Fat-positive Feminism and Weight Loss
Replies
-
Oh you just shut it, you. You know you hate womyn. Admit it! Admit it!It seriously makes me sad when I see women say they are not feminist. That's equivalent to a dark skinned person saying they dont believe in racial equality, or a person with disability saying they dont believe in job equality. Just very sad...please educate yourself ladies.
And when a man won't identify himself as feminist it's because he doesn't respect women. It's depressing.
Nice to know that anyone who objects to an ambiguous label can be easily categorized and dismissed.
Sorry, too long with neither sandwich nor sex has made me grumpy.0 -
It seriously makes me sad when I see women say they are not feminist. That's equivalent to a dark skinned person saying they dont believe in racial equality, or a person with disability saying they dont believe in job equality. Just very sad...please educate yourself ladies.
And when a man won't identify himself as feminist it's because he doesn't respect women. It's depressing.
Nice to know that anyone who objects to an ambiguous label can be easily categorized and dismissed.
Oh you just shut it, you. You know you hate womyn. Admit it! Admit it!
fem·i·nism
noun
noun: feminism1. the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
It is impossible to respect women in any meaningful way if you don't see them as deserving treatment equal to men.
You can disagree with some aspects of the feminist movement and still think that women deserve to be politically, socially and economically equal to men. Some feminists think that you can't lose weight and be a feminist. That's BS. Some feminists think that women shouldn't be stay at home mothers. I also think that's BS. But just because some feminists espouse beliefs I don't agree with, I won't sit back and say that women don't deserve to be treated as equals to men.
It's like saying that I'm just going to sit back and be a racist because some civil rights activists act violently, and I don't believe in violence as a means to an end. It's a cop-out. If you don't think that women deserve equality, just go ahead and own it. But don't pretend that you respect women.0 -
There is nothing positive about being fat or overweight, whether you are a man or a woman.0
-
It seriously makes me sad when I see women say they are not feminist. That's equivalent to a dark skinned person saying they dont believe in racial equality, or a person with disability saying they dont believe in job equality. Just very sad...please educate yourself ladies.
And when a man won't identify himself as feminist it's because he doesn't respect women. It's depressing.
Nice to know that anyone who objects to an ambiguous label can be easily categorized and dismissed.
Oh you just shut it, you. You know you hate womyn. Admit it! Admit it!
fem·i·nism
noun
noun: feminism1. the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
You can disagree with some aspects of the feminist movement and still think that women deserve to be politically, socially and economically equal to men. Some feminists think that you can't lose weight and be a feminist. That's BS. Some feminists think that women shouldn't be stay at home mothers. I also think that's BS. But just because some feminists espouse beliefs I don't agree with, I won't sit back and say that women don't deserve to be treated as equals to men.
It's like saying that I'm just going to sit back and be a racist because some civil rights activists act violently, and I don't believe in violence as a means to an end. It's a cop-out. If you don't think that women deserve equality, just go ahead and own it.
I don't believe silly people of any sex, race, religion, sexual preference, etc. deserve equality.
Particularly the one's with monumental chips on their shoulders.0 -
On the flip side, I don't like seeing normal sized girls (either celebrities or regular women) get picked apart when the are already at a healthy BMI.
I believe in loving yourself, and taking care of the body you were born with. If you can do that, you most likely won't be overweight. It's a win-win.0 -
It seriously makes me sad when I see women say they are not feminist. That's equivalent to a dark skinned person saying they dont believe in racial equality, or a person with disability saying they dont believe in job equality. Just very sad...please educate yourself ladies.
And when a man won't identify himself as feminist it's because he doesn't respect women. It's depressing.
Nice to know that anyone who objects to an ambiguous label can be easily categorized and dismissed.
