Fat shaming in the media
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Thin people are not oppressed and here is why.
Do people judge whether you a liability to your job if you are overweight? No, thin people are assumed healthier and less expensive.
Do you pay more for health/life insurance because you are thin? No, thin people are assumed healthier and less of a liability.
Do thin people have trouble finding someone like themselves as the lead in at.v. show or movie? No. thin is considered more desirable.
Do thin people have to squeeze into seat at theaters? on airplanes? in booths at restaurants? No. the seats are made for thin people.
Do thin people get denied surgery because their weight is a liability? No.
Do thin people get everyone else giving them diet plan/advice or just nagging them all day about their weight? Not really.
Do thin people get mocked on t.v. used as scrape goats or comedy because of their weight? No.
Is it considered weird to like a thin person? Does it become a kink or a disorder to like someone who is average sized? No.
Do not compare other peoples jealousy of your body to oppression.
And Do not think that everyone wants to look like a model on t.v. that everyone wants to change, that everyone wants your opinion on THEIR life just because YOU don't like the way they treat their bodies.
No one has the right to force anyone else to change if they don't want to.
This is a free country and if you don't like the fact that someone doesn't mind how they look and wants to eat fifty hostess cupcakes a day it is THEIR RIGHT.
Justifying your bullying with "but its not good for them" is elitist abusive ****.
I am not a different person thin. I still deserve respect, I do not deserve to be treated like a disease or the butt of a joke.
If you think shaming someone for their choices in life is okay, if you think you have the right to judge other peoples decisions about their life about their health, then you need to take a step back and look at yourself and ask "when did I decide I was god? When did I decide I had the right to judge others?"
Worry about yourself, treat other people with respect, and leave other people to do the same.
Ohhhh the irony. Shaming goes both ways, dear, and if you're blind to how thin people are shamed and oppressed-- and yes, how being thin DOES sometimes interfere with medical procedures and job acceptance (ie any job requiring intense manual labor)-- then you are just being ignorant, I'm sorry.
No matter who you are or what you look like, someone will find a way to shame you in our cruel and abusive society. And though people take this too far calling others "feeders" and "fat-pushers" (labels that I find ridiculous), the fact is that with the rising obesity epidemic, thin people ARE often shamed into eating more / eating "bad" food with their fat friends or family members.0 -
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Whoa, settle down there. I specifically said I'm not in favor of fat-shaming. I do not find it to be effective in doing anything except inciting outrage. I was merely pointing out that in the angry post I quoted (and he didn't even read the article linked by the OP), that all of his "solutions" already exist, which begs the question, are these things truly solutions?
That's all.
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My bad, Ramberta. Sorry for over-reacting. I've been a touch on the crabby side since the minute I rolled out of bed this morning. *sigh*0 -
ITT: People not understanding what oppression actually is0
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Whoa, settle down there. I specifically said I'm not in favor of fat-shaming. I do not find it to be effective in doing anything except inciting outrage. I was merely pointing out that in the angry post I quoted (and he didn't even read the article linked by the OP), that all of his "solutions" already exist, which begs the question, are these things truly solutions?
That's all.
My bad. Sorry for over-reacting. I've been a touch on the crabby side since the minute I rolled out of bed this morning. *sigh*
Those days happen to the best of us. When I'm crabby and it's not my TOM, it generally means I'm lacking protein for the day. :laugh:0 -
I don't find them shocking in a world that has blatant hatred for the obese. Some of them are pretty tasteless, but I think I'm past being offended.
The OatMeals one was innocent enough. Anyone calling that out as fat shaming has some bigger issues, I would say. I'm actually not opposed to the ones about childhood obesity, either. Strong4Life looks like a good organization with positive motives.0 -
Is it considered weird to like a thin person? Does it become a kink or a disorder to like someone who is average sized? No.
