I spent a significant chunk of my life trying to fit the mold of a “good fatty.” This wasn’t a deliberate decision; I simply understood that being fat meant society often wouldn’t value me as they would someone who is thin or of average size. Challenging this misguided belief didn’t occur to me for years. Instead, I sought ways to justify my existence in a world that seemed to demand it. I figured that if I was going to be fat, I needed to be exceptional in other areas. Whether through humor, intelligence, or talent, I needed that One Thing that would make people overlook my (supposedly) worthless fat body and see my worth.
Over time, that One Thing has shifted, but the underlying need to prove my value due to my body has sadly persisted. A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon the term “good fatty,” which opened my eyes to a broader discussion. Thanks to fat activist and creator Mia Johnson, I learned about the twelve archetypes that illustrate how fat individuals navigate societal expectations.
These archetypes go far beyond the “work in progress” fatty I had previously heard of and delve into various ways fat people seek acceptance in a fat-phobic world. Some archetypes we adopt willingly, while others are thrust upon us as if our bodies require justification. Here are five notable “good fatty” archetypes that many of us might relate to:
1. The Work-In-Progress
This archetype is perhaps the most recognized. “Work-in-progress” fatties often evade scrutiny because they are perceived as actively attempting to lose weight. Even if they aren’t on a diet, they feel the societal pressure to work on their weight. This archetype acknowledges a preference for thinness, even if they don’t embody it. I’ve found myself trapped in this mindset multiple times, constantly battling the urge to justify my body.
2. The Nurturer
This archetype finds value in a nurturing role, often embracing a maternal persona. Whether they are actual mothers or just the “mom” of the group, they downplay their sexuality and edge, opting for a softer image. In high school, I often fell into this category, and I still encounter people who want to place me there. Society tends to be more accepting of fat individuals who conform to nurturing stereotypes while shunning those who express their desirability.
3. The Fat Unicorn/The Fathlete
These two archetypes embody the idea that fat people can defy expectations regarding health and athleticism. Fat Unicorns boast excellent health, while Fathletes exhibit remarkable physical abilities. Society respects fat individuals who can perform as expected of a thinner person. It’s a troubling dynamic that suggests health is a prerequisite for respect when it comes to fat bodies.
4. The Fatshionista
Social media is filled with Fatshionistas, often on the smaller end of the plus-size spectrum or with body shapes that fit societal standards. These individuals challenge the stereotype that fat women are frumpy and unappealing by wearing daring, fashionable outfits. However, this creates a problematic narrative that implies only certain fat bodies are worthy of admiration, leaving many behind.
5. The Big Guy
No discussion of fat archetypes would be complete without addressing the privilege that fat men often experience. The Big Guy archetype is associated with power, strength, and protection, allowing men to navigate society with more ease than women of size. While some men embrace this role, it’s not a universal experience, and it highlights the gender disparities in how fat bodies are viewed.
These archetypes only scratch the surface of the various identities fat individuals may adopt. For many, even the confident, unapologetic Rad Fatty can struggle for respect in a world obsessed with thinness. But let’s be clear: simply existing in a body, regardless of its size, should be enough to command respect.
Living in a larger body means facing relentless judgment and assumptions. Negativity about fatness is pervasive, and each disparaging remark can feel like a dagger, especially on vulnerable days. It’s okay to sometimes embody a good fatty archetype for self-protection. I have, and I still do. If you find yourself navigating the complexities of being in a fat body, remember: you are already good. You always have been. It’s okay to take a break.
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Summary:
The article discusses five problematic “good fatty” archetypes that individuals in larger bodies may adopt to navigate a society that often discriminates against them. These archetypes include the Work-In-Progress, the Nurturer, the Fat Unicorn/Fathlete, the Fatshionista, and the Big Guy. Each archetype reflects societal pressures and expectations surrounding body image and respect, emphasizing that simply existing in any body should be enough to warrant respect.
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