Is Fat Becoming the New "F" Word?
We live in a world obsessed with fat. We eat too much of it. Most of us carry too much of it around on us. And it's become a topic of constant news reporting. We know it's not healthy to be overweight, yet still, it's like a siren calling to us from the sea, and now we're concerned that it's leading our children into destruction.
I would be the first one to agree that we all need to avoid fat in our lives to keep our bodies healthy. Unfortunately, it's not easy, but then again, as my grandmother used to say when I would complain about getting those smelly old home permanents, "My girl, it's sometimes painful to be beautiful."
I see fat as becoming an obscene word. In fact, it's not often that I hear anyone described as fat anymore. They're overweight, heavy or stout. To call someone fat now is like calling them some other derogatory name, and in our politically correct world, we all know what kind of uproar that can cause.
Although I carry a few more pounds than some chart would dictate, I've been very fortunate and never had much problem with weight. But I have to think that if I were, I'd resent all the discrimination against fat people that I see every day all around me. Just look around at public facilities such as movie theater seats, airline seats. booths in restaurants and even some bathroom stalls. It seems obvious to me that we expect everyone to fit into the slender mold, and if you don't, then society is telling you there's something wrong with you.
In a perfect world, everyone would have flawless skin, full-bodied hair and lots of it, but we don't live in Utopia. If we're not to judge people on so many other factors, why do we immediately look at a large person and assume that it's their wish to be fat. Maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt just like we would if they weren't the same color or of a different religion. We still won't live in a perfect world, but I think it might be better. It's just a thought.
Published by Pattie Byrd
Pattie Byrd is a freelance writer specializing in humor commentary, reviews and news articles. She has been published in magazines and several internet sites. Growing up in the South, she maintains her lov... View profile
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25 Comments
Post a CommentI found a definite difference in the way people treated me once I gained weight. One humiliating experience when I was still working was falling on a slippery sidewalk, and no one coming to my aid. I remember falling in my younger, slimmer, sexier days, and people were rushing to help me up. That child's mother should plan meals that are healthy, teach the kid what not to eat and not keep junk in the house. Of course, even a kid whose parents feed them healthy from birth can gain weight once they go to school and are exposed to school lunches and the goodies brought in by other parents for school parties. My daughter has experienced this with her kids. It's just so wrong.
You gotta work at it. It just does not happen with all the tempting food around. We have to keep active. Excellent article!!!
My heart goes out to that child. People have different ideas of what someone else should weigh.
The mother should encourage healthy habits instead of berating her daughter. I love your counter points!
Whenever I see a morbidly big person I think "there but for the grace of God go I" -- I have fought this all my life, with a measure of success. Even if I don't always eat the way I should, I keep working out. Good observations!
Excellent.... :o)
Tearing your child down for any reason is unacceptable, no matter your intent. It can scar them for life. Trust me, this is one subject I know all too well. Even though what my father said about me was always untrue, it still affected my entire life in the most negative way possible. Like me, chances are good the girl will never be able to forget those words even if she does manage to eventually forgive them.
I know the mother probably thought she was 'preparing the daughter' for the cruel world...but words like that from a mother would be tough to forget.
Good thought.
Good write!