This is one that some people do consider to be like a fetish, when people have very specific taste in body type or like petite women. Even though it's not. People just need to realize that there are men that have all different preferences in women and that's normal. A lot of men and women think that everyone thinks exactly like them and likes exactly what they like. So, they apply this false logic to anyone that falls outside of what is considered "average". It can get really offensive when people claim that anyone that likes a small sized woman likes children. I am a small sized women, but there is nothing child like about my body (anyone can see that). I have the body of a full grown woman (I'm just scaled down in size). I find it especially offensive because I was sexually abused very horrendously as a child. I know the difference between a sociopathic pedophile and an incredibly kind and intelligent guy that loves and enjoys my particular body type.0 -
It's not anything new, I don't know where you've been..
The bagel/oatmeal picture - I saw nothing wrong with it. What I did see wrong with was the caption that said "the last thing we want while walking down the street is to be shamed for our breakfast choices." Um, seriously? Oh yeah. I forgot, everyone wants to be coddled. Better to bury our heads in the sand rather than know how many calories are in what we are consuming. (Although, I love bagels and everyone should eat them)
The tired of being fat & ugly pic - That's been going around the internet. It's funny. Sorry, not sorry.
The scale bus stop - You don't have to sit on it... And this may sound bad, but maybe if people were standing a little more, it'd be a move in the right direction. Just saying.
The PETA pic -" Another one of PETA's misleading ads. According to their ad, being thin, fit, and sexy is the only way to love your body, and the only way to be thin, fit, and sexy is to go vegan. Essentially, what they're saying is that everyone else should be ashamed of their bodies." Um, PETA has an agenda and it's not worrying about fat people. Of course they're saying everyone else should be ashamed of their bodies, everyone else is eating tasty meat and they're against that.
All of the other ones, yeah they're "offensive" if I let billboards and ads offend me.
I agree with most of what you said. People are just overly sensitive. Every time I heard the word "bully", I cringe now. The whining is obnoxious. People want a high five for being obese. Hey, I'm fat too, but I'm not proud of it. I want to be healthier and fit. As for the PETA thing, I think they sell sexy bodies because it gets more attention and gets guys drooling. PETA is about bringing attention to animal suffering and they'll step on anyone's toes to get it.
That being said, how come no one is complaining about thin shaming? I see people on TV bash girls for being thin "oh she must be anorexic..." etc and the same online and in person. Which leads to a bigger point - EVERY GROUP OF PEOPLE GETS MADE FUN OF! I don't care if it's based on race, religion, region of residence, profession, height, weight, dietary choices, clothing choices, etc!!! That's just reality. Whining as if your group is the one and only group or the group that gets it the worst is ridiculous and stupid. Just stop being so easily affected by the opinions of others and move on!0 -
I am offended that they claim a bagel with cream cheese is 600 calories! LIARS!!
also, PETA can suck *kitten*. I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE PETA.
Hate 'em.
with a passion.0 -
I think it's needed. People are more worried about hurting another person's "feelings" than their overall health? It's not just "being fat." Being really overweight can and will kill you! We need to let people know, sure it's "okay" if you choose to live such a lifestyle, but it is NOT healthy and will have consequences. I wish i could see ads like that around me through out the day, it would definitely have an impact on my decisions.
It's not 'bullying' to make people give up their excuses and admit their wrongdoing.
Guess what?
Breathing will kill you. Eventually.
Every single thing you do will ultimately bring you closer to ending your life. And while it's true that certain actions (smoking, drinking, overeating, drugs) can speed up that process, unless we start imposing substance regulations on sugar and fat, we can't tell people they're "wrong" for being overweight.
I am all for trying to get loved ones and people you care about to take steps towards better health -- I am still trying to motivate my ex-fiancee, who is 400 pounds -- but ultimately, people need to come to this realization on their own. Shaming is not going to do anything but make people angry and upset.
And people who consider it "shaming" are doing just as much damage. You are giving them excuses and reasoning for their obesity. When in my opinion, there is no other reason except for lack of proper decision making and accountability for your own actions. Emotional eating you say? Well the first step in fixing that is to admit it and if they are giving that excuse then they know what they are doing and should make the steps to change. I say stop giving them a reason to be so self destructive. People need the hard truth staring them in the face in order to admit it and see that something needs to change.0 -
Thin people are not oppressed and here is why.
Do thin people get everyone else giving them diet plan/advice or just nagging them all day about their weight? Not really.
