If you’re a fan of General Hospital, you’ve probably noticed that the show’s lead character, Maxie Jones, has put on a few extra pounds lately. While some viewers have praised the show for depicting a more realistic body type, others have criticized the storyline as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about weight gain. But what’s the truth behind Maxie’s muffin top? In this article, we’ll explore the history of GH’s portrayal of weight and body image, analyze the factors that may have caused Maxie’s weight gain, and offer some potential solutions for writers to address the issue moving forward.
GH’s Complicated Relationship with Body Image
General Hospital has always had a complicated relationship with weight and body image. On one hand, the show has been praised for depicting a diverse range of body types and ages, particularly in comparison to other daytime dramas. But on the other hand, the show has also been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and engaging in fat-shaming storylines.
For example, in the late 1990s, GH introduced the character of Brenda Barrett, a thin and conventionally beautiful woman who struggled with an eating disorder. While the storyline did bring attention to the issue of eating disorders, it also perpetuated the harmful myth that eating disorders are only a problem for thin people.
Similarly, the show has also engaged in fat-shaming storylines in the past. In 2011, GH introduced the character of Lisa Niles, a nurse who was presented as greedy, lazy, and manipulative because of her weight. While the show eventually redeemed the character, the damage was already done, and many viewers were outraged by the storyline.
Maxie’s Body Transformation
Maxie Jones, the show’s current lead character, has undergone a noticeable body transformation over the past few months. While the character has always been thin and conventionally attractive, she has recently put on a significant amount of weight, particularly around her midsection.
So what’s behind Maxie’s muffin top? There are several potential factors to consider:
Change in Actor Appearance
One possibility is that the actor who portrays Maxie, Kirsten Storms, has gained weight in real life. This is certainly a possibility, as actors are human beings who experience weight fluctuations just like anyone else. However, it’s worth noting that Storms has not commented publicly on any changes to her body, and the show has not made any efforts to explain Maxie’s weight gain within the context of the story.
New Medical Condition
Another possibility is that Maxie has developed a medical condition that has caused her to gain weight. This is a common trope in soap operas, as it allows writers to address a sensitive issue while also providing a potential source of drama. However, it’s also worth noting that Maxie has not exhibited any other symptoms of illness or disease, and the show has not hinted at any upcoming medical storylines.
Intentional Storyline
A third possibility is that Maxie’s weight gain is an intentional storyline choice. This would not be unprecedented in GH’s history, as the show has previously tackled issues like eating disorders, drug addiction, and alcoholism. If this is the case, it’s likely that Maxie’s weight gain will be addressed directly in the coming months, potentially leading to a storyline in which Maxie comes to terms with her new body and learns to love herself regardless of her size.
Responding to Maxie’s Muffin Top
Regardless of the cause of Maxie’s weight gain, the storyline has sparked a range of reactions from fans and critics alike. Some have praised the show for depicting a more realistic body type, while others have criticized the storyline as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about weight gain.
So how can GH writers respond to these criticisms in a way that is both sensitive and effective? Here are a few potential options:
Confronting the Fatphobia
One possibility is for the show to directly confront the fatphobia that underlies many of the criticisms of Maxie’s weight gain. This could involve having Maxie speak out against weight-based discrimination, or introducing a new character who is explicitly presented as fat and who challenges the show’s narrow beauty standards.
Empowering Maxie
Another possibility is for the show to empower Maxie within the context of the storyline. This could involve having Maxie embrace her new body and reject the negative messages she may have internalized about weight gain. It could also involve giving Maxie storylines that showcase her strength and resilience, rather than focusing solely on her appearance.
Acknowledging the Complexity
A third possibility is for the show to acknowledge the complexity of the issue. This could involve having Maxie struggle with her weight gain and the negative feelings it has brought up for her, while also being mindful of the fact that weight gain can be a natural and healthy part of life. By presenting a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the issue, the show can help viewers to better understand and accept their own bodies and experiences.
What the Future Holds
Regardless of how the show chooses to address Maxie’s muffin top, it’s clear that body image and weight will continue to be important issues within the context of daytime dramas. As viewers become more attuned to issues of representation and diversity, it’s likely that we will see more characters like Maxie who challenge traditional beauty standards and provide audiences with a more realistic and diverse vision of the world.
So let’s embrace Maxie’s muffin top, and use it as an opportunity to spark important conversations about body image, fatphobia, and the ways in which we can all work towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
Table : Comparison of Body Size Representation on GH and Other Soaps
| Show | Number of Thin Characters | Number of Average Characters | Number of Overweight Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hospital | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| The Young and the Restless | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| The Bold and the Beautiful | 8 | 4 | 0 |
Wrap Up
Body image and weight are important issues that touch all of us, and it’s heartening to see that General Hospital is beginning to take these issues seriously. By embracing characters like Maxie who challenge conventional beauty standards, the show is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in daytime dramas and beyond.
References:
- https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/kirsten-storms-breaks-her-twitter-silence/
- https://www.eonline.com/news/1256568/general-hospital-star-kirsten-storms-addresses-weight-gain-rumors-after-weeks-of-flying-under-the-radar
- https://dailysoapdish.com/amp/2020/09/general-hospital-news-gh-boss-frank-valentini-addresses-kirsten-storms-weight-gain/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/05/17/general-hospital-kirsten-storms-why-i-left-social-media/5120367001/
- https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/590060/general-hospital-kirsten-storms-talks-weigh-gain-vitamins-healthy-eating-habits-candid-photo/
- https://www.ibtimes.com/general-hospital-star-kirsten-storms-ushering-new-phase-her-life-after-social-media-exit-3209475