Oh you just shut it, you. You know you hate womyn. Admit it! Admit it!
fem·i·nism
noun
noun: feminism1. the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
You can disagree with some aspects of the feminist movement and still think that women deserve to be politically, socially and economically equal to men. Some feminists think that you can't lose weight and be a feminist. That's BS. Some feminists think that women shouldn't be stay at home mothers. I also think that's BS. But just because some feminists espouse beliefs I don't agree with, I won't sit back and say that women don't deserve to be treated as equals to men.
It's like saying that I'm just going to sit back and be a racist because some civil rights activists act violently, and I don't believe in violence as a means to an end. It's a cop-out. If you don't think that women deserve equality, just go ahead and own it.
I don't believe silly people of any sex, race, religion, sexual preference, etc. deserve equality.
Particularly the one's with monumental chips on their shoulders.
Oooh, nice comeback! A woman making an argument is "silly" and has a "monumental chip" on her shoulder. I agree - you aren't a feminist.0 -
It seriously makes me sad when I see women say they are not feminist. That's equivalent to a dark skinned person saying they dont believe in racial equality, or a person with disability saying they dont believe in job equality. Just very sad...please educate yourself ladies.
And when a man won't identify himself as feminist it's because he doesn't respect women. It's depressing.
Nice to know that anyone who objects to an ambiguous label can be easily categorized and dismissed.
Oh you just shut it, you. You know you hate womyn. Admit it! Admit it!
fem·i·nism
noun
noun: feminism1. the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
You can disagree with some aspects of the feminist movement and still think that women deserve to be politically, socially and economically equal to men. Some feminists think that you can't lose weight and be a feminist. That's BS. Some feminists think that women shouldn't be stay at home mothers. I also think that's BS. But just because some feminists espouse beliefs I don't agree with, I won't sit back and say that women don't deserve to be treated as equals to men.
It's like saying that I'm just going to sit back and be a racist because some civil rights activists act violently, and I don't believe in violence as a means to an end. It's a cop-out. If you don't think that women deserve equality, just go ahead and own it.
I don't believe silly people of any sex, race, religion, sexual preference, etc. deserve equality.
Particularly the one's with monumental chips on their shoulders.
Oooh, nice comeback! A woman making an argument is "silly" and has a "monumental chip" on her shoulder. I agree - you aren't a feminist.
Did you even read?0 -
It's a bummer to see so many straw man arguments on here. It's really easy to dismiss feminism when you refuse to characterize it fairly, though, so I understand why people are resorting to logical fallacies.
Feminism, as I said before, comes in many varieties and in many different degrees. That means that there *are* extreme forms of feminism where, in fact, women do want to reverse the power structures that we currently have, which would result in a female-dominated society. That is extreme. It is unfair to pretend that this kind of feminism is representative of all other kinds of feminism, particularly because the majority of people who would label themselves 'feminist' are much more moderate.
Feminism, at its core, is about equality, not dominance. It is simply the idea that women are not inherently inferior to men, and as such, deserve the same opportunities, rights, and respect as men. If you can't get behind that idea, then you have some issues to work out.0 -
... try to fix a mistake, and triple post. Don't mind me0
-
[0
-
Another card-carrying feminist here.
I would never body-shame any woman, and I feel very sad when I hear women do that to themselves. If women took all the energy we focus on our "looks" and rechanneled it, we could RULE THE WORLD!
That being said, we women also need to be healthy and powerful. I do myself and my causes no favors if I'm tired, sick, and weak. So I've decided to lose weight and get healthy so I can be around for my kids, any future grandchildren, and to be a life-long cramp in the side of misogyny!
I like you :flowerforyou:0 -
Hello all,
I'm writing to see if there are any other people out there who consider themselves fat positive but are still trying to lose weight. I consider myself a feminist and part of that is accepting and loving my body as it is, at any given time, so I'm finding it difficult to reconcile my desire to lose weight and be healthy and remaining fat-positive. I'm feeling like a hypocrite and wondering how much of my desire to loss weight comes from societal pressure to conform to a thinner silhouette.
