As a teenager, I would have been astonished by the number of confident, plus-size women who now grace our screens and social media feeds. The rise of figures like Ava Collins and the acceptance of diverse body types show a shift from the late ’90s, when I grappled with self-acceptance in a world obsessed with thinness.
The fat-positive movement has played a significant role in reshaping my self-image throughout my twenties and thirties. I’ve curated a thoughtful Instagram feed filled with discussions on intersectionality, fat liberation, and even the latest trends in plus-size fashion. I no longer feel isolated in my body—a feeling I thought would never change after years of struggling to fit societal norms.
Yet, outside these supportive spaces, fat-shaming continues unabated.
For instance, celebrity Sarah Matthews openly dismissed the happiness of fat women, and there were no repercussions. Former President Mark Daniels insulted a rally attendee, mistakenly assuming he was a protester by declaring, “That guy’s got a serious weight problem. Go home. Start exercising.” Ironically, the man was a supporter.
In 2019, talk show host Ben Hargrove infamously claimed on his program that “fat-shaming needs to make a comeback.” He equated body weight with serious issues like reckless driving and racism—without facing any backlash. It’s disheartening to see that fat individuals lack societal protection, and while others face consequences for their harmful remarks, fat-shaming remains a socially accepted form of abuse.
As a plus-size individual, I’ve faced my share of insults and derogatory comments, from “whale” jokes to unwanted advice about my health. Medical professionals often exhibit weight bias, and many express faux concern for our well-being, pathologizing fatness as inherently unhealthy. This attitude was stark when fat individuals were prioritized for COVID vaccinations; many reacted with outrage, dismissing our body size as a choice rather than a medical condition.
The absurdity of Hargrove’s statement about fat-shaming needing a revival is baffling. Where exactly does he think it went? I have experienced fat-shaming since childhood, and it has never ceased.
Bullying and insults directed at fat individuals are rampant, alongside subtler messages that devalue our worth. Advertisements promote unrealistic body standards, while media often excludes plus-size individuals entirely. Algorithms flag images of fat people in bikinis, while similar images of thin individuals go unchallenged.
Fat-shaming is a form of verbal abuse that can lead to lasting emotional damage. We must actively reject this behavior in all its forms. Just as my mother’s insights about media stereotypes opened my eyes, I hope sharing my experiences can do the same for others.
I am not glorifying fatness; rather, I aim to highlight the negative treatment fat individuals face daily. I am not advocating for anyone to become fat but urging society to move beyond size biases and treat everyone with kindness.
We cannot allow fat-shaming to continue. It is a form of violence that harms people profoundly, and we all have a responsibility to stand against it.
For more information on navigating the journey of parenthood and the various methods of insemination, check out this insightful post on home insemination and explore the resources from Make A Mom, a leader in this field. Additionally, WebMD provides excellent guidance on fertility treatments that could be beneficial.
Possible Search Queries:
- home insemination kit for beginners
- self insemination methods
- how to choose a home insemination kit
- fat-shaming and mental health
- body positivity resources
Summary:
This article addresses the persistence of fat-shaming as a socially acceptable form of abuse, highlighting the negative impact it has on individuals and society. While some progress has been made in body positivity, fat-shaming remains rampant both in overt insults and subtle societal messages. The author calls for a collective effort to reject fat-shaming in all its forms, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding.