and Pain
By Sharon Albert Honore

Very few historians, theorists, and scholars dispute that Eurocentric beauty standards

have significantly impacted societies worldwide, often perpetuating biases and marginalizing

individuals who do not conform to these standards. Systemic discrimination and social pressure

to conform to these superficial ideals are prominent relative to Black women.1. The negative

consequences of colonialism and Western models created a narrow and exclusionary definition of

beauty that excluded many non-European features. Efforts to achieve these images led to

promoting qualities such as lighter skin, straight hair, and specific body types as markers of

beauty and desirability.

These standards, perpetuated by media, fashion industries, and cultural norms, led to the

marginalization of Black women who do not fit within the narrow definitions of European

beauty. Consequently, they often suffered doubt, negative self-identities, and problems with

mental, physical, and emotional health within the social framework of Internalized Racism,

Representation, Cultural Erasure, Economic Impacts, and Health Implications.

Since the early 1800s, scientists and healthcare advocates have cautioned about the

ideology of an 'hourglass figure,' achieved with tight, restrictive undergarments such as girdles

and waist-cinching corsets. Elizabeth Stuart Phelps published a critique on the absurdity of

female body shaping and coined the now-defunct term, 'dressed to kill.' She wrote that "the

enormities of a woman's dress, having done their best to deform her body, will very naturally do

1
The term ‘Black’ women is used to refer to women of the African diaspora. Populations include but are not limited
to, African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved West
Africans brought to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America and South America during the Atlantic slave
trade.
their bravest to destroy it (Phelps, 1873, p.1). Phelps's point may also be used to interpret the

pain and stress imposed upon Black women's bodies, as well.

Historically, Black women have fought against society's attempts to define their shapely

aesthetics. Undoubtedly, superficial, and unrealistic ideologies about body image and physical

beauty yielded enormous power over public opinion. As a result, Western society conceived a

deformed rationale that resulted in harmful mental/emotional/physical pain for Black women.

Despite societal warnings and historical findings, women in general, and Black women in

particular, have endured mental distress in hopes of achieving the 'perfect body size.' To this end,

body images produce significant issues that profoundly affect individuals' self-esteem, identity,

overall well-being, and mental health.

Society perpetuates harmful stereotypes and body shaming practices by promoting

unrealistic beauty ideals that do not align with the diversity of body types among women and

Western society has promoted beauty ideals prioritizing petite body frames for women. Having a

waistline under 20 inches was a long-held Western concept of beauty sanctioned by such

characters as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (Mitchell. 1986). The novel describes the

protagonist as having a "seventeen-inch waist, the smallest in three counties" (p. 1). Even after

giving birth, she admonished Mammy, her Black enslaved attendant, to cinch her waistline and

lace the waist corset tighter. "You've simply got to make it 18 1/2 inches. Try again, Mammy.”

Applying the European (metric) system of measurement to this concept, a desired adult

woman's waistline equals the size of a three-month-old baby (https://uk.kidsaround.com/size-

guide, Ottobre, https://www.ottobredesign.com/en/ottobre-lab/size-charts/babies-and-toddlers-

50-92-cm/)
 However ridiculous this sounds, this extreme thinness became normalized, leading to

body shaming and stigmatization of people with larger bodies. Such adverse reactions have had a

detrimental impact on the mental and emotional well-being of those who do not conform to these

narrow standards, specifically Black women. The body positivity movement, which promotes

Afrocentricity, is focused on more inclusive definitions of racial and ethnic backgrounds. These

efforts aim to create a more accepting and affirming society where Black women and other

women of color can embrace their natural beauty.

These measurement discrimination measures index (BMI) continue to be controversial.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many other health

researchers, BMI standards are often inaccurate when used to measure African Americans,

Indigenous communities, and People of Color (BIPOC) (Salomon, Patham 2022). Different data

calculations consider body structures for people of different ethnicities and races. For example,

Black people tend to have more subcutaneous fat, which lies just below the skin's surface, in the

hip, buttock, and thigh regions, while white people tend to carry more fat around the organs,

known as visceral fat. Therefore, specific medical charts determining "normal" weight/body sizes

are flawed and questionable for determining ideal physical attributes between races.