Obviously you haven't been on the message boards long enough to see the people comment on the success stories with "You look better in the before photo! Now you're just skin and bones!" Or "Real women are curvy!" or "Men don't like women who are skin and bones!" or "Why don't you eat something?" Yeah, it does go both ways.Do thin people get mocked on t.v. used as scrape goats or comedy because of their weight? No.
Everybody gets made fun of on TV. It happens, it's TV.Do not compare other peoples jealousy of your body to oppression.
I'm not jealous of anybody's body, but I recognize what some thin people have to go through because people assume that if you're thin, you're anorexic or that you shouldn't go to the gym.And Do not think that everyone wants to look like a model on t.v. that everyone wants to change, that everyone wants your opinion on THEIR life just because YOU don't like the way they treat their bodies.
No one has the right to force anyone else to change if they don't want to.
This is a free country and if you don't like the fact that someone doesn't mind how they look and wants to eat fifty hostess cupcakes a day it is THEIR RIGHT.
Justifying your bullying with "but its not good for them" is elitist abusive ****.
I am not a different person thin. I still deserve respect, I do not deserve to be treated like a disease or the butt of a joke.
If you think shaming someone for their choices in life is okay, if you think you have the right to judge other peoples decisions about their life about their health, then you need to take a step back and look at yourself and ask "when did I decide I was god? When did I decide I had the right to judge others?"
Worry about yourself, treat other people with respect, and leave other people to do the same.
This part, I mostly agree with.0 -
wow.....Oh and PETA can ****ing suck it as they wont support pitbull groups and they dont go against kill shelters.0
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If people worried less about what others said about them and more about their personal health I think we'd all be in a lot better shape.
And yes, your physical condition DOES EFFECT ME, it increases my insurance rates, it increases the cost of items that are sold to the general public but have to be tailored to a larger demographic of people due to their size. But this is the case for a lot of other physical conditions too. Obesity isn't a disease, its a condition that you've chosen in most cases to develop, its something you can control.
Sooo work on being healthy, how does that sound?0 -
It hurts my heart in a way I can't quite describe. I feel so bad for the people who become a target of that type of thing. I'm cruel to myself and I say terrible things. But if someone other than myself was to say the things my inner voice says...
I can't imagine the pain and shame that'd cause.
I want extremely overweight people to get in shape. But not because they'd look better. Not because they'd be liked more. I want them to be happy. I want them to be healthy. I want them to enjoy life and not be ashamed of who they are (even if it's just a moment of doubt). Because of that I want to be their friend the whole journey. Happy in the beginning and happy in the end. Shame is just not necessary. But support and love are vital!
You are so right on with how you responded. I feel the same way. I don't take it to the heart when I saw these, but I can imagine how others would. Maybe 2 - 3 years ago, these ads would have made me felt ashamed, maybe disgusted with myself. I still have those moments, especially around skinny folks. I imagine the things they must be thinking and saying about me as I walk/drive by. But I think we are all our own worst enemies. People that say things and do these types of jokes/ads have poor characteristics and are lacking something within themselves to have to poke fun at those that are not exactly like them.0 -
About PETA--they have a long history of ads/campaigns which are fat-shaming/show a poor attitude toward women in general. They do it ON PURPOSE because they know it will outrage someone, and then they get attention. PETA follows the "no publicity is bad publicity" idea religiously. This is why PETA, despite their supposed mission of saving animals, disgusts me.0
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wow.....Oh and PETA can ****ing suck it as they wont support pitbull groups and they dont go against kill shelters.
Obviously you don't even understand PETA's mission. Try doing a little research.0 -
I just looked at the link. PETA - well, I will keep my Opinions to myself on THEM. The two supposedly overweight children (which I don't see them as being overweight - both my children were chunky like that but healthy and grew into strong healthy adults with no weight problems) is shameful child exploitation or what I would consider healthy growing children (not obese). Honey boo boo, or whatever the little tike's name, was enough horror for child exploitation of childhood obesity. I do find Oatmeals is effective.0
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I'll agree with you on the subject of the media/t.v. when you can find me more than a handful of ladies in lead roles in movies and sitcoms who are more than a size 15 and do not have that used against them over and over. Actually when you think about most male overweight lead roles their weight is a source of comedy. According to t.v. being chubby make you a joke.0
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I am so offended that so many are so offended.
