See that up there? That is a depiction of the effort I've been putting forth at improving myself both physically and mentally. I have good hours/days/weeks/months, and bad ones. For the most part, I'm fairly good at treating my body well; I'm making strides at being kinder to myself mentally. Unfortunately, every once in awhile something - someone - comes along that threatens to derail my hard work.
If you frequent Twitter, you may have caught wind of a hateful, nasty piece of "journalism" on the Marie Claire website (lord knows *I* went on and on and on about it enough). ***Please be warned that the article is full of fat-bashing vitriol and may be upsetting.
I was absolutely gobsmacked after reading it - speechless, if you will, and if you know me at all, you know I'm a verbose mofo. I was shocked and appalled by the sheer hatred spewed by the writer (so much so that I became one of those people and actually emailed the web editor to voice my displeasure and disappointment - I will never be a financial supporter of Marie Claire going forward).
At the same time, I had to stop a couple of times and back away from The Twitter to take a deep breath: yes, this very likely IS a case of linkbaiting, and no, drawing attention to something so negative isn't a great idea, but where do we draw the line? If we stay silent, others out there may have no idea of the garbage published by Marie Claire. Sure, that saves them the trial of reading said garbage, but ignorance isn't bliss, people. Because by NOT directing people to such garbage and staying silent so as not to give Marie Claire (negative) publicity, we're inherently saying that we're okay with this: that it's totally acceptable to fat-bash. And it's NOT okay, dammit.
How is staying silent during something like this different from staying silent when someone is being bullied?Maybe *I'm* someone who felt bullied by this piece. Would you stay silent? I know I sure as hell wouldn't. I know I'm like a dog with a bone with this, and I'm sorry if that's annoying. However, I will NOT apologize for standing up and speaking out against something I feel strongly about, and I do feel strongly about this, due at least in part to the fact that I *am* considered one of the "fatties" she's cutting down.
When I joked about just that, I pretty quickly had a friend come back with "you are not... !" But that's my whole point: when someone makes this kind of sweeping thoughtless, vicious, generalized condemnation about a whole section of society, she has NO CLUE how many people she may inadvertently be including in her prejudice. Fact of the matter is, based on the highly revered (*cough*bullshit*cough*) BMI scales, I am considered to be "severely obese." I don't think I look severely obese, but apparently just seeing me walk across a room with my fatty fat fat rolls flibbidy flabbing all over the place *may* offend some delicate sensibilities.
The lovely, wise, and inspiring Yvonne from Joy Unexpected summed it up quite well for me:
Nope. Not gonna feel bad for speaking out against hatred. Sorry.
As for the Healthy You Challenge button up at the top of this entry? I'm doing okay, thank you.
I refuse to read it...I'm self conscious enough! HELLO eating disorder thank-thee-very-much. As far as I'm concerned the only people who are reasonably expected to be able to discuss someone's body shape (in relation to health) are either a) their doctor or b) a concerned family member. THE END. People are not their shape...they are the person inside of that shape. It's sad to know that people who have so much to offer are shut down and not listened to...or judged...simply because of a body shape. I STAB NOW. Holly XOXOXO
ReplyDeleteThat was a nasty article, I saw it on another site and couldn't believe the tone of it.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you are struggling with ups and downs, and can't just have a solid week without a struggle. I empathize, believe me! The good thing is that as long as your good hours outweigh your bad, you're still moving in the right direction!
I felt sick after reading this article. Seriously, sick. How on earth did something so hateful ever get publishes?!?!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the article, but know a lot of my cyber friends are extremely upset. It's true - you should never feel bad about speaking out against hate.
ReplyDeleteGood for you.
No, one should never feel bad for standing up for something.
ReplyDeleteAfter I read the article, I felt like the author hated herself somehow and that this bashing comes from a place of shame and unhealthy attitudes towards food. