Silvy spreads body positivity

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Read the following story by Suthivas Tanphaibul from Bangkok Post’s Guru Magazine. Then, answer the questions that follow.


Thai-Italian pop star Pavida "Silvy" Moriggi is already a veteran in the Thai entertainment industry. She has sung on soundtracks and TV shows such as The Voice Thailand and The Masked Singer. Silvy told us about her latest track XL and body positivity in the Thai entertainment industry.

What got you into music?
Singing is my passion. It gives me great joy to see audiences enjoying my songs. I was influenced by my mother's playlist when I was a kid. Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey were iconic divas that I look up to. And now, the artist who inspires me to be my true self is Lady Gaga.

What's something you learned early on in your career that made you a better artist?
Always improve yourself and be open-minded to new things. Since I have not achieved my goal or the best version of myself yet, I always remind myself that I can do more and be more if I keep pushing myself. I’m also motivated by my passion for music. I never get tired of improving my singing.

How did you find your record label?
One of my friends, Valentina Ploy, introduced me to the international record label in Thailand, Karma Sound Studios. I got invited to make my debut single and we wrote our songs in English.

What message do you deliver through XL?
It’s about embracing yourself and being who you really are. I want to encourage people through this song and my attitude about body positivity. The lyrics are about the insults I faced from this industry and the people around me, like 'You are too fat' or 'Why do you look so manly?'. I want to show people that I don't give a damn about them. My body is my choice.

What's your opinion on the view of female beauty in the Thai society?
White skin, long hair and a skinny body are the checklist for society for a woman's beauty. Without ticking these boxes, you are too plain or ugly. I would be happier to see Thai television broadcasting the diversity of beauty, too.

What changes would you bring to Thai entertainment industry?
I want to see plus-sized figures in the mainstream. As for the darker-skinned actors and actresses, they shouldn't be given roles only as bad guys or maids. If they are good at acting, there should be a better role for them. Don’t judge a book by its cover, you might miss out on something amazing.


Section 1: Write the correct answer in the space provided.
1. What nationality is Silvy? …………….
2. Who currently inspires Silvy? …………….
3. What is the name of her record label? …………….
4. Silvy’s lyrics include insults she has heard. True or false? …………….
5. Silvy wants to see more skinny bodies on Thai TV. True or false?…………..
6. Silvy wants to act as a bad guy or maid. True or false? …………….

Section 2: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
The song I …7… is my story, about the prejudice and …8… I faced in society. I want to inspire and …9… people who also face those problems …10… my music.

7. __A. write             __B. wrote                __C. written
8. __A. bully                 __B. bullied              __C. bullying
9. __A. encourage            __B. encourages           __C. encouragement
10. __A. on                __B. through                __C. for
       
Section 3: Find words that match the following definitions.
11. a person who has had a lot of experience in a particular activity or job ……………
12. a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something  ……………
13. thinking in an optimistic way and expecting good results  ……………
14. many different types of things or people being included in something …………

Answers: 1. Thai-Italian. 2. Lady Gaga. 3. Karma Sound Studios. 4. true. 5. false. 6. false. 7. b. 8. c. 9. a. 10. b. 11.  veteran. 12. passion. 13. positivity. 14. diversity.