Aubrey Carter
"3 Keys IELTS Certified Coach"

Do you have fatphobia?

Do you find yourself attaching a moral judgment to the word ‘fat?’

In the U.S., a negative stigma often surrounds the word ‘fat,’ and many individuals have a prejudice against those who are plus size.

Today’s episode welcomes a guest from the Roses for Every Body campaign, Jenna.

We discuss fatphobia and how it is rooted in anti-blackness.

We also share the vocabulary we should use to describe body weight and remove the stigma.

Listen in and find out how you can be part of the solution.

Fatphobia

Jenna is a member of the campaign ‘Roses for Every Body.’

This is a campaign to demand the show “The Bachelor” cast plus-size individuals.

It’s been on for 20 years and they have had over 1,142 people on the show.

However, only two plus-size cast members have been cast, and both went home during the first episode of the series.

The ‘Roses for Every Body’ movement seeks positive representation of fat people on television.

One of their goals is to increase body diversity in TV and film.

Weight vocabulary

The language around fat is often used with a negative connotation.

Fatphobia describes the negative attitudes and stereotypes surrounding and attached to larger bodies.

For many, this is an uncomfortable topic.

In today’s episode, we talk about the language we should use and how to be part of the change around this stigma.

The campaign ‘Roses for Every Body’ has been working to remove this stigma and spread the message of body positivity.

The vocabulary we use is an extremely important part of making change happen.

Use the word ‘fat’

The use of the word ‘fat’ has such a pushback in our society and many avoid using it to describe bodies.

This campaign seeks to liberate minds regarding the use of this word.

‘Fat’ is a neutral word. It should not have a negative connotation.

Why should we talk about and think about the word ‘fat’?

In previous centuries, it was desirable to be fat.

During the Renaissance, being fat was a sign of wealth and prosperity.

One of Aubrey’s favorite artist, Peter Paul Rubens, depicted women in his paintings as round, plump and fat.

These paintings highlight that all bodies are beautiful.

Rooted in anti-blackness

Jenna points out that the negativity around fatness was birthed from anti-blackness.

You can read more about this in the book ‘Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings’

Society started shifting thoughts regarding fatness when food became more available to everyone.

Fat is an adjective to describe something bigger or heavier.

It has often been related to health because we have the idea that weight is a factor in determining whether you are healthy or not.

Jenna shares that we should revisit these assumptions.

She points out that the BMI was created to exclude some from receiving health insurance.

  • BMI: Body Mass Index

Be part of the solution

How can you get involved?

Jenna shares three ways you can be part of the solution.

These tips will help you deconstruct and consider the way we use the word fat.

We must each start with working on ourselves.

#1: Unpack why you think fat is a bad thing

Try and get different inputs in your life to better understand being fat.

You can start to follow fat influencers and be wary of diet culture.

Jenna’s recommended creators on Instagram are @fiercefatfemme and @fatfabfeminist.

This will help diversify your feed.

Similar to fighting for the rights of every race, ethnicity or sexual orientation, it’s important to educate yourself on the issues and prejudices that individuals face.

#2: Hold others accountable

When you hear people using the word ‘fat’ negatively, you can call them out.

If someone says one of the following, let them know their language is hurtful and damaging.

I look terrible in this. I’m so fat!

I need to go on a diet. I’ve gotten really fat.

Helping others be aware of the affect of their language helps them know they should make a change.

Being fat shouldn’t be seen in a bad light.

Holding everyone accountable for their vocabulary also raises awareness against bullying.

#3: Listen to Lizzo

Lizzo is a popular female musician.

She is an athlete, able to sing, dance and play the flute on stage for hours.

She is using her platform to promote body positivity.

If you are a fat person struggling with your body, Lizzo can help you see how beautiful you are.

Everyone should hear her message and believe that all bodies are beautiful.

Takeaway

We live in an advanced era where we should not discriminate or exclude people because of their appearance.

With diet culture and many believing there is an ideal beauty and weight, impossible standards are created.

We must all spread body positivity and make this world a better place for everyone to live in, no matter their size or appearance.

You can follow the ‘Roses for Every Body’ campaign via Instagram: @rosesforeverybody

They have a link tree to more content related to their cause.

They also have a link where you can participate in their petition.

Start being part of the change and use the word ‘fat’ in a positive light.

Does fatphobia exist in your country?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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