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Fat Shaming Plates or Political Correctness Run Amok?
Replies
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I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.4 -
I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I read a response from Forever 21. They stated that many different promotional items are included with shipments of their garments and products. They didn't specifically target plus sized items with Atkins Bars..... so they say.1 -
Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
This is 100x better than the Macy's jeans-size plate. I am so tempted to get this for my home...3 -
Motorsheen wrote: »
...It's not fat shaming, but it's not helpful, may be harmful to those already suffering disorders, and isn't even slightly funny.
I challenge even one person who said its "just a joke" to honestly say they even smiled at these things.
I also challenge stores to try harder.
It's Macy's choice to carry this item (or not), as comically vapid as it might be.
Yes, I keep seeing this. It's "their choice" or it "should be their choice."
It is. But also, choice goes both ways. If they get to choose to carry these things, other people get to choose to publicly criticize them for it, and both sides are not immune to the consequences of their choices. Macy's consequence may be loss of business. Critics' consequence may be having people mock them.
This is how choice works. I don't understand why it's so hard to comprehend for so many people. And (soapbox, not directed at anyone) seriously, everyone shut the eff up about how easily offended people are. I don't have to be offended by something to think it's a bad idea. Stop dismissing legitimate comments because "lol offended." You really prefer we all just shut up and laugh because we were told to like a bunch of friggin brainwashed idiots? Stop shutting your damn brains off and LISTEN. And if you don't agree in the end, at least have the decency to not be a donkey about it.
Defends people's right to criticize.
Tell's people to shut up.
Irony?13 -
I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.0 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.1 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.
Ah I see. I may or may not have skimmed through that article.
The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others. 0 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.
Ah I see. I may or may not have skimmed through that article. The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others.
I do my share of skimming. Gets me every time lol.
1 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.
Ah I see. I may or may not have skimmed through that article. The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others.
I do my share of skimming. Gets me every time lol.
Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum.
I re-read the article. I wonder if sending Quest bars instead of Atkins bars would have been less triggering for people?? I'm guessing it was the association with the diet Atkins is known for that caused offense? Or like Special K protein bars VS Slim Fast meal bars. Both are nutritionally similar, but one is associated with a weight loss program, and one isn't.
Just pondering out loud...
2 -
when i was suffering with anorexia i would have lived for this, would have used the skinny portion as a bible.
Im obviously not the target for this but i think when we speak about the 'easily offended', its important to remember that people who are concerned can express it as offence on the behalf of others.
Its supposed to be a fun plate but I know even four years into my recovery that this plate still tugs on something long buried.16 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.
Ah I see. I may or may not have skimmed through that article. The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others.
I do my share of skimming. Gets me every time lol.
Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum.
I re-read the article. I wonder if sending Quest bars instead of Atkins bars would have been less triggering for people?? I'm guessing it was the association with the diet Atkins is known for that caused offense? Or like Special K protein bars VS Slim Fast meal bars. Both are nutritionally similar, but one is associated with a weight loss program, and one isn't.
Just pondering out loud...
To me thats the nail on the head, one is coded as weightloss and the other, to me, as 'healthy'. I think the issue is probably the unsolicited diet bar in an order but ASOS, when I ordered clothes that range from a 4-8, have sent me a sample box of special k. I've also received polo mints, a box of kit kat senses (or whatever theyre called, the salted caramel ones!) and other food items. Defo agree that its how they're viewed
1 -
Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
Does anyone else read this in an Australian accent?
I could do without the outer border, but find the rest of it funny (though to be fair, I'd find it get old pretty quickly, but good for a short chuckle). Much better executed than the "mom jeans" plate, for sure.2 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.
Ah I see. I may or may not have skimmed through that article. The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others.
I do my share of skimming. Gets me every time lol.
Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum.
I re-read the article. I wonder if sending Quest bars instead of Atkins bars would have been less triggering for people?? I'm guessing it was the association with the diet Atkins is known for that caused offense? Or like Special K protein bars VS Slim Fast meal bars. Both are nutritionally similar, but one is associated with a weight loss program, and one isn't.
Just pondering out loud...liaoverbrook wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I don't think the plates are as offensive as Forever 21 packaging Atkins Diet bars in shipments.
https://nypost.com/2019/07/23/forever-21-sends-atkins-diet-bars-to-plus-size-customers/
Although I wouldn't complain about free food.