Any other fat-positive feminists out there? How are you dealing with this?
Thanks for your thoughts!
I totally get what you're saying. HOWEVER, as a person that's been overweight for 10+ yrs...and is slowly working my way from that, why do you support fat-positive? I mean, I am totally FOR positive images with everyone...not just women, but men too...but I have to disagree.
I have overcome some major mental & physical issues by working out, eating better and losing weight. I truly feel happy today. I haven't felt this way for over 10 yrs. This society is slowly slipping into 'obesity is okay' mode, but is it really okay? I feel bad disagreeing and I'm not trying to offend anyone. Hell, I'm still overweight myself, and like I already mentioned, I do support everyone having positive images of their selves, but perhaps we need to focus on other great things about their selves instead of enabling being overweight.
There's so many unable ppl nowadays b/c of weight. I was one of them. Proud to say I'm not anymore. Everyone should feel what I'm feeling now. Hope you understand my viewpoint.0 -
It's a bummer to see so many straw man arguments on here. It's really easy to dismiss feminism when you refuse to characterize it fairly, though, so I understand why people are resorting to logical fallacies.
Feminism, as I said before, comes in many varieties and in many different degrees. That means that there *are* extreme forms of feminism where, in fact, women do want to reverse the power structures that we currently have, which would result in a female-dominated society. That is extreme. It is unfair to pretend that this kind of feminism is representative of all other kinds of feminism, particularly because the majority of people who would label themselves 'feminist' are much more moderate.
Feminism, at its core, is about equality, not dominance. It is simply the idea that women are not inherently inferior to men, and as such, deserve the same opportunities, rights, and respect as men. If you can't get behind that idea, then you have some issues to work out.
Exactly.0 -
Well, I'm a feminist, and I'm positive that I'm fat. Does that count?
What she said!0 -
Hi! I like to think of myself as fat-positive but I am also wanting to lose weight. The way I reconcile the differences of these two opinions in my head is that I am pro-Health & pro-Happiness. Health is more than poundage vs. height. For me, being healthy and happy is about accepting and loving yourself and others as we are, mistakes and all! Aspiring to goals (even if they are weight loss goals) are healthy for the brain & spirit as well! Good luck on your journey
0 -
I would not consider myself a "fat-positive feminist" Even though, I have been in the same position and felt the same way. The absolute WORST thing you can do is try to lose weight "for" someone else/because you feel inadequate. You have to do this for yourself, more than anyone else. You can have motivation and other reasons, but you need to want to lose weight for YOU. You can call your lack of motivation "fat positive feminism " or whatever youwant. I think you really just need to sit down and ask yourself if you are happy with yourself? Are you ready to make a lifestyle change? It doesnt have to be perfect, you can alway start small. You need accept and be happy with yourself. Dont let "media" tell you what and who you should be. Make that choice for yourself. :0
-
We don't only have two choices --it is not a choice between being super-thin photoshopped fashion models or overweight "regular women".
Being fit and healthy does not conflict with feminism.0 -
0 -
For many years I have worked with adolescents, with a particular interest in enabling and empowering young women. (Yes I self identify as a feminist).
Much of the work I have done with young women has focussed on building self-confidence and self esteem, trying to counter the self hatred and self loathing that so many intrinsically beautiful young people have for themselves as a result of body fascism.
So yes, I agree with 'fat positive'. Because the societal influences that represent the other side of the coin put pressure on young people (young men as well as women) to believe in the air-brushed images and the extremes of 'heroin chic'.
We should all aspire to be the fittest and healthiest that we can be. We should celebrate our own journey and the journey of others to achieve that state. But we also need to appreciate that each of us has to take our own decision to take our own first steps, whilst struggling to come to terms with societies twisted view of the 'perfect body'.0 -
We don't only have two choices --it is not a choice between being super-thin photoshopped fashion models or overweight "regular women".
Being fit and healthy does not conflict with feminism.