The historical and societal challenges women of the African diaspora face, mainly related

to beauty standards and societal expectations, have been, and continue to remain, complex and

impactful. Black women have often been subjected to beauty ideals rooted in Eurocentric

standards, leading to various physical and psychological struggles. The pressure to conform to

certain beauty norms can be mentally distressing for anyone. However, it can be especially

pronounced for Black women due to the pervasive influence of Eurocentric beauty standards in
mainstream cultural spheres. These standards often prioritize features such as lighter skin,

straight hair, and specific body types, leaving Black women marginalized and invalidated.

Examples of conforming to socially constructed beauty ideals may produce painful and

potential results and numerous horror stories world-wide exist about problematic medical

procedures involving liposuction, lap band surgery, and gastric bypass. The Mommy Makeover,

a popular procedure used by female celebrities to remove unwanted body fat after pregnancy,

was scrutinized after the death of Jackie Oh!, a popular artist. Feedback insinuated that females

(and their partners) seek body alterations and changes for aesthetic gratification and disguise

“deeply rooted hatred of self as jokes pointed at women’s beauty” (Blackwood, 2023,

https://www.bollyinside.com/news/business-news/azealia-banks-criticized-for-insinuating-that-

jacky-ohs-death-was-a-result-of-karma/).

Many Black women utilize cosmetic surgery to alter their appearance to match images

deemed "desirable" by society but are sometimes unnecessary and in the case of Jackie Oh! fatal.

Research shows that these practices may take a significant toll on the physical and mental well-

being of the patient, contributing to a cycle of pain and distress.

Moreover, the intersectionality of being both a woman and a person of African descent

can lead to additional forms of discrimination and societal pressure like microaggressions,

discrimination, and racism. The unique experiences and challenges Black women face can result

in mental anguish and emotional burdens that require careful consideration and support.

Recognizing that body image issues affect people of all sizes and shapes is essential. By

promoting body acceptance and embracing diversity, we can create a more compassionate and

inclusive society where everyone feels valued and appreciated, regardless of their body size.
 Redefine Narratives, Create Visions and Retain Ownership

As a qualitative study, this analysis examines contemporary strategies that can influence

the social climate relative to the body positivity movement, specifically for Black women. It

considers various communication sources that shape societal perceptions and attitudes toward

body image. According to one study on body images, “All women experience their own bodies

(the personal) within a political context, and this may be particularly true for Black women,

whose bodies are perceived in specific ways due to socially constructed ideas about the

intersection of their race and gender (Award, 2023). Overall, research findings reveal Black

women’s agency to challenge idealized–and essentialized– Eurocentric standards of physical

perfection impacts their body image and mental well-being.

In the book, “Ain’t I a Beauty Queen, counterproductive hegemonic productions,

implemented by Black people are often efforts to redefine symbols, create new practices and

claim/retain ownership and control (Craig, 2023, p.22). This research discusses how

contemporary media strategies may influence the social climate concerning body positivity for

Black women. The strategic concepts employed are changing notions of representation and

visibility, body shaming and stereotyping, along with increased body positivity advocacy.

Undoubtedly, images and messages may play powerful roles in shaping individuals'

perceptions of their bodies and identities. For Black women, increased representation of their

real bodies in a positive and empowering manner can challenge narrow beauty standards and

contribute to a more inclusive understanding of beauty.

More than six years ago fashion/beauty writer-editor Andres Cheung predicted that

changes in the fashion landscape and plus-sized ideas will become the norm because standards
are changing (Cheng, November 2017). According to curve model agent Amanda Brennan, “In

the past, I would submit my girls for consideration because of the simple fact that they’re

beautiful, but now I’m getting casting notices from Sephora and Ulta specifically asking for plus.

It’s cool to see because they don’t have to do it—their business isn’t dependent on size—so it

speaks a lot to how much things are changing.” (Cheng).

In addition, research conducted by the National Health and Nutritional Examination in the past

ten years has found that the average adult American women wears a Misses size 16-18, which

corresponds to a Women’s Plus size 20W and on average she weighs 187 lbs. Although these

numbers are ambiguous, based on the systematic bias inherent in studies of Black people, the

overall idea is that the image of beauty in fashion may be shifting because of consumer

consumption.2

Examples of positive hemogenic body images include ads by Yandy and WooPlus which

feature Black plus-size models in lingerie (https://www.yandy.com/collections/plus-size-bra-sets,

https:// www.yandy.com/playboy-plus-size-intimate-logo-lace-bra-set;

https://www.wooplus.com/blog/famous-plussize-models ).