I saw that the other day. I could definatly see how this one can be percieved as fat shaming.
But it wasn't "targeted" at only people who ordered plus size clothing.Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders” and that the Atkins bar was sent to customers who ordered any item, not just to those who ordered clothing in larger sizes.
Ah I see. I may or may not have skimmed through that article. The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others.
I do my share of skimming. Gets me every time lol.
Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum.
I re-read the article. I wonder if sending Quest bars instead of Atkins bars would have been less triggering for people?? I'm guessing it was the association with the diet Atkins is known for that caused offense? Or like Special K protein bars VS Slim Fast meal bars. Both are nutritionally similar, but one is associated with a weight loss program, and one isn't.
Just pondering out loud...
To me thats the nail on the head, one is coded as weightloss and the other, to me, as 'healthy'. I think the issue is probably the unsolicited diet bar in an order but ASOS, when I ordered clothes that range from a 4-8, have sent me a sample box of special k. I've also received polo mints, a box of kit kat senses (or whatever theyre called, the salted caramel ones!) and other food items. Defo agree that its how they're viewed
I agree too. Anything associated with weightloss will be viewed differently.0 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
Does anyone else read this in an Australian accent?
I could do without the outer border, but find the rest of it funny (though to be fair, I'd find it get old pretty quickly, but good for a short chuckle). Much better executed than the "mom jeans" plate, for sure.
I love that plate, lol. I was picturing a Gordon Ramsey type british Accent. I'm the type that finds insults funny though. I would find an evil version of MFP that calls me (funny) names such as on that plate when I blow my calories for the day both amusing and useful, lol.2 -
It's meant to be funny. This is a set I wouldn't buy for a "mum" friend, as new mums, sensitivity meters might be pushed, missing the humor.1
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FWIW, I think these are silly plates, that would not have very high sales, and most people here and other places online would never have even seen them if not for the 'outrage' over them. I don't think they were very well thought out or vetted, but I don't think they are worth nearly the attention they have received.4
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The plates are dumb, largely because they don't seem to understand what mom jeans are (as others have pointed out). High-waisted jeans are way less comfortable if you overeat IME. Also, a full plate could mean lots of vegetables, of course.
But lots of joke-y tee-shirts and mugs are quite stupid, especially if examined closely. I don't think this is offensive or fat shaming, of course.6 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Dragonwolf wrote: »Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
Does anyone else read this in an Australian accent?
I could do without the outer border, but find the rest of it funny (though to be fair, I'd find it get old pretty quickly, but good for a short chuckle). Much better executed than the "mom jeans" plate, for sure.
I love that plate, lol. I was picturing a Gordon Ramsey type british Accent. I'm the type that finds insults funny though. I would find an evil version of MFP that calls me (funny) names such as on that plate when I blow my calories for the day both amusing and useful, lol.
I always thought it could be funny to have an insulting mode on my car GPS - one that calls you names or gripes when it tells you turn and you don't, and maybe even whines and refuses to talk to you if you miss a certain number of turns in a row......1 -
I would pay extra for a google maps feature that does this, LOL. Somebody get on this. There's money to be made!bmeadows380 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Dragonwolf wrote: »Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
Does anyone else read this in an Australian accent?
I could do without the outer border, but find the rest of it funny (though to be fair, I'd find it get old pretty quickly, but good for a short chuckle). Much better executed than the "mom jeans" plate, for sure.
I love that plate, lol. I was picturing a Gordon Ramsey type british Accent. I'm the type that finds insults funny though. I would find an evil version of MFP that calls me (funny) names such as on that plate when I blow my calories for the day both amusing and useful, lol.
I always thought it could be funny to have an insulting mode on my car GPS - one that calls you names or gripes when it tells you turn and you don't, and maybe even whines and refuses to talk to you if you miss a certain number of turns in a row......2 -
bmeadows380 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Dragonwolf wrote: »Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
Does anyone else read this in an Australian accent?
I could do without the outer border, but find the rest of it funny (though to be fair, I'd find it get old pretty quickly, but good for a short chuckle). Much better executed than the "mom jeans" plate, for sure.
I love that plate, lol. I was picturing a Gordon Ramsey type british Accent. I'm the type that finds insults funny though. I would find an evil version of MFP that calls me (funny) names such as on that plate when I blow my calories for the day both amusing and useful, lol.
