Why Alicia Machado Really Matters

Because she represents the entire predicament men have historically imposed on women.

They reward the first stage of a metabolic illness-  anorexia and mania.
They literally give girls jeweled crowns for that.
(And see nothing wrong with it.)

But they humiliate women who then progress to the next stage of metabolic dysfunction-  obesity and depression.
And coerce them into behaviors that actually accelerate the underlying illness.
(And claim it's a public service.)

Contrary to current wisdom, the cruelty doesn't cause the eating disorders, that is usually microbes. 
But men have always exploited the symptoms to control women.