Making A Change

 

Making A Change

 

In my previous blog, I discussed several of the issues with the character of Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect. Although Fat Amy is presented as a confident woman who owns her size, she unfortunately provides an example of the “Funny Fat Friend” stereotype, which may seem positive, but in reality devalues overweight women, and uses their body as a source of humor.

 

I believe there are a few changes which could be made to Amy’s character in order to transform her into a more three-dimensional person and less of a stereotype.

 

One possible solution would be to give her an interior life and goals of her own, rather than simply assisting her skinnier, more “conventionally attractive” friends. Furthermore, Amy could embrace her femininity, and not be shunned because of her size. She could perhaps have a love interest of her own and be recognized for the beautiful woman she is. Currently in the film, when Fat Amy tries to flirt with Bumper Allen (the leader of Treblemakers, the Bellas’ rival a cappella group), Bumper tells her, “You are probably the grossest human being I have ever seen.” Fat Amy should not have to be a magnet for all of this negativity.