Here's a tip...if something a company does offends you, don't frequent or buy from them. Spread the word to those you know on how you feel but really, there is nothing you can do about it.
I find that those that are shamed by it are because they ARE ashamed. Is it not okay to see truth? That seems to be the thing lately lets all lie so everyone feels good. It's like smoking...I was so ashamed to be a smoker...guess what?! I quit, I am no .longer ashamed.0 -
Thoughts:
I don't think the oatmeal one is fat-shaming and I call "first world problems" on those who twist it that way. The only person this would possibly shame would be the person walking by and eating a bagel at that moment, and then only if they're overly self-conscious.
The kids ones are tasteless! Poor kids in photos, not cool!
Ashley Madison is gross on all levels, extremely poor taste in advertizing strategies not a surprise.
Did I miss something on the cig one? He doesn't seem to be upset that he apparently slept with her.
The reduction in measurements one seemed fine to me.
The stripping one was a bit odd, but kinda funny.
Gym membership one was totally british humor, and I think the person who said it was fat-shaming didn't get it. Also, is it shocking to anyone that someone might want to join a gym because they're fat?
The faulty logic in Peta ads was wierd, and the first was offensive, but I'm ok with their ads being rude and ineffective, it shows people that they care more about animals than other humans. I'll take humane society over them any day of the week.
Bottom line for me: People are often waaay too sensitive! Is it ok to try and make someone feel bad about themselves, no, not at all. But people actually are trying to lose weight, many people do want to look like models (generalization, I know), and advertizers got their wish with this article, more people viewed their ads! In fact, I'd totally try OatMeals if I lived in NYC! I'm not saying "fat shaming" is ok, and I know it very much does exist, but not all of these were that. I'd rather just roll my eyes at the bad ones, smile at the inoffensive ones, and be a positive person myself. "Shaming" only works if you let yourself feel ashamed, folks.0 -
The only one I truly found offensive was the Ashley Madison one. That's just terrible. The Peta ones were more annoying than offensive.
I'm fat but I admittably found the "buy an ad!" one kind of funny. :laugh:
The one with the kids was pretty bad though I must admit. I feel bad for the kids used in the photos. Poor kids.
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I am sure that awful things like this can motivate some people to start working out. I think that is an extremely low percentage however. I feel you catch more flies with honey rather than vinegar. People who shame probably have some other defect, mental or otherwise.0
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http://www.petakillsanimals.com/wow.....Oh and PETA can ****ing suck it as they wont support pitbull groups and they dont go against kill shelters.
Obviously you don't even understand PETA's mission. Try doing a little research.
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/trial/
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/04/09/peta-takes-heat-over-claims-it-killed-90-of-animals-dropped-off-at-virginia-shelter/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-j-winograd/peta-kills-puppies-kittens_b_2979220.html
http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/saunders/article/Better-dead-than-fed-PETA-says-2626614.php
Please tell me more about the glory of peta.0 -
Personally I think they were all pretty funny. Humor can and probably will be offensive to someone. My favorite one is the Fit4less, "tired of being fat & ugly..."
The bus stop scale was interesting. But I'm not entirely sure why it's bad... I mean c'mon people we are fat, people can see it. Not sure they need to see a scale number. Really, the bus stop scale thing seems like it would maybe piss off an in-shape girl who has a good amount of muscle.
In terms of fat shaming... I'm all for it. I think people have gotten way to comfortable with being fat. And making fat almost some badge of honor.
I think of losing weight as a sport... and if you had a coach, would you really expect him to be like "you know, I would really be proud of you if you can run these wind sprints faster." No, he's gonna be like "c'mon slow-*kitten*, run faster, you are holding up the rest of the team. If you come in last, the whole team does this again!"
To me, we need this shaming motivation and the people who claim it's demotivation will probably never have the will power to stick to a diet. Because they are just looking for the next excuse to quit.
Just my 2-cents.0 -
Oh one more thing...
I think shaming and motivation need to be balanced. In other words... I have no problem with people making fun of us fatties, and then come here to MFP (or something like it) for the encouragement.
