The recent opinion article published in The Spectator questioning the desirability of Penelope Featherington, a character in the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” has sparked a heated debate on body image and beauty standards. The article suggested that Penelope, played by Nicola Coughlan, would never realistically be paired with the handsome leading man, Colin Bridgerton, due to her character not being thin.
Fans of the show quickly took to social media to express their outrage at what they saw as blatant body shaming in the article. Many pointed out that descriptors like “plump” and “curvy” are more accurate for Penelope, and that beauty is subjective. Plus-size women shared their own stories of being happily coupled, challenging the notion that only thin women can be desirable.
The criticism of Penelope’s character overlooks the long-standing cultural preference for curvier women in many communities. The idea that curvy women cannot be attractive is false, as evidenced by the diverse range of body types that are desired across cultures and generations.
The debate surrounding Penelope’s character in “Bridgerton” highlights the importance of challenging narrow beauty standards and embracing body positivity. As one fan put it, “What one person finds attractive isn’t what everybody else finds attractive, and it seems like some people don’t understand that.” Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and love knows no size or shape.
