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Fat Shaming Plates or Political Correctness Run Amok?

135

Replies

  • ilfaith
    ilfaith Posts: 16,769 Member
    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.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    ilfaith 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 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.
  • katsushii
    katsushii Posts: 31 Member
    edited July 2019
    jfdi6960 wrote: »

    This is 100x better than the Macy's jeans-size plate. I am so tempted to get this for my home...
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    ilfaith 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.
  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    ilfaith 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.
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    ilfaith 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. :grimace: The quick little blip I read, made it look like they targeted only customers who bought plus sized clothing, and not others.
  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    ilfaith 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. :grimace: 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. :D
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    edited July 2019
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    ilfaith 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. :grimace: 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. :D


    Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum. :lol:

    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
    liaoverbrook Posts: 108 Member
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    ilfaith 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. :grimace: 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. :D


    Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum. :lol:

    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 :)
  • Dragonwolf
    Dragonwolf Posts: 5,600 Member
    jfdi6960 wrote: »

    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.
  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    ilfaith 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. :grimace: 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. :D


    Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum. :lol:

    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...
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    Phirrgus wrote: »
    ilfaith 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. :grimace: 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. :D


    Probably not the best way of garnering info before commenting in the debate forum. :lol:

    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.
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    Dragonwolf wrote: »
    jfdi6960 wrote: »

    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.
  • 777Gemma888
    777Gemma888 Posts: 9,578 Member
    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.
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    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.
  • bmeadows380
    bmeadows380 Posts: 2,981 Member
    Dragonwolf wrote: »
    jfdi6960 wrote: »

    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......
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    Dragonwolf wrote: »
    jfdi6960 wrote: »

    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 would pay extra for a google maps feature that does this, LOL. Somebody get on this. There's money to be made!
  • Carlos_421
    Carlos_421 Posts: 5,132 Member
    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.
  • Carlos_421
    Carlos_421 Posts: 5,132 Member
    bojack5 wrote: »
    Its a joke, not a fitness plan. To take it serious or even pretend to be offended is what the real issue is.

    Ding! Ding! Ding!
  • Phirrgus
    Phirrgus Posts: 1,894 Member
    Theo166 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.
    I probably would too. Then again I won't ever be trying to cram my hairy funny looking old self into mom jeans either :p
  • bpetrosky
    bpetrosky Posts: 3,911 Member
    Dragonwolf wrote: »
    jfdi6960 wrote: »

    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!).
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    edited July 2019
    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.
  • Adc7225
    Adc7225 Posts: 1,318 Member
    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.