Body Shaming and Stereotyping

Society perpetuates harmful stereotypes and body shaming practices by promoting

unrealistic beauty ideals that do not align with the diversity of body types among Black women.

This can lead to negative self-perceptions and a sense of alienation from mainstream beauty

standards and negatively provoke mental health concerns.

However, the general concept of ‘normal weight’ relative to body mass index (BMI)

continues to be controversial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2 The average Black woman is 187 pounds, with a BMI of 32.2, which is considered obese by Eurocentric
standards. However, controversy surrounds calculations of BMI, relative to body measures between whites and
people of color.
(CDC) and many other health researchers, BMI standards are often inaccurate when used to

measure African Americans, Indigenous communities, and People of Color (BIPOC) (Salomon,

Patham 2022).

Current data calculations fail to consider body structures for people of different

ethnicities and races. For example, Black people tend to have more subcutaneous fat, which lies

just below the surface of the skin, in the hip, buttock and thigh regions, while white people tend

to carry more fat around the organs, known as visceral fat. Therefore, certain medical charts that

are used to determine “normal” weight/body sizes are flawed, and questionable for determining

ideal physical attributes between races.

Social Media and Body Positivity Advocacy

Social media platforms have both positive and negative influences. On one hand, social

media has helped to facilitate the body positivity movement by providing a space for

marginalized communities to share their experiences, challenge beauty norms, and support one

another. Black women have used social media platforms to amplify their voices and promote

body positivity. The commercialization of body positivity has also helped to change the notion of

beauty among Black women.

On the other hand, some communication campaigns or advertisements have been

criticized for using body positivity as a marketing tactic without genuinely understanding or

supporting the core principles, the days-old superficial and diluted versions of the movement are

ending. Subsequently, the body positivity movement can sometimes overlook the specific

experiences of African and Caribbean American women due to the intersectionality of race,

gender, and body image.

 A hermeneutic approach would recognize the importance of understanding these unique

experiences and how various representations might interact with other identity factors and A

hermeneutic approach would recognize the importance of understanding these unique

experiences and how various representations might interact with other identity factors and

ultimately shape issues of mental health. For example, consider shifts in fashion portrayals that

focus on representation and diversity. Such images are working towards challenging and

redefining beauty norms to be more inclusive of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Indeed

might these portrayals create a more accepting and affirming society where Black women and

women of all backgrounds can embrace their natural beauty without enduring the mental distress

of not fitting in or being seen as different?

“Boss up and change your life…You can have it all, no sacrifice”

- (Lizzo, “Good as Hell”)

In this current social climate, political correctness and ‘wokeness’ concerning body

shaming and social climate shifts have led to significant psychological transformations and

recognition that historically, Black women have fought against society’s attempts to define their

shapely aesthetics. Notwithstanding, superficial and unrealistic ideologies about body image and

physical beauty yielded enormous power over public opinion. As a result, Western society

conceived a deformed rationale that resulted in harmful mental/ emotional/physical pain for the

Black woman.

The #body positivity movement was initially formed by a group of fat, queer Black

women in the 1960s as a fat liberation movement. 3 It was meant to create a space by and for

3
The #bodypositivity movement initially began in 1970, led by Black and queer groups. With the rise of the Internet, and social
media in particular, the new millennium saw this movement spread online and body positivity became a social media buzzphrase
influenced by capitalism. The distinction between radical and mainstream body positivity persists, but where early fat activism
had not always made space for fat Black and brown people, Black and brown fat people were more able to carve out their own
marginalized bodies. Started more than four decades ago, the idea continues to be revolutionary

for Black women who demand respect from society. Some critics claim that the intentions

surrounding the initial movement have become distorted. In her article, The Whitewashed,

Diluted Reality of Modern Body Positivity: The Important Black History of the Body Positivity

Movement, Michaela Martin insists that color and gender have primarily been excluded and need

"real, intersectional representation." She adds, "…it is important that thin bodies and white

bodies are not excluded from the movement; they just shouldn't be the center" (Martin, 2021).

