While I was shopping at Target last week, I stumbled upon a card in the greeting card aisle that completely threw me off. It was under the “Weight Loss” section, and honestly, I didn’t realize that tracking our loved ones’ weight loss was a thing worthy of a card. What’s next, a card for every pound lost? I picked it up, only to be met with a glaring reminder of the toxic views society holds about women and their bodies.
Fat-shaming is a pervasive issue, but the vibrant pink card I found made it clear who it was primarily aimed at. With a graphic of a scale and the cheery words “Losing Weight and Looking Great” plastered on the front, it sent a rather damaging message. Inside, it read, “So excited for YOU and the WONDERFUL CHANGES you’re making in your life!” The emphasis on YOU was glaring, and not a hint of a similar card in blue for men in sight. It’s as if being overweight somehow diminishes a woman’s worth until she conforms to a certain standard.
I couldn’t help but think about Cathy from accounting, who might receive this card after finally shedding some pounds. The card seems to say that now she’s worthy of recognition. It’s a grim reminder that women’s value is often tied to their appearance. I decided to share a picture of the card in my favorite mom group on Facebook, fully expecting to receive a wave of backlash. Sure enough, the responses came flooding in. Many echoed my thoughts, stating that if they received such a card, they’d feel hurt and insulted. Sure, a compliment after significant weight loss might be fine, but buying a card that basically screams, “I like you better now that you’re thinner” is just plain wrong.
One member in the group, who lost over 100 pounds in a year thanks to gastric bypass, mentioned how her dad’s responses to her weight loss progress felt like he was saying, “Keep it up, but you’re still not good enough.” Another shared her struggles with weight fluctuations and how her father always emphasized being a “nice, slim girl.” She mentioned that part of her hesitates to lose weight because it would force him to accept her as she is, which he might not do. She concluded that he would probably send her that ridiculous card.
As for me, I’m a mom who might never reach a weight that would even warrant this kind of card. Yet, I hit the gym at least three times a week, thanks to my gym’s childcare services, which are a lifesaver. Not only do I get to focus on my physical health, but I also enjoy a hot shower without interruptions. Plus, that free coffee in the lobby? Yes, please!
As I’ve gotten older, my motivation for working out has changed. I’m no longer chasing some ideal body shape; I want to be around for my kids and improve my mental health. And honestly, with the current political climate, I find myself imagining stepping on certain orange faces while I run on the treadmill, which is quite therapeutic.
A fellow mom mentioned that after the election, she felt less inclined to lose weight, wanting to reject the societal standards perpetuated by some in power. She found strength training instead, focusing on becoming strong for the fight ahead. I think I might need to explore that route too.
Now, let’s be real. I doubt we’ll ever see a card congratulating men on overcoming erectile dysfunction. Can you imagine a blue card that says “Staying Erect and Ready to Inject”? Inside would read, “So excited for YOUR PENIS and the WONDERFUL ENGORGEMENT it’s making in your pants!” It’s ludicrous.
So, what kind of cards do I wish we could find? Perhaps one that celebrates parents raising compassionate, thoughtful kids who would never even consider buying someone a weight loss card.
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In summary, the existence of weight loss cards perpetuates harmful societal norms that equate a woman’s worth with her size. Instead of celebrating changes in appearance, we should focus on uplifting one another regardless of weight. Let’s shift the conversation to promoting kindness, acceptance, and genuine support for one another.
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