Christina Hendricks is Venus in the flesh, there is little argument about that. Men and women admire her for various reasons, and as an actress she is outstanding. What she isn't, considering her latest remark about her body is reasonable. When interviewed by lifestyle writer and fashion editor, Kate Waterhouse, Hendricks took offence at being asked: ''You have been an inspiration as a full-figured woman; what is the most inspiring story that you can remember?'' Full-figured according to her is rude (she prefers the word feminine) so she refused to answer the question.
Much has been made of Ms Hendricks as role model to plus-size women; whether she likes it or not they draw inspiration from her volumptous public image in this day and age of wafer thin models - the message is its ok to be the size you are. By finding the term "full-figured" offensive she could be seen as having turned her back on that important message. It's an issue worth thinking about, but I feel it raises another issue for reflection.
The inclination to be oversensitive to innocent remarks is a tenacious by-product of political correctness, and as such, alarms those men who are finally becoming amenable to female grievances but fear being gagged by language and thus controlled. Hendricks makes no sensible point with her preference for the word feminine - the word has nothing at all to do with body size and all women are "feminine" in looks or physical shape. Being pedantic over even carefully chosen words is a mistake with consequences, especially as sexism toward women still remains a serious issue.
It is in men's DNA to control his environment. In turn his greatest fear is being controlled. This I believe explains much about the interminable domination of women. If we are to modify human behaviour we must understand it. Both genders must give and take as they seek the right balance, the right attitudes, and even the proper language. It means retiring the ancient habit of splitting hairs. And Christina Hendricks should loosen up.