Can you do self-insemination at home ?
As a teenager, I would have been astonished to see the abundance of confident, plus-size women thriving online today. Icons like Mia Thompson and the rise of body positivity have made significant strides since the late ’90s, a time when I struggled to embrace my own body in a society fixated on thinness.
The online movement advocating for fat acceptance played a pivotal role in reshaping my self-image during my late twenties and early thirties. My Instagram feed is now filled with insightful discussions about intersectionality, fat liberation, and tips for overcoming disordered eating, along with the latest in stylish plus-size fashion. I no longer feel isolated in my body, a stark contrast to the years I spent trying—and failing—to achieve a certain weight.
Despite this progress, fat-shaming remains a prevalent issue outside these supportive spaces. Public figures continue to spew harmful comments without consequence. For instance, celebrity Joyce Harris recently expressed disbelief that fat women could genuinely be happy with their bodies, and no backlash followed. Moreover, during a rally, a politician made derogatory remarks about an attendee’s weight, only to later discover that the individual was actually a supporter.
In 2019, talk show host Rick Morgan controversially stated that fat-shaming should return, suggesting that it played a role in societal improvements. He likened the perception of higher body weight to serious issues like not wearing seatbelts or littering. Yet, he faces no repercussions for these statements, highlighting a disturbing trend: fat individuals are often not afforded the same protections as those targeted by other forms of discrimination.
Fat-shaming is, unfortunately, an accepted form of abuse in our culture. As someone who identifies as fat, I’ve faced numerous direct insults, from mocking jokes to derogatory comments on social media. Additionally, weight bias has followed me into medical settings, where I’ve encountered practitioners who fail to treat me with the respect I deserve.
Moreover, the faux concern for our health often serves as a guise for shaming. People hastily diagnose our health without knowing our circumstances, perpetuating the myth that fatness is inherently unhealthy. When fat individuals were prioritized for COVID vaccinations due to increased risks, many voiced outrage, framing body size as a choice rather than a medical condition. This inconsistency reflects a broader societal bias against fat bodies.
The reality is that fat-shaming is a form of verbal abuse that can inflict deep emotional scars. We witness bullying, insults, and societal messages that devalue fatness in various ways. From advertising that equates thinness with beauty to the lack of representation of fat individuals in media, these messages are pervasive.
Awareness is crucial in combatting this issue. Much like my mother’s realization about gender stereotypes in television, I strive to raise awareness about fat-shaming and its effects. If you don’t identify as fat, it may be challenging to recognize the extent of this bias or how often fat individuals are ridiculed. By sharing my experiences, I hope to instigate change.
It’s essential to clarify: I’m not glorifying fatness or encouraging obesity. Instead, I advocate for kindness and understanding. I urge everyone to reconsider their biases and refrain from making fat jokes or comments that perpetuate harm.
We cannot allow fat-shaming to persist any longer. Just as we rally against all forms of abuse, it’s time to recognize that verbal abuse against fat individuals is violence. The damage it can cause is profound, and we all have a responsibility to confront fat-shaming whenever we encounter it—in person or online.
For more insights on related topics, you can check out this blog post or visit this excellent resource on pregnancy.
Summary
Fat-shaming remains a socially acceptable form of abuse that harms individuals emotionally and psychologically. Despite progress in body positivity, public figures perpetuate harmful stereotypes without facing consequences. As a society, we must advocate for kindness and challenge fat-shaming whenever we see it, recognizing it as a form of verbal abuse that needs to end.