Inclusive Romances in Bridgerton
A recent article in the British weekly magazine The Spectator sparked a debate among fans of the Netflix series Bridgerton. The article questioned the desirability of Penelope Featherington, played by Irish actress Nicola Coughlan, and her romantic pairing with Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Newton. The article claimed that their relationship would never happen in real life because she is not thin.
After the third season of the show premiered on Netflix this month, fans were outraged by what they perceived as body shaming in the article. The article bluntly stated that Coughlan is “not hot, and there’s no way around it” and went on to argue that efforts to prioritize equality and diversity are not enough to make it believable that a plus-size girl could end up with the prince.
While some people pointed out that Coughlan may not even be considered plus-size by many, others on the internet echoed the sentiments of the article. One user on Threads wrote that she was not used to seeing a woman like Penelope with a man like Colin and that it would not happen in real life. This sparked a wave of responses from plus-size women sharing pictures of themselves happily coupled up.
Danielle Wallace, a plus-size woman from Houston, joined the chorus of objections to the article. She emphasized that what one person finds attractive may not be the same for everyone and that some people fail to grasp that concept. Wallace, who is happily engaged to a man who loves her, stated, “It’s very strange to be an adult and not understand that.”
The backlash against the article highlights the importance of representation and diversity in media, challenging traditional beauty standards and showcasing that love knows no size. As more viewers demand inclusive storytelling, it is clear that romance is not limited to one body type or appearance. Bridgerton’s portrayal of diverse relationships serves as a reminder that love is for everyone, regardless of size or shape.
While the article attempted to diminish the romantic possibilities for characters like Penelope, fans and viewers alike have rallied behind the idea that love is inclusive and transcends stereotypes. The outpouring of support for diverse representations in Bridgerton signals a shift towards more inclusive narratives in popular culture, breaking free from the confines of traditional romantic tropes. Love is not limited by size, and Bridgerton’s portrayal of unconventional romances challenges societal norms, empowering viewers to embrace love in all its forms.