Proponents of the influence of body positivity claim that after forty years, the movement

has gained strength and is now advocating for Black women and recognizing the importance of

the intersectionality of race, class, gender, sexuality, and weight stigmas. Sindhuja Singh

suggests that GenZ may counter old perceptions of body confidence. She writes,"… with the

coming generation, new trends related to body positivity have emerged. Now the only question

towards this trend is 'Are they really breaking the stereotypes?" (Singh, 2011).' Social media and

celebrities have played significant roles in this societal expansion.

Indeed, during the last decade, due in part to social media and a shift in ideology about

beauty standards, studies have identified this as a growing phenomenon. Research suggests that

in the last ten years, when Black women were exposed to the mainstream's limited interpretations

of beauty and compared themselves to these idealized images, they did not identify negatively.

More importantly, they reported positive self-evaluations generally and about their bodies.

(Evans, McConnell, 2003). Body-positive activists suggest that Black women join this new

spaces online. Intersectional influencers who were dealing with oppression in more than one area were often the most outspoken,
with women of color often leading the way. The shift from a grassroots radical movement on the streets, to a mainstream
commercialized social media movement, marked the beginning of a shift in how body positivity was taken up, losing touch with
its origins (Griffin, Bailey, Lopez 2022).
revolution. find pride in their bodies, fight fat-shaming, and embrace a body-positive worldview,

changing public perceptions.

“Times…they are a’changing”

Almost three centuries later, a different message looms on the horizon in response to

Phelps's dire prediction. The impact of social media, combined with a resurgence of identity

politics, Black women reclaim the concept of bodypositivity and redefine their self-worth.4

A similar message reverberates in the new Netflix sitcom, “Survival of the Thickest,”

starring comedienne Michelle Beautau. Survival of the thickest" is a play on words, referencing

the well-known phrase "survival of the fittest" from Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

While the original phrase refers to the idea that organisms that are best adapted to their

environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. It is a fundamental concept in

evolutionary biology. In today’s social environment, Survival of the Thickest humorously

suggests that those who are the most "thick" or curvy may also thrive and succeed. Additionally,

in this context, "thickest" often refers to individuals who have a curvier or more voluptuous body

shape. The phrase is used to challenge conventional beauty standards that prioritize thinness and

promote body positivity and self-acceptance for people of all body types.

Despite societal warnings and historical findings, women in general, and Black women in

particular have endured mental distress in hopes of achieving the ‘perfect body size.’ To this end,

4 The #bodypositivity movement initially began in 1970, led by Black and queer groups. With
the rise of the Internet, and social media in particular, the new millennium saw this movement
spread online and body positivity became a social media buzzphrase influenced by capitalism.
The distinction between radical and mainstream body positivity persists, but where early fat
activism had not always made space for fat Black and brown people, Black and brown fat people
were more able to carve out their own spaces online. Intersectional influencers who were dealing
with oppression in more than one area were often the most outspoken, with women of color often
leading the way. The shift from a grassroots radical movement on the streets, to a mainstream
commercialized social media movement, marked the beginning of a shift in how body positivity
was taken up, losing touch with its origins (Griffin, Bailey, Lopez 2022).
body images produce significant issues that have profound effects on individuals' self-esteem,

identity, overall well-being and mental health. However, changes in public opinion about

illusions of a ‘perfect body’ may be the result of increased representations of plus-sized Black

women in the media were met with positive responses (Cash & Pruzinsky, 2002; Gordon, Castro,

Sitnikov, & Holm-Denoma, 2010). Subsequently, an increase of images in social media that

showcase diverse body shapes also indicate that Black women may exhibit lower levels of body

image dissatisfaction and maintain a more favorable view of larger body sizes. Mentally, this

may result in less concerns about dieting, weight fluctuations, and the fear of fatness, as they are

less likely to internalize sociocultural standards of beauty (Flowers, KC, Levesque, MJ Fischer

S, 2012)

Social media combined with today’s awareness initiatives may be powerful catalysts

for positive mental changes. In the last two decades, there has been an increasing pushback

against traditional Eurocentric beauty standards of beauty. Public opinion among the ‘average-

sized’ female in America and particularly the “average-sized” Black woman has resulted in

changes in media stereotypes of body mages. Influencers permeate a range of genres that include

music, and fashion.