I always thought it could be funny to have an insulting mode on my car GPS - one that calls you names or gripes when it tells you turn and you don't, and maybe even whines and refuses to talk to you if you miss a certain number of turns in a row......
I did at one time, then my daughter grew up and moved out. 11 -
maureenseel1984 wrote: »Plus what if you're eating a "mom jeans" portion of salad vs a "skinny jeans" portion of lard. Just saying.
It's meant to be cute, not useful.2 -
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I see these as plates a millenial woman would buy so she and her friends could fill them up with
avocado salad and go, "Oh, I am so bad. So so bad. Hehe!! I'm gonna get so fat but I don't care because YUM!! Hehe!! Mom jeans here I come! LAWL!!"
11 -
I can't help but notice (as best I can from how posters identify on their profile) that there seems to be a bit of a gender difference in the reactions to the plates. Not 100%, but enough to take notice IMHO.
I wonder if more women go through life feeling like pop culture, advertising, fashion, television, social media, EVERYTHING is constantly telling you that you aren't skinny enough, aren't dressed right, aren't groomed enough, aren't trying hard enough to be good enough. And therefore makes messages like this come off as less of a joke and more of an insult, just another tongue-in-cheek way to remind you that you aren't worthy yet. Just thinking out loud
18 -
Portion control matters and these plates would serve as a daily reminder.
Great for home use but not serving company
Fat shaming is what you do to other people, it's called motivation when you do it to yourself 7 -
Portion control matters and these plates would serve as a daily reminder.
Great for home use but not serving company
I might be the oddball.... but I'd use it at home and laugh every time I got it out.
It would just be a comical reminder to me that IF I want the skinny jeans to fit, I best not stuff my face. I thought it was funny & I think people are far too easily offended - don't like it, then don't buy it.9 -
I probably would too. Then again I won't ever be trying to cram my hairy funny looking old self into mom jeans eithercayenne_007 wrote: »Portion control matters and these plates would serve as a daily reminder.
Great for home use but not serving company
I might be the oddball.... but I'd use it at home and laugh every time I got it out.
It would just be a comical reminder to me that IF I want the skinny jeans to fit, I best not stuff my face. I thought it was funny & I think people are far too easily offended - don't like it, then don't buy it.
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bmeadows380 wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »Dragonwolf wrote: »Please do not look at this if you're easily offended
https://touch.adverts.ie/healthcare/world-slimming-novelty-portion-control-weight-loss-diet-plate-watcher/14448468
Does anyone else read this in an Australian accent?
I could do without the outer border, but find the rest of it funny (though to be fair, I'd find it get old pretty quickly, but good for a short chuckle). Much better executed than the "mom jeans" plate, for sure.
I love that plate, lol. I was picturing a Gordon Ramsey type british Accent. I'm the type that finds insults funny though. I would find an evil version of MFP that calls me (funny) names such as on that plate when I blow my calories for the day both amusing and useful, lol.
I always thought it could be funny to have an insulting mode on my car GPS - one that calls you names or gripes when it tells you turn and you don't, and maybe even whines and refuses to talk to you if you miss a certain number of turns in a row......
I replaced my brother's GPS voice profile with GLADOS (the evil computer from the Portal games). It would give wrong directions and tell him there was cake at the end of his trip (the cake is a lie!).
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I'm sure the marketing firm that came up with this and presented it did some field survey's - did they use Macy's customers though?
If so, and found acceptable, and found willing enough to purchase (if that's the case, what does it say about Macy's customers?) - it would be interesting to have seen the meetings where it was presented and obviously enough of those that saw it, or the right people, let it fly.
Also be interesting to see the fallout from this now internally. Marketing firm only winner? Or maybe never used again so perhaps not. Project people and managers that gave approval?
How high up do these things go now, or part of the attitude change of letting teams doing risky stuff to be more creative. If allowed, what happens to those people/teams now?
And I'd agree with several of the comments - not a bad idea regarding portion control, but poor way to get there.2 -
I think we all have 'buzzwords' that grab our attention and for myself looking at all their plates these would be the ones that would grab my attention while fixing a plate of food . . . if I choose to. I find the whole issue sad, something like this can take a company down. Not because they did something so offensive to society but due to the uncontrollable power of social media and those who wish to be sheeple.
The thought that any item available for purchase can harm an individual due to their individual issues medical, personal or otherwise and therefore should not be available is not a place I believe we can go as a society.3
This discussion has been closed.
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