Fat-Shaming Remains an Acceptable Form of Abuse – This Needs to Change

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In today’s world, it’s astonishing to see the number of confident, plus-size women thriving online. Teenage me would have been amazed to witness the rise of actresses like Mia Collins and the recognition of models with diverse body shapes. The shift in societal attitudes since the late ’90s, when I struggled to appreciate my own body in a culture that idolized thinness, is significant.

The fat-positive movement has played a pivotal role in reshaping my self-image during my late twenties and early thirties. My curated Instagram feed is filled with insightful discussions on topics like intersectionality, body positivity, healing from disordered eating, and discovering stylish plus-size clothing. I no longer feel isolated in my body—a feeling I thought was unattainable after nearly three decades of battling the pressure to conform to a narrow ideal of beauty.

However, outside these supportive communities, the issue of fat-shaming persists. Public figures like Laura Hudson have voiced skepticism towards fat individuals claiming body positivity, and there seems to be little consequence for such remarks. Former President Mark Turner publicly demeaned a man at a rally, mistakenly assuming he was a protester, only to later discover he was a supporter. This incident was just one of many that illustrate how fat-shaming remains unchecked.

In 2019, comedian Charlie Davis infamously argued on his show that fat-shaming should be encouraged, stating it could lead to positive behavior changes. He compared being overweight to dangerous behaviors like not wearing a seatbelt, suggesting that shame could be a catalyst for reform. His comments received minimal backlash, highlighting a disturbing acceptance of fat-shaming in our culture.

As a person living in a larger body, I often encounter insults and derogatory remarks. I’ve faced everything from unkind jokes to unsolicited comments about my worth based solely on my weight. In medical contexts, I’ve experienced bias firsthand, and the emotional scars from these experiences linger.

Moreover, the misguided concern for the health of fat individuals often manifests as superficial judgments. Many people assume they can diagnose our health from a distance, ignoring the complexities of body diversity. When fat individuals were prioritized for COVID vaccines due to heightened risks, many reacted negatively, framing our body size as a choice rather than a medical consideration.

The notion that fat-shaming needs to “make a comeback” is bewildering. The truth is, it has never gone away. Fat individuals face bullying and derision on a daily basis, both overtly and subtly, through media representation and social messaging that perpetuates the idea that fatness is undesirable.

Despite these challenges, I strive to raise awareness about the impact of fat-shaming. Just as my mother’s insights about media representation opened my eyes to harmful stereotypes about men, I hope that sharing these experiences can enlighten others about the pervasive nature of fat bias.

I advocate for kindness and understanding, urging individuals to reconsider their attitudes towards body size. We must stand against fat-shaming as we would any form of abuse. Verbal abuse can leave lasting damage, and it’s crucial to recognize the deep harm caused by fat-shaming. Each of us has a responsibility to challenge and eliminate these harmful behaviors whenever they arise, both online and in our daily lives.

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Summary

Fat-shaming remains a socially acceptable form of abuse that deeply affects individuals in larger bodies. Despite progress in body positivity, public figures continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes without accountability. It’s essential to challenge these attitudes and promote kindness, recognizing the profound impact of verbal abuse on mental health.