Advocates for plus-size images include Lizzo, Nicole Byer, Ashourina, Alexus Gregg,

Candice Sabiduria, and QiQi Hill. They have been featured in print, TV, and social media

clothing ads for Glossier, UGG, H&M, promoted skincare and make-up campaigns for Rihanna

(Savage and Fenty) Lanvin and Alexander McQueen and showcased well-known products such

as Nike, Fendi, Mercedes-Benz, and Proenza Schouler (Smith, 2022).

High-end fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle and Glamour feature plus-size Black

women such as Paloma Kai Shockley Elsesser, Precious Lee, and Brielle Anya and give them
‘voice.’5 In an interview with Janelle Okwodu, Elsesser poses a rhetorical question, “What’s the

downside of giving visibility to disabled people, putting dark-skinned femmes at the forefront, or

prioritizing diverse perspectives?” (Okwodu, Dec 2020).

The agency, Natural Model Management and Healthy is the New Skinny, incorporates

strategies to change the traditional modeling industry (Natural,

https://www.healthyisthenewskinny.com/blog-all/2019/10/16/natural-x-nyfwsavage-fenty). They

strive to “change the game of self-love by approaching the topic of body image from an

intellectual viewpoint vs. an irrational and emotional one. By breaking down the ‘skinny’ beauty

ideal and exposing its origins, agenda, and harmful mental influence it has had on society, the

founder, Katie H. Willcox empowers people to choose their health over the beauty ideal

implemented by the media, and she provides the tools needed to create lasting change (Natural).

Potential positive impact of social media means that contemporary perspectives of

inclusion, diversity, and mental health awareness is producing a powerful, dramatic shift in the

self-esteem of Black women. As a result, the pain of mental health distress among Black women

is effectively reduced.

In an interview with Sylvia Odell about sharing her nude photo, the rapper Lizzo said, "I

love creating shapes with my body, and I love normalizing the dimples in my butt or the lumps in

my thighs or my back fat or stretch marks. I love normalizing my Black-ass elbows. I think it's

beautiful" (Odell, Essence 2020). Lizzo's body image intersects with her idea of body positivity,

self-acceptance, and societal beauty standards.

All women are encouraged to "reject fat prejudice, learn to love their bodies, and join one

of the most progressive and life-changing revolutions in the world," according to Nicole Byer,

5 ‘Voice’ as defined by bell hook-embodying distinctive expression/awareness and expression. T

Black American female author who is unapologetic about her weight and body size and has

written the best-seller #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl's Guide to Being #Brave and

Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini. Literary critic

Jess Ducey asserts that the book is "for anyone who has struggled with body image, but

especially for fat and/or Black women (Ducey, 2020).

Byer explains, "Real quick, I just wanna tell you why I wrote this book. I wanted to write

a book about fat ladies—because I am one. Not curvy, not plus-size, not big-boned, not fluffy,

not phat. I'm FAT." She says, "we live in a white supremacist, patriarchal society that actively

fuels and profits from our insecurities – but sometimes it's hard to forgive a world that treats your

body as a punchline or a cautionary tale." She is an inspiration and motivator, saying, "If you

want to change your body, that is well within your means to do that, but if you don't want to

change your body, you need to accept it and embrace it."

Raising awareness about the concept of body-positivity is music artist Melissa Viviane

Jefferson, known as Lizzo. A popular singer, rapper, and flutist, she has been an influential figure

in promoting body positivity and self-love, particularly for big women. Through her empowering

music, unapologetic self-expression, and social media presence, Lizzo promotes body diversity,

inclusivity, and self-confidence. Her lyrics prove inspirational and upbeat and include phrases of

affirmation such as, "I'm like chardonnay, get better over time" ("Juice"), "Got me, it's the only

thing I'll ever need" ("Heaven Help Me") and "I am my inspiration, I am my inspiration" ("Water

me"). Her music career offers positive encouragement when combined with non-traditional plus-

size models featured in the videos.

