In a sad NY Times article about the westernization of Nigeria’s standards of beauty, there is this wonderful passage: “Among the Calabari people in southeastern Nigeria, fat has traditionally held a cherished place. Before their weddings, brides are sent to fattening farms, where their caretakers feed them huge amounts of food and massage them into rounder shapes. After weeks inside the fattening farms, the big brides are finally let out and paraded in the village square.” While this ritual bears a disturbing resemblance to fattening up a prize cow for market, it’s a comfortable change from our U.S. “starve to fit in the dress” syndrome. The seamstress who altered my wedding gown was surprised that I didn’t want my dress taken in more. “Are you sure? Most girls wants me to make it really tight!” “Well, no, I actually want to be able to breathe on my wedding day, thanks.”