December 01, 2003

• what's a former 'fattie' to do once he/she's no longer able to proclaim "Fat & Proud"? We could start eating these breakfasts everyday, I suppose
• Hand them subway sandwiches and make some money of their success. I love exploitation
• Become proud of an actual accomplishment?
• Dear God. Weight--especially for women--is such a huge can of worms. There are people who say it's all biological, there are people who say it's psychological, there are people who say it's weak character, there are people who say there are magic diets and there are people who say there are magic therapies. While I have my opinions (Boy howdy I do), I don't think this is something you can generalize about. I really don't. Everyone has their own life experiences and attitudes and metabolisms and tolerence levels. People are allowed to change and grow and to find different things important as they evolve. And really, considering the overwhelming negativity directed at people who are overweight (especially women), a little "rah-rah I love myself even though I don't look like what you want me to" is in order. If they feel better about themselves weightloss or no, then more power to them. I think that's more of an accomplishment than losing the weight in our society.
• Looking at it that way, you are correct. I just think that saying I'm fat and proud misses the point. People should be proud of what they do, of who they are. If bodyshape is part of that, fine. I just hope it's not the whole thing.
• Thing A: Fat and Proud - sadly, the way the world is, being fat is part of who you are, of how people percieve and react to you. Sadly, it's not generally a nice reaction -- people tend to associate fatness with stupidity, poor hygiene, slothfulness, and so on. It's also the last thing that it's cool to make fun of. Just is. I didn't make the rules. Refusing to cringe and hide in the corner and have some self-respect - that's more what the fat and proud folks are getting at. It's having the courage to give the person who makes the rude comment about your ass size the finger instead of taking it. It's insisting that department stores not carry fashionable clothes above a size 12. It's ignoring the rude stares you get at the gym or the pool when you go to exercise. Thing B: For the formerly fat: Isn't working hard to reach a goal something to be proud of? It's like getting a promotion or publishing a book or something similar that requires a long concentrated effort. Losing weight requires changing your life. File that under 'proud of what they do.'
• I've gained weight the last year due to a deeply sedentary job. I'm neither proud of it nor... not. On the other hand, I can make my eyebrows do the wave. I am very proud of this.
• ? You're freaking me out.
• Thank god I've finally caught up to the same day two years ago. I was so impetuous, I didn't check the new thread to see where nickdanger ended, so here's hoping it's soon. Dear lord.
• My mom came across a Chinese reality show (filmed in Singapore) where they document overweight women losing weight, while being criticised, prodded and made fun of by loving family and friends. What fun. She turned the volume up so I could hear it from my bedroom.
• That sounds like a horrible show. That said, I liked The Biggest Loser. It was hosted by a woman who knew what it was like to be heavy, and was about changing life styles and (at least in the beginning, before the competition got going) being supportive. It wasn't about making fun of people or shaming them into loosing weight. Being healthy is important, but nagging anyone about it is like thinking you can help someone who's depressed by telling them they are a bad person for not bucking up and feeling better. Always makes me want another piece of chocolate cake.