Lizzo's visibility and message have been instrumental in challenging narrow beauty

norms and encouraging people instead to celebrate their bodies and love themselves as they are.
Her approach emphasizes that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and one's worth is not

determined by their physical appearance. She asserts that her music is meant to promote the

acceptance of big Black women, adding, "These songs are for my big Black girls. Everyone can

enjoy them, but I want to help us…This music is medicine and I'm trying to get it to my sisters.

It's so exciting to me to finally be at a level where I have exposure to my Black sisters, my big

sisters, my Black trans sisters. It's not about being poppin'. It's not about being famous or

fashion[able]. It's about being better and making sure that this world can hear us and respect us"

(Victorian, Essence, 2021).

Through her activism and advocacy, Lizzo has inspired countless individuals to feel more

comfortable in their skin, promoting body acceptance and pushing back against body shaming.

Her positive influence has extended beyond her music and artistry, making her an essential figure

in the body positivity movement. According to celebrity social influencer/reporter Sylvia Obell,

#bodypositivity counteracts a pervasive "unhealthy addiction to Eurocentric beauty standards.

("There's no term for body negativity because that's the norm"). The movement has allowed an

environment primed to celebrate Lizzo for being naked on her album cover or showing off her

cellulite and rolls while rocking lingerie or a bikini" (Obell, Essence 2021).

It is worth noting that body positivity movements seek to celebrate diverse body shapes

and sizes, recognizing that beauty comes in all forms. The phrase "survival of the thickest" aligns

with the broader message of embracing body diversity and rejecting unrealistic beauty ideals. It

encourages individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies, regardless of societal

expectations or standards. Promoting body positivity, self-acceptance, and positive mental health

fosters a healthy and inclusive society. Replacing historical ideologies that trigger pain with

healthy self-identities can prove instrumental to Black women.

 Amid the current social climate, Black women are creating and maintaining new concepts

that allow all females from marginalized communities to feel valued and respected for who they

are, irrespective of body size or shape. Embracing this ideology globally, four years ago at the

Savage x Fenty fashion show, plus-sized model Tabria Majors stated, "We once lived in the era

of the Victoria Secret fashion show, where a singular beauty ideal was portrayed, where young

girls were made to feel less than because they couldn't see someone like themselves gracing the

stage. She further proclaimed, "We have entered a time where diversity is celebrated, I mean true

diversity… not tokenism or limited inclusion."

Major fashion and music influencers/trendsetters continue to claim that new beauty

standards are in place that embrace diverse body types and promote inclusivity. As advocates for

more realistic and attainable beauty ideals, they hold significant sway in shaping societal

perceptions of beauty standards, which positively impact people's self-esteem and mental well-

being.

The portrayal of women of 'average size' and the promotion of diversity in the consumer

marketplace can indeed play a crucial role in challenging traditional notions of beauty that often

prioritize extremely thin or unrealistic body proportions. This shift can help counteract the

harmful effects of promoting unattainable beauty ideals, leading to unhealthy behaviors and body

image issues.

By showcasing a more comprehensive range of body types, influencers contribute to

normalizing diverse beauty standards. This normalization can increase Black women's

acceptance of their own bodies and reduce pressure to conform to extreme beauty norms. The

hope is that, over time, this will decrease the desire to achieve a tiny waistline or engage in

extreme measures to attain a particular body shape.

 However, it's essential to recognize that changing deeply ingrained beauty standards is a

complex process that requires ongoing effort and collaboration across various sectors of society.

While influencers and media play a vital role, educational initiatives, policy changes, and

cultural shifts are also necessary to bring about lasting change.

In a more socially conscious environment. the movement toward diverse, inclusive

beauty standards may gain momentum and contribute to a broader shift in perceptions of beauty.

Nevertheless, change takes time, and it's crucial to remain critical of media portrayals while

celebrating progress.

Images of female body shapes and sizes, strategically placed for consumerism may shift

public opinion and eradicate unrealistic and harmful ideology. Plus-size fashion and positive

verbal messages across the spectrum of society may serve as catalysts to replace irrational

concepts of a waistline that is 17 inches. As the new normal evolves and becomes commonplace,

and hopefully, that school of thought will be 'gone with the wind.

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