The Weight Taboo

I’m blogging about this subject due to my dislike to the social desirability, conformity and norms of the perfect weight set by the media and complied by society, this post and I are not here to cause harm or offense to any individual of any shape and size. I can only apologise if you are sensitive to any part of the context of this article. I can only ask that you read to the end, thank you.

Definitions:

Weight: A body’s relative mass or the quantity of matter contained by it, giving to a downward force, the heaviness of a person or thing.

Twiggy_ of, relating to, or resembling twigs                 Obese_ grossly fat or overweight

Skinny_ Unattractively Thin                                          Large_ of a relatively great size

Slim/slender _ gracefully thin          Curvaceous/Voluptuous_ sexually strive curved shape

Thin_ having too little flesh/fat on the body                  Fat_ have a large amount of flesh

The shape Society has portrayed as ‘The norm’ has changed throughout the years, in a different time psychologists believe that it was due to the evolutionary factors that males were attracted to and would mate with females who had curvaceous bodies and larger hips, as this would enable an easier pregnancy, childbirth and healthy strong off-spring. Females would choose the larger males, who would produce physically stronger off-spring. Curvaceous women were at that moment in time the ‘supermodels’ of the era.  In many different countries and cultures wealth would be presented and portrayed by an individuals’ weight, a fatter individual would be the richer individual.

Psychologists believe that people still now days chose their mate within context of this evolutionary theory, to ensure that a mate will facilitate the birth of healthy, strong offspring. However as previously mentioned it is not only the psychology behind the mating season which defines the magical desired weight, but the social norms presented and portrayed throughout the media.

Whilst I understand the word ‘fat’ is offensive to some, I believe we must all come to understand that the word ‘fat’ as defined above is actually just stating fact of having a larger amount of matter, just as the word ‘thin’ is having less matter. People who use the word ‘Fat’ in an offensive context are just quite frankly wrong and unbelievably rude. Just as puzzling to me, is the social acceptance of the word ‘skinny’ used ‘as a compliment’, unlike ‘fat’ or ‘thin’ the word ‘skinny’ is an insult –as defined above- ‘unattractively thin’, the words ‘slim’ and or ‘slender’ defined as ‘gracefully thin’ are rarely used within this social context. Now, please, before you judge the words I chose or jump to conclusions, conclusions that could indicate that you are conforming to society, a society which apparently thinks it’s perfectly normal to use a factual non offensive word as an insult and an insult as some sort of twisted compliment, due to the desired figure it portrays as beautiful.

In my eyes, the Clinical term ‘morbidly obese’ is more damaging and offensive to hear, let alone for any individual to be told rather than ‘severely overweight’, especially as ‘severely underweight’ is the term used on the opposite end of the weight spectrum.  It appears that the societal desires also seem to be reflected within the clinical and health system, after looking up the definitions of both ‘morbid’ and ‘severe’, I stand by my views and opinions of these terms.

With social norms and desirabilitys –such as the examples above- set in place it is rather obvious to any observer that there is an in-group/out-group association between the different weight categories.  After reading the examples of social discrimination talked about above it is no wonder there is discrimination from ‘fat’  to ‘thin’. This can even be seen in the social influences of songs such as 'all about that base' by Megan Trainor or even 'Anaconda' by Nicki Minaj.This is by no means stating that all ‘thin’ individuals are holy saints, I have met many horrible ‘thin’ people –even bullied by a few-, nor is this stating all ‘fat’ individuals are evil, I have met many genuine, down to earth, happy and lovely ‘fat’ people.

I’m actually trying to boarder the topic of the acceptance of social discrimination towards thin people, the social acceptance that insulting a ‘thin’ person is a norm, to be called (offensive language ahead!) a skinny bitch, anorexic, to be told you should eat more, and to ask where the rest of you is. However compare that to the despair and outrage of social discrimination against ‘fat’ people, calling them a fat cow, a chunky lump, a heffer, or asking if they ever stop eating. (Genuinely had to ask Google/people for some of these insults, I feel bad and empathise with anyone who has undergone with this form of bullying).

Both are wrong but I’m appalled at how, if a ‘thin’ person complains or asks for help against this form of bullying, they are told to ‘take in on the chin’, because ‘you’re thin, so why do you care?’ that’s just as bad as being a bully. Just because an individual is thin, it does not give anyone the right to insult them.  If any person is a different shape, size or colour to you it does not give anyone the right to discriminate against them on any form or level, being fatist and racist are wrong, not just morally but socially. So, why not thinist? (/skinny discrimination, as apparently there’s not a set word for this definition). The word for social discrimination against 'thin' people? Anybody?  –Please comment if you find out, I’d love to know!-

Again, my aim is not to blame or victimise any body shape/size, but rather the societal and social structure, norms, conformity, compliance, and acceptance that surround ‘weight’. Please stop discriminating against each other!!!!

May I please remind/inform people that; being 'thin' has many negative quotations; you may disagree with me more here than the rest of the blog post, but please hear my argument out. As I am in no way, nor do I wish to undermine the social discrimination and/or problems of any individual of any shape/size/gender.  
Already covered are the Skinny bitch, anorexic and other offensive words and insults deemed socially acceptable. Being severely (/morbidly) underweight is also a very serious and damaging health issue -as is anorexia- which can also be fatal. It may surprise you but some –not all- ‘thin’ individuals will be classed –trough no choice of their own- as underweight their whole life and have to make sure the eat enough of the right of amount to try and remain healthy. They feel the cold a lot quicker and more often, which can again lead to illness. Just because an individual is thin, it does not make them instantly beautiful, liked or respected, nor does it give immunity to all illness or offensiveness, nor are they happy all the time and they certainly do not get whatever they want whenever they want.

Being a ‘thin’ person, means, wait for it…yes, that’s right you’re a real person too! By being ‘thin’ you also fit into a shape and size category, you also have to eat enough of the right foods to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. It means some clothes will fit you and look great but some will look really rather ugly and not fit at all. Wait everyone, doesn’t being thin sound familiar? Yes? Good, it should do because this is applicable to every shape and size!

Please, you shouldn't aspire to be ‘thin’, you should aspire be the right shape and size for you, the size that fits your personal shape and weight, where you feel most comfortable at. Go and love yourself, who you are, how you look and how you feel. Be a confident little bunny. Don’t give in to societal labels, insults and stereotyping, give into a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Please feel free to give feedback, comment and give your views and opinions about this blog post and any of the topics discussed.

This is a social issue I feel is extremely important -and personal to me on many levels- due to the influences and consequences it has on people’s lives, including developing many physiological and physiological illness. 

The aim of this Post is/was to board and oppose certain societal norms and stereotypes, not to offend any individual of any size/shape/gender.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed, and look are looking forward to my next blog post,

much loves  x