Why phat ally?
Originally, I wanted the less quirky “fat ally”. I googled it to see if it was already taken, and these were some of the results I got: Fatally Yours Horror Reviews, Axe-wielding Bainbridge man fatally shot by police. You get the idea. So I brought back the nineties due to necessity.
I am an ally because I am not fat. Even though I have whined about being fat in casual conversation with friends after eating too many cookies, I do not attract resentful stares, comments and whispers because of my body. There are many fashionable clothes made in my size (although I can’t say that I take advantage of them…), and strangers do not inquire about my health.
Is this a “fat blog”?
Sure. Any one is allowed to stand up to anything they perceive as unfair in this world. I may not be fat, but I'm affected by the stigmatizing of fat. (Have I mentioned that already? I think I mentioned that already.) And that goes for any kind of bigotry. I also believe that it's also important to be sensitive to the experiences of the people that you are standing up for.
I am inspired in part from reading a lot of kickass fat acceptance blogs from the fatosphere, most notably The Fat Nutritionist, Corpulent, Shapely Prose, Living ~ 400 lbs, and the adipositivity project.
I am inspired in part from reading a lot of kickass fat acceptance blogs from the fatosphere, most notably The Fat Nutritionist, Corpulent, Shapely Prose, Living ~ 400 lbs, and the adipositivity project.
It's true that since I’m not marginalized on account of my size, I have only my own life experience to account for my perspectives on what it means to be healthy, that may differ from those of a fat persons'.
But who cares?
When we judge people for being fat, and make certain assumptions about them, it’s just a manifestation of our own internalized self-hatred.
When we judge people for being fat, and make certain assumptions about them, it’s just a manifestation of our own internalized self-hatred.
So-called “fat acceptance” – actually the acceptance of all our bodies, imagine that — cannot happen without every one's help. We need fat allies and thin allies and hopefully we will one day stop policing each other.
But isn't being fat unhealthy?
Nope. Maintaining a consistent body weight is far more correlated with good health than bouncing between thinner and fatter over years of dieting. In other news, do you smoke? Drink? It's okay, you chose to do those things, I'll even let you do them.
And you should definitely read this.
But isn't being fat the ultimate indicator that some one is unhealthy? Isn't it my personal obligation to save fat people from their immediate demise?
No.
Do you hate diets?
Nah, b. I do hate the diet industry. I hate the billions of diet books normalizing the fact that my body is definitely gross. I hate the offhand comments everywhere I look that confirm the fact that every one can stand to lose a few pounds. But listen. If I have a friend who loses weight on purpose, then should I not be happy for her? That just makes me sad. If your weight is a "journey" (which is a problematic metaphor if it overstates the importance of the role weight plays in your life), you gotta go where you and your body want to go. I wish it weren't so confusing to decide where that journey should take you.
But isn't being fat unhealthy?
Nope. Maintaining a consistent body weight is far more correlated with good health than bouncing between thinner and fatter over years of dieting. In other news, do you smoke? Drink? It's okay, you chose to do those things, I'll even let you do them.
And you should definitely read this.
But isn't being fat the ultimate indicator that some one is unhealthy? Isn't it my personal obligation to save fat people from their immediate demise?
No.
Do you hate diets?
Nah, b. I do hate the diet industry. I hate the billions of diet books normalizing the fact that my body is definitely gross. I hate the offhand comments everywhere I look that confirm the fact that every one can stand to lose a few pounds. But listen. If I have a friend who loses weight on purpose, then should I not be happy for her? That just makes me sad. If your weight is a "journey" (which is a problematic metaphor if it overstates the importance of the role weight plays in your life), you gotta go where you and your body want to go. I wish it weren't so confusing to decide where that journey should take you.
What is fat talk?
Fat talk should be called fat bashing. It is any kind of talk that criticizes your body or any one else’s body. It is judgmental and/or unproductive, though it often disguises itself as concerned, helpful, and admiring. It is also inaccurately named, as the name itself stigmatizes fat. However, it's worth reading this statement, released by The Tri Delta sorority:
Fat Talk describes all of the statements made in everyday conversation that reinforce the thin ideal and contribute to women’s dissatisfaction with their bodies. Examples of fat talk may include: “I’m so fat,” “Do I look fat in this?” “I need to lose 10 pounds” and “She’s too fat to be wearing that swimsuit.” Statements that are considered fat talk don’t necessarily have to be negative; they can seem positive yet also reinforce the need to be thin – “You look great! Have you lost weight? [ Taken from feministing].
Is your blog geared towards women?
It is geared towards people of all genders who are sick of society's fat-shaming ways. For more information, check this post.
Are you unusually obsessed with this issue?
It is geared towards people of all genders who are sick of society's fat-shaming ways. For more information, check this post.
Are you unusually obsessed with this issue?
Yup. This blog is an expression of my frustration and insecurities. But I’m writing with the hope that you can relate and sympathize. And we can raise our consciousness together.
