It's Okay to Make Fun of Fat People Because . .

We got rid of the 'r' word. There is a concerted effort to fight gay bullying after recent high-profile tragedies. But it is still okay to make fun of fat people.

Marie Claire sex and relationship blogger Maura Kelly seemed to think so when she posted a condemnation of the new CBS show, "Mike and Molly". She did not object to the laugh track, writing or acting. No, her problem was with the size of the actors. In great detail, she explained why she would be "grossed out" by having to look at people with "rolls and rolls of fat" do anything. She also offered diet and fitness tips.

On Wednesday, Marie Claire EIC Joanna Coles told Fashionista.com that the magazine received over 28,000 e-mails regarding the blog post. Kelly amended her original post to include an apology of sorts.

While fashion magazines are known for having a myopic version of beauty, this incident highlights a bigger trend: it's okay to make fun of fat people.

It's okay to make fun of fat people because, obviously, overweight people are unaware of their size.
People can be delusional, vain, or put on a front, but size is hard to deny. The doctor, scale and closet provide clear evidence of one's size on a regular basis. It is safe to assume overweight individuals do not need someone to tell them they are overweight.

It's okay to make fun of fat people because they eat too much.
Sadly, overweight people sometimes perpetuate this myth. Some food reviewers qualify their opinions by using their weight as proof of their skills. Perhaps, this is a preemptive strike against mean comments from the peanut gallery, but it is a dangerous generalization. Overeating can lead to weight gain, but there is not always a direct connection between overeating and obesity.

It's okay to make fun of fat people because being overweight is their fault/choice.
As explained on WebMD.com, being overweight can occur for a variety of reasons. After enduring trauma, some people use weight as an insulating shield or turn to food for comfort. Depression, anxiety, medication, stress and illnesses can also cause overeating and/or weight gain.

Discussing weight is important as America faces an obesity epidemic, but ridiculing others for their size is never justified nor helpful. While conquering gay bullying and homophobia -- a subject covered in Kelly's blog posts -- is in the public eye, the bigger solution is to remind people that bullying is unacceptable, even for bloggers.

Sources
Maura Kelly, "Should Fatties Get a Room? (Even on TV?)", MarieClaire.com
Leah Chernikoff, "Exclusive: Marie Claire EIC Joanna Coles Responds to Controversial Fatist Blog Post", Fashionista.com
"Obesity - Cause", WebMD.com