Hemline Theory

 

 The "Hemline Theory" is often used as an indicator of our economic condition.
The maxim proposes that; as the market rises, so do hemlines.

But maybe a better indication of how well (or poorly) our economy is doing could be the "Full Figure Theory".
The Real Housewives of New Jersey are a good example of this.
The stable, stay at home mothers seem to be fuller figured while the working women seem to look as though they are seeking the approval of an appearance-based corporate workplace.

Condoleezza Rice, Susan Rice, Michelle Obama, Tamron Hall, Halle Berry, ... all seem to fit within the aspirational corporate paradigm.
Each must come across as attractive enough to separate themselves from 'those other Blacks' (Think: The lead characters in the movie Precious.) in order to broaden their appeal.
Even Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg started out thinner.
It was only after they proved their worth that they became accepted for being what they are.

 Even Black's use such imagery.
Tyler Perry's House of Payne is an example of this.
The thinner women work while the Big Mama stays at home.

Even when incorporating Hispanics into the cast Mr Perry uses a thinner woman to represent a working woman..

I'm not entirely sure how the "Full Figure Theory" would work, as each culture determines it's own definition of 'success' - but maybe the fitness/fatness level of any given culture is a better indicator of it's cultural and financial status than any other.