The Ongoing Acceptance of Fat-Shaming: A Call for Change

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As a teenager, I would have never guessed that today we would see so many confident, plus-size women thriving in the public eye. Icons like Ava Reynolds and Zoe Martinez have risen to fame, showcasing that beauty comes in all sizes. It’s truly refreshing to witness the strides made since the late ’90s, a time when I grappled with loving my body in a culture obsessed with thinness and rife with fat-shaming.

The burgeoning fat-positive movement significantly transformed my self-perception in my late twenties and early thirties. My social media feeds are now filled with insightful discussions about body positivity, fat liberation, and even where to find stylish plus-size clothing. I no longer feel isolated in my body—a feeling I thought was insurmountable while I battled for nearly three decades to achieve an unrealistic thin ideal.

Regrettably, outside of these supportive spaces, fat-shaming continues to thrive unabated. Just recently, a public figure, Lisa Bennett, expressed her disbelief in the happiness of plus-size women. In another instance, a prominent politician made a derogatory remark about an overweight individual at a rally, only to discover that the person was actually a supporter. These incidents, while shocking, aren’t uncommon.

In 2021, comedian Mike Harper controversially stated that “fat-shaming should make a comeback,” likening it to public shaming that once curbed smoking and littering. His comments drew little backlash, demonstrating the persistent acceptance of fat-shaming in our society.

It’s disheartening to see that fat individuals often lack the same protections afforded to others facing discrimination. While many rally against “cancel culture” for various reasons, few express outrage when fat-shaming occurs. The bias against fat people remains pervasive, and this form of verbal abuse is still considered socially acceptable.

As someone who identifies as fat, I’ve faced my fair share of insults. From hurtful comments to outright bullying, the experience is disheartening. Fat individuals, including myself, also experience bias in medical settings, often facing unwarranted judgments about our health. For instance, during the pandemic, when fat individuals were prioritized for COVID vaccines due to increased risks, many dismissed our body sizes as choices rather than legitimate health concerns.

The truth is, the issue of fat-shaming is far from resolved; it is ingrained in our culture. From the early age of six, I have encountered fat-shaming both in person and online. The idea that fat-shaming needs to “make a comeback” is absurd; it has never left.

Every day, fat children and adults endure bullying and humiliation, while subtle messages in advertising and media reinforce the notion that fat is undesirable. Yet, very few people recognize how common it is for fatness to be the target of ridicule.

Fat-shaming is a form of verbal abuse, and it will persist until we collectively reject it. I remember my mother discussing the portrayal of men in media as incompetent caregivers, lamenting that society had not tired of this stereotype. This prompted me to be mindful and conscious of my own beliefs and actions.

That’s why I consistently discuss fatness and the challenges of existing in a world that favors thinness. If you don’t identify as fat, you may not fully grasp the extent of fat-shaming or the discomfort it causes. However, by raising awareness, I hope to encourage a shift in perspective.

This isn’t about glorifying fatness or promoting obesity. Instead, it’s about advocating for kindness and fostering a culture where we choose compassion over cruelty. We must challenge ourselves to refrain from making fat jokes or comments that demean others based on their size.

Verbal abuse, including fat-shaming, can have deeply damaging effects on individuals. It’s high time we acknowledge this reality and take a stand against fat-shaming whenever we encounter it, both online and in our daily lives.

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