Let’s face it: the world doesn’t particularly care for the oversized among us.
We celebrate the skinny, design our fashions for the featherweights and equate beanpoles with beauty.
And it’s not just about trendy apparel and how we idolize our slender celebrities. There’s a real cost to our issues with weight.
Weight discrimination, especially against women, is increasing in U.S. society and is almost as common as racial discrimination, some studies have suggested*.
I’ve had a couple of big weight loss/gain swings in my lifetime. The first time I lost a bunch, I interviewed for and got a job at an ad agency owned by a former beauty queen. Thinking back on it today, I know that I wouldn’t have gotten the job had I been at the weight I was six months before that interview. I don’t just think so… I know it with a complete and utter certainty. It’s important because it’s the job that started my current career path; without it, I’d be living a very different life today, I’m sure.
People judge us when we’re overweight. They think we have no self-respect, no discipline, no self-control. I hate it, but I know… we know… that’s the way it is.
That’s why I enjoy, appreciate…even crave the support I receive in this kooky blogging community. The world may not be there for us, but we can always be there for each other.
*Reported discrimination based on weight has increased 66% in the past decade, up from about 7% to 12% of U.S. adults, according to the journal Obesity. The other study, in the International Journal of Obesity, says such discrimination is common in both institutional and interpersonal situations — and in some cases is even more prevalent than rates of discrimination based on gender and race. (About 17% of men and 9% of women reported race discrimination.)
You are soooooo right. I dont think people are even conscious of the fact they are thinking like that half of the time but they do! Great post to get us thinking :o)
ReplyDeleteI have been keeping a weight loss blog of my own since March and have perused many other blogs, but this is my new favorite. You have such an honest perspective on everything and I laugh out loud at many of your funnier postings. The pictures you posted in this entry really hit your message home. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
ReplyDeleteI have read many wonderful posts about the pain that is behind the weight gain or preventing the weight loss. It has really opened by eyes and I have shed tears more than once for what some people have endured. In a way, it reminds me of the lady that had the face transplant. If people knew her story, they would only see a brave and beautiful woman. We just need to stop with all the judging and get on with the lovin'!:-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I loveee the pics! LOL
ReplyDeleteIm so used to being judged but it doesnt ease the hurt even a teeny bit. Sometimes I wanna jump on these people and be like,'Just get to know me!'
I love your blog :)
*nods* great pics, definitely.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, mister. So true. This blogging community is awesome. The support blows me away.
Blog support: Crucial
ReplyDeleteFat discrimination: Very painful, very real. Amazing how much it has increased in the past decade.
There are too many false assumptions made about overweight people - lazy and/or stupid being the most damaging in the workplace. Grrr!
ReplyDeleteSigh - with so many people in the US and here in the UK being obese, then this cannot continue.
The world is messed up, no wonder we humans are too.
Thank goodness for the blogging community - where decent folk encourage each other.