Size Acceptance.
Posted on May 23rd, 2008
by 
jtaylor
jtaylor
Most folks probably think that they don't discriminate against others. Sure, racial discrimination is highlighted in the media. Law dictates that public buildings must be accessible to certain standards. Companies cannot discriminate against the elderly. Most of us are "PC" or at least try to be when it counts. But, somehow, size acceptance is not mainstream.
We hear so much about the "obesity epidemic" these days in the media. Yes, people are getting bigger as a result of our sedentary lifestyle. Yes, we need to eat more organic foods and less fast food. No matter the multitude of factors, there is no excuse for treating overweight and obese people any differently.
I'm going to be quite honest- I'm overweight. But, I eat just as 'bad' as the average North American. It's just more sinful when *I* eat a cheeseburger because I am plus-sized. I should be more conscious about my health, but I'm on a limited budget. I can't be too choosy these days. If I had the money, I would be eating the healthiest organic foods possible. It's just not reality.
I was stopped today in downtown Vancouver, while waiting at the bus stop. A guy interrupted me while I was peacefully listening to my music to ask me : "Why are all fat people angry?" Since I don't really have much mean energy in me, I had a weak reply of "Why don't you ask them?" It was such an odd question and even more infuriating, this man was implying that I was fat and should be consciously aware of it. I selfishly hope that the next person he asks teaches him a lesson.
Truths about fat people: 1) We lead normal lives. 2) We are no less worthy of the air we all breathe. 3) We don't have to feel ashamed. 4) We don't have to like the negative discourse about size.
Please think twice before you judge.
We hear so much about the "obesity epidemic" these days in the media. Yes, people are getting bigger as a result of our sedentary lifestyle. Yes, we need to eat more organic foods and less fast food. No matter the multitude of factors, there is no excuse for treating overweight and obese people any differently.
I'm going to be quite honest- I'm overweight. But, I eat just as 'bad' as the average North American. It's just more sinful when *I* eat a cheeseburger because I am plus-sized. I should be more conscious about my health, but I'm on a limited budget. I can't be too choosy these days. If I had the money, I would be eating the healthiest organic foods possible. It's just not reality.
I was stopped today in downtown Vancouver, while waiting at the bus stop. A guy interrupted me while I was peacefully listening to my music to ask me : "Why are all fat people angry?" Since I don't really have much mean energy in me, I had a weak reply of "Why don't you ask them?" It was such an odd question and even more infuriating, this man was implying that I was fat and should be consciously aware of it. I selfishly hope that the next person he asks teaches him a lesson.
Truths about fat people: 1) We lead normal lives. 2) We are no less worthy of the air we all breathe. 3) We don't have to feel ashamed. 4) We don't have to like the negative discourse about size.
Please think twice before you judge.
Access: Public
five things
August 2008 
J……..
I know you as the wild red headed avatar that is pursuing her dreams and is crazy in love with archeology and anthropology. The cool chick that posts the most adorable pics of animals.
Truthfully I've sensed in past convo's that you were overweight and seemed somewhat selfconcious about it. I wondered why?
So if you want me to be completely honest ……. I've been a tiny skinny person most my life……..outside of pregnancy and a few extra pounds here and there throughout my years. I wasn't to terrible to look at either I don't guess. Men certainly gave me alot of attention……I mean I was no Barbie……but attractive enough to get attention I guess. As flattering as that can be sometimes I guess; I never cared for it. I was a rather timid child and didnt get a whole lot better in early adulthood. So most of the time it was more of an offensive thing to me……..like “please don't look at me your making me nervous”. I seemed to attract older perves which made me be more introverted and I tended to keep myself well covered. I still to this day take careful measure to make sure I am not showing and cleavage or cheeks hanging out.
But here is the thing…….I've been sick for a couple of years now. I've had some weird chronic hive and swelling going on. I have been tested for almost everything under the sun and no luck, just alot of prescriptions. I wasn't given alot of info about these scripts and found out too late that one of them can and did cause some rapid weight gain. I gained 35 pounds in 3 months. I went from 130 to 165…..for someone that is 5'2 that is alot. That is 20 pounds more than the top weight in pregancy of 145.
I experienced a whole new “not so fun” world. Men weren't looking at me anymore. I heard some pretty devastating comments from friends and family like: “Omg…..what happened to you” “um Heidi how in the hell did you get so big all of the sudden” “wow your ass is huge, what have you been sitting on your ass too much” “wow heidi whats going on with you your getting really fat” “what happened to that pretty lil girl we used to know”
Truthfully the comments were painful, very painful and I had a glimpse of what obese persons must go through. However a very small part of me liked that I didn't have to fear unwanted gestures from men. Im assuming my introverted self is what liked that. But wow I was like “what the heck”……..I didn't really know how important my looks were to other people. I was wondering does any body care about the person inside the body……..I mean “Heidi” is still here inside.
Long story short………I've managed to get myself back down to 150, but still can't wear most of my wardrobe. Men are starting to look at me again……it is a really weird mix of emotions of …….hey you didnt want to look at me six months ago prick…..so leave me alone and hmmmm maybe I can start feeling attractive again.
this is the cool thing about the web……I've never known you visually…I've gotten to know inside J. It really has no impact on me what you look like……short tall small large. I must admit though…….I think some part of me wants to believe that you have red hair…..lol.
Lil comfort I am sure in a mean world…….eh but your smarter than letting other peeps bad perceptions about an “image” in front of them get to you aye?
your friend,
Heidi
I honestly grapple with the appearance issue quite frequently. Myself, I've been overweight all my life, ever since I can remember. I was happy until my teens when the teasing was just too constant for me to ignore. My peer group was telling me to “get a clue” because I was absolutely oblivious about judging other people based on their appearance.
Now, I'm just highly aware of the consequences of being fat. It's sad because I'm not morbidly obese, so I can't imagine the challenges that other individuals face. I can still blend in, more or less. I get mistaken for a smaller size, and sure, I “surprise” people when I am frank about my size/weight. This all doesn't make it better.
Sad thing about anthropology is that you get a glimpse at human nature, face to face. Most days, it's not very pretty. I admit that I'm a pessimist and it's all a matter of perspective. ;) I'm working on that. I just have to become a little stronger in order to get what I want in life.
Thanks, Hart. *hugs*
P.S. I have auburn hair. Not nearly as red as it used to be. ;)