Creative Practice Week of February 15th

Jessica Henrion

This is an image of the jeans at American Eagle. When my sister and I were shopping I discovered how the smallest size (double zero) of jeans began at the top of the shelf (around eye level) and the larger the size got the lower they got on the shelf (size 10 and 12 being at the bottom near the floor). It could be argued that they are just going in numerical order, but if this was the case they could arrange the sizes across and put the different styles on different shelves. Me being a size eight or ten in these particular jeans I had to crouch down near the floor. I recognized a sense of shame in doing the action of literally lowering yourself to those that are smaller than you and therefor possibly better. Noticing this affected me as it made me feel embarrassed of my body size. Once again I am unsure how I may have affected it by noticing it other than by choosing not to shop there and or making a complaint to American Eagle.

Continuing my day in the mall I went to the Food Court. With body size and image in mind I realized how the chairs were stationary. I considered people who may be larger and could not reposition the chair to sit comfortably. There are of course tables that have chairs that aren’t attached, but it must be frustrating not being able to have much option of where to sit. Furthermore, if the Food Court is busy your seating options can be incredibly limited. Having worked at a restaurant before I know that there can be shame and embarrassment attached to having to request to sit in a table opposed to a booth. It affects me by having me sympathize for those that are put in this situation as well as realizing my privilege. I affect it by being able to suggest a change at the Mall Food Court.