Why Do Y'all Hate Lizzo So Much?

Writer: Kimani Leftridge 

Rapper, singer, and musician Lizzo has been making headlines all 2019 due to her self-empowering lyrics and infectious personality. She has remained booked and busy, giving audiences show-stopping performances at the BET Awards, the VMA’s, and even Saturday Night Live. Many people, including myself, have been incredibly proud to see a Black woman be at the receiving end of so much success. Unfortunately, this is not a sentiment that a lot of other people share.

As bizarre as it may seem, Lizzo has been the subject of some not-so-positive headlines as well. It is not because she has been deemed “problematic” or has taken part in some celebrity scandal, it is simply because she does not fit into the desirable profile that so many global citizens have become accustomed to witnessing. Not only is it that, but Lizzo has also put messages about body positivity and self-love at the forefront of her brand. As a bigger woman, or just fat (and no, it is not offensive to say so), she has always been loving and respectful to herself. Lizzo never lets anyone make her feel wrong about her body type; frequently, she even shows this self-appreciation on her social media.

While there are probably some reasonable criticisms of the performer out there, it gets lost in the slew of fatphobic insults and memes. Internet bullies will assert that they are only trying to perpetuate “healthy lifestyles” and claim that the singer is promoting “obesity.” These claims are cheap, incredibly misinformed, and bigoted. One’s weight is not an indicator of their health, and even if that is so if someone is “unhealthy,” why does it make sense to ridicule and bully them? It would be far more appropriate to offer them words of love and encouragement instead of back-handed, condescending “advice.” 

It is time for the people of the internet, to be honest with themselves. You do not dislike Lizzo because of her music, it is not because of her outgoing personality, and it is not because she is promoting unhealthy lifestyles. It is because of three simple reasons, she is fat, she is Black, and she is a woman on top of her game.