Jasmine Carter is shining a spotlight on fatphobia, boldly labeling it as a form of abuse. In her recent viral post, she articulates the profound medical, mental, emotional, and social repercussions that this prejudice has on individuals, particularly women. “It’s been fascinating to observe the pushback from some slim individuals regarding my assertion that the mistreatment of fat people should be taken as seriously as discrimination based on race or sexual orientation,” she remarks in an Instagram update featuring screenshots from her Twitter feed. “The statistics surrounding medical negligence, harassment, and workplace discrimination are undeniably significant.”
If you doubt the existence of thin privilege, just glance at the responses to this post and countless others where overweight individuals face ridicule. Comments masquerading as concern about someone’s weight are as unhelpful as advising a thin person to “eat a cheeseburger.” It’s essential to recognize that fat individuals can be healthy, engage in regular exercise, and maintain optimal blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart health.
Thin privilege is a reality; society is predominantly structured around individuals with slimmer bodies. From clothing options to public spaces, and even health insurance premiums, fat individuals often face higher costs and relentless shaming from medical professionals. The misconception that weight loss is the universal solution for every health issue is misleading, and the Body Mass Index (BMI) is often criticized as a flawed measurement.
Carter adeptly addresses critics of her statements, emphasizing that we don’t need to compare various forms of suffering. Abuse is inherently subjective; one cannot fully grasp how different types of abuse impact individuals uniquely.
Moreover, Carter highlights a critical societal issue: the dehumanization of fat individuals has been a longstanding problem. Society often trivializes fatness through jokes, body shaming, and unsolicited “advice” that comes off as thinly veiled insults. (If you haven’t yet watched the series Shrill on Hulu, it’s a must-see.)
As someone diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), I can relate to Carter’s experiences. During my own diagnosis, a slim ultrasound technician remarked, “You don’t fit the typical body shape of someone with PCOS; I usually see much larger women here with significant hair growth.” Such comments from a medical professional about vulnerable individuals in a similar situation were not only inappropriate but indicative of the larger issue at hand: fatphobia is real and detrimental, especially in healthcare settings.
Many individuals shared their own encounters with anti-fat bias, commending Carter for her courage in speaking out. She concluded her thread by expressing gratitude for those who shared their stories, acknowledging that it takes bravery to speak up. With continued effort, perhaps we can foster change; normalizing the degradation of others is unacceptable.
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In summary, Jasmine Carter’s bold stance against fatphobia as a form of abuse is a crucial conversation that needs to be amplified. Society must recognize the harmful impact of body shaming and work toward a more inclusive and understanding world.