^^This0 -
... statistically, there are waaaay more single, custodial mother's than single custodial fathers.
Yet another way the system is stacked against men. Instead of going with what's best for the kids, custody usually goes to the mom.*
*of course we need to factor out the dead beat dads but even with that in mind, when both parties vie for custody, the system is slanted towards the woman.
And yes, a woman getting pregnant to snare a man is a common thing.0 -
Fat positive for bulking. Fat negative as in obesity is an epidemic.
I'm happy in the 20% range currently.0 -
I consider myself a feminist, and I consider myself "body positive". I think all women should love and respect themselves regardless of their body shape or size, and I think we all have the right to decide what our own ideal body looks like.
I liked myself just fine at my heaviest weight of 235 pounds. I had great self esteem and a wonderful husband who loved and appreciated me just the way I was. But I didn't FEEL great physically, and I decided that, for me, part of loving myself was taking care of myself. I like the way my body looks at all sizes, but I also like what my body can do for me, and I'm finding that navigating life is a lot easier in a stronger, more fit body. It's not a matter of being skinny. It's a matter of feeling strong and capable.
Ultimately, I think you just have to decide what makes you feel best, mentally and physically. If you truly prefer your body at a higher weight, that's your prerogative.0 -
And yes, a woman getting pregnant to snare a man is a common thing.
:laugh:
With it being that common, you'd think men would just stop having sex (with women, anyway.)0 -
For many years I have worked with adolescents, with a particular interest in enabling and empowering young women. (Yes I self identify as a feminist).
Much of the work I have done with young women has focussed on building self-confidence and self esteem, trying to counter the self hatred and self loathing that so many intrinsically beautiful young people have for themselves as a result of body fascism.
So yes, I agree with 'fat positive'. Because the societal influences that represent the other side of the coin put pressure on young people (young men as well as women) to believe in the air-brushed images and the extremes of 'heroin chic'.
We should all aspire to be the fittest and healthiest that we can be. We should celebrate our own journey and the journey of others to achieve that state. But we also need to appreciate that each of us has to take our own decision to take our own first steps, whilst struggling to come to terms with societies twisted view of the 'perfect body'.
So much agreement with this. Very well put.
Personally, I think of it less as being "fat positive" and more as just being body positive and self positive. Our society today is so damn critical and nasty about other people's bodies. It is considered acceptable to snark at someone's body, comment on someone's body, and tell other people what to do with their bodies when your opinion is neither warranted nor wanted. It is normal and almost expected that women (and sometimes men) will stand around talking about all the things that they don't like about their bodies. It amazes me that so few people see anything wrong or unhealthy about this.
It is only in the last year or so that I have truly started to see my body for what it is really supposed to be - not eye candy for the public, but a vehicle that carries me through the world, and without which I simply cannot exist. That deserves some damn respect. Regardless of how it appears, my body does some pretty incredible things. It's climbed mountains. It's traveled the world. It has all kinds of mysterious processes that keep me healthy and moving. It has the potential to create new life. Even though it's a bit heavier than I'd like it to be, I still think it deserves love and respect, and I think that nobody else on the planet has the right to tell me what to do with it or make me feel as if it's not good enough.
