The constant attempts by the left to label conservatives often result in some amusing self-inflicted wounds. Recently, an article titled “Thin, White, Correct: The Ideal Christian Woman” came out from the New York Times. It’s certainly a bold take, and while I find it intriguing, others might not be so convinced.
The piece features opinion editor Meher Ahmad and columnist Jessica Grose, who explore how being thin has seemingly become a badge of honor among conservatives. Ahmad dives into the question of why there’s such an obsession with thinness and whether that focus overshadows women’s broader issues. It’s a perplexing issue that feels, well, a bit tangled.
NYT currently mentions being a regular fitter as having a “maga body.”
Essentially, they say that being fat or dislike is related to being a leftist. pic.twitter.com/fxhr6whrgd
– Geiger Capital (@geiger_capital) April 27, 2025
To sum it up, the right is seen as striving for truth and beauty—qualities often tied to being slim. Most self-identified conservatives, it seems, embrace this pursuit openly. On the other hand, Grose criticizes the left by labeling them as social media activists, portraying a rather unflattering picture.
The notion of beauty, particularly regarding women, feels universal, though complicated. It brings to mind various extreme practices throughout history that sought to create beauty standards, like foot binding or even cosmetic enhancements. These traits often signal health and fertility, something highly valued in many societies.
Interestingly, Ahmad reflects on the universal allure of being thin, acknowledging its presence across time and political beliefs. However, the definition of being “thin” varies widely among individuals. For some, it simply means not being classified as overweight—a status often linked to youthfulness and fertility in our society.
Ahmad mentions that certain conservative influencers are set on promoting thinness, yet they can’t help but stand out in a current cultural landscape where such ideals already exist. He seems to question whether emphasizing health as synonymous with thinness is still acceptable.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture wants to recognize certain signs of whiteness, such as individualism, hard work, objectivity, nuclear family, progress, respect for authority, and delayed satisfaction. (via @RPWWilliams))https://t.co/k9x3u4suas pic.twitter.com/gwyoeeh4vu
– Byronyork (@byronyork) July 15, 2020
Adding to this, Mary, in a report by the Smithsonian, included “health” and “thin” as attributes associated with a certain cultural identity. This raises questions about how these perceptions might link to systemic issues within our society.
Ahmad’s thoughts suggest an acceptance that thinness may be viewed through a lens of privilege, while both he and Gross seem to struggle with their views amidst those stigmas.
Ahmad shares a personal anecdote about her time in Pakistan during Ramadan, where fasting was a part of her routine. She points out that religion can offer a moral compass in our complex world—a relatable sentiment. But then, she adds a seemingly casual remark about her own thinness, framing it in a sympathetic way while perhaps unintentionally drawing attention to it.
In response, Gross hints at her battles with diet culture. She reflects on her long-standing fixation with societal ideals, acknowledging the effect of images from the ’90s and the pressure created by them. It’s a heavy sentiment: for her, overcoming these ideals feels almost impossible, especially for the younger generation.
It’s a thought-provoking piece that taps into deeper issues surrounding body image and societal standards, leaving one to wonder how these dynamics will evolve.