That all being said... whether it's encouragement or discouragement... YOU HAVE TO WANT IT.0 -
I should walk away from this, but all the self righteous people "oh you are just fat because you don't hate yourself enough" people are getting my blood pressure through the roof.
Most of my life, I've been a size 8-10. I was ridiculed for being fat because clearly, having a healthy BMI was way too enormous. Disgusting even. I hated myself right to a size 18. That shaming sure seemed to help.
Now, I've decided to get mad and fight back. To the abyss with you if you think my value as a human being is based on the size of my waist. I love myself enough to treat my body with the respect it deserves.
Doesn't matter if someone is fat or thin, if you wouldn't say this terrible thing to someone you love you shouldn't say it to anyone.
And if you would tell someone you love "god, you are so gross and fat, you should fix it" instead of "hey, wanna come for a walk? Let me tell you about this great website I found called MFP...avoid the community section though until you feel more confident" then you are horrible person and I hope karma kicks you hard.0 -
Fat shaming doesn't work. Why do a lot of people become overweight? Because they have a problem with emotional eating. All this does is make big people feel even worse than they already do. So what do they do to compensate? Eat more food. Yeah, that seems SO productive!
If you want "fat people" to become healthy, try supporting them when they do make positive changes. Be a role model, but don't get upset or disgusted with them for not following you. A person's relationship with food is very personal and intimate. To belittle or bully them for it is disgusting and counter productive.
I like what you're saying. I too wish that fat shaming wouldn't work; apparently negative ads work, at least in the short run. And I too would to encourage people in a considerate manner, but too much of it too soon and they'll enjoy your encouraging words and forget about the work because there's no longer any reward to look forward to. Not only that, but many aren't even interested in your support.
As luck would have it, so I don't become a total cynic, a book, Clash! 8 Cultural Conflicts That Make Us Who We Are, in the new arrivals section of the bookstore of the cafe where I'm enjoying a refreshing beverage at this particular time, happened to open up at page 112, about how you can be motivated to lose weight. That's how chapter six, States of Mind, U.S. Regional Cultures, starts out. I look forward to page 113.0 -
What a lovely individual... :noway:Well considering some of those radical right wings have used the exact same shaming techniques on abortion and homosexuality, I find it repulsive and it makes we want to get more fat and take a giant dump on all their stupid faces.0 -
Well considering some of those radical right wings have used the exact same shaming techniques on abortion and homosexuality, I find it repulsive and it makes we want to get more fat and take a giant dump on all their stupid faces.
Well aren't you the epitome of progressive enlightenment?0 -
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/wow.....Oh and PETA can ****ing suck it as they wont support pitbull groups and they dont go against kill shelters.
Obviously you don't even understand PETA's mission. Try doing a little research.
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/trial/
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/04/09/peta-takes-heat-over-claims-it-killed-90-of-animals-dropped-off-at-virginia-shelter/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-j-winograd/peta-kills-puppies-kittens_b_2979220.html
http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/saunders/article/Better-dead-than-fed-PETA-says-2626614.php
Please tell me more about the glory of peta.
PETA MAKES ME EMBARASSED OF MY VEGETARIAN LIFESTYLE.
I am offended when I am associated with such vapid ignoramuses.0 -
Exactly^^I should walk away from this, but all the self righteous people "oh you are just fat because you don't hate yourself enough" people are getting my blood pressure through the roof.
Most of my life, I've been a size 8-10. I was ridiculed for being fat because clearly, having a healthy BMI was way too enormous. Disgusting even. I hated myself right to a size 18. That shaming sure seemed to help.
Now, I've decided to get mad and fight back. To the abyss with you if you think my value as a human being is based on the size of my waist. I love myself enough to treat my body with the respect it deserves.
Doesn't matter if someone is fat or thin, if you wouldn't say this terrible thing to someone you love you shouldn't say it to anyone.
And if you would tell someone you love "god, you are so gross and fat, you should fix it" instead of "hey, wanna come for a walk? Let me tell you about this great website I found called MFP...avoid the community section though until you feel more confident" then you are horrible person and I hope karma kicks you hard.
Always love yourself, from whether size 4 or 32. Its more important to love yourself than to hurt yourself.0
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