In many ways, our society teaches us to degrade and criticize our bodies and try to force them into new and strange shapes. There's a difference between wanting to be healthy and taking care of yourself and wanting to fit someone else's ideal or look a certain way just because some artificial societal construct has taught you that it's to be desired. Honestly, at this point in my life, I couldn't possibly give two ****s if someone else thinks my body is "hot" or "bangable" or whatever other crap I used to aspire to. I want it to be healthy and strong and capable of kicking *kitten*. I can absolutely love my body while working to change it and make it healthier - if anything, it's only since I have learned to love my body, regardless of its appearance, that I have really cared enough to want to truly take care of it. After all, who wants to put all that effort into taking care of something that you hate?0 -
I have lots of feels about this, but I could never have gotten to a place where I thought my body was worth taking care of it if I didn't get to a place where I really, and truly loved it when I was at my fattest. When I loved myself, I realized I was worthwhile enough to fuel myself right and do the things that had always interested me but I hadn't had the guts to do. That led to weight loss, but even if it hadn't, it would have been worthwhile. So yeah, I consider myself a fat-positive feminist even if I have lost 100 pounds.0
-
I haven't read all the replies... so I don't know if someone already said this BUT. I think it is very important to love yourself. And I find that sometimes I wonder who will come into my life (romantically and even friends) that wouldn't have been there if I was fat. I still have a lot to go but I don't want to lose weight for other people. I lose it for myself, for my health, and because I wanna be uber more sexy than I already am! hahahaa0
-
Yet another way the system is stacked against men. (...)
And yes, a woman getting pregnant to snare a man is a common thing.
Hmmm, I can maybe see that the 'system' re family courts/custody favours women, but the 'system' in general is much more in men's favour. And I am a man.
Oh wow, I do not beleive that a woman getting pregnant to snare a man is common at all. I don't see how you could have any evidence on this, because I don't what this ensnarement would actually involve. Because apart from anything else, it's kind of biologically don't make sense. You see, how babies are made is that a man and woman do it together. Don't worry, I used to think the same, that women got pregnant all by themselves just by wanting it, until I was about 5 years old. But no, BOTH parties are involved, so if a baby is made, it is due to both the man and woman, and I beleive contraception/family planning is something a couple SHARE responsibility for. If a man has risky sex with a woman, he cannot act like it was her alone who decided and caused this pregnancy! Unless you mean the woman raped the man... I suppose I can see how this couldbe possible, especially if the man co operated in it but didn't actually consent, due to lacking mental capacity for whatever reason... but like, obviously it is much more common the other way round.0 -
... statistically, there are waaaay more single, custodial mother's than single custodial fathers.
Yet another way the system is stacked against men. Instead of going with what's best for the kids, custody usually goes to the mom.*
*of course we need to factor out the dead beat dads but even with that in mind, when both parties vie for custody, the system is slanted towards the woman.
You do realize that patriarchy is the reason that custody favors women, right? Patriarchy hurts both men and women. It sounds counterintuitive if you don't care for critical thinking, but it's true! Women have long been seen by society as more nurturing to children and that men caring for children is unnatural, which is the reason that women often get custody with all things being equal.
And yes, a woman getting pregnant to snare a man is a common thing.
Probably not as common as men committing reproductive abuse:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/23/contraception-abuse-coercion-gynecologists/1856885/
And here's an article picking apart most of the anti-feminist arguments here (from Jezebel, no less!):
http://jezebel.com/5992479/if-i-admit-that-hating-men-is-a-thing-will-you-stop-turning-it-into-a-self+fulfilling-prophecy0 -
Hello all,
I'm writing to see if there are any other people out there who consider themselves fat positive but are still trying to lose weight. I consider myself a feminist and part of that is accepting and loving my body as it is, at any given time, so I'm finding it difficult to reconcile my desire to lose weight and be healthy and remaining fat-positive. I'm feeling like a hypocrite and wondering how much of my desire to loss weight comes from societal pressure to conform to a thinner silhouette.
Any other fat-positive feminists out there? How are you dealing with this?
Thanks for your thoughts!
My weight got up to 382 pounds. There was no way I was going to be "fat positive" about that because I truly believe that a lot of issues are tied in with morbid obesity. Loving my body as it was, at that size, just would not have made sense to me. Instead I chose to love myself and that included doing what I had to do to take care of and honor my body.
Only you know what your motivation is to lose weight. I think the fact that you feel like a hypocrite because you decided to make a change that could make you healthier makes as much sense as letting society influence your desire to lose weight. Do what is best for you, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Your feminist card won't be revoked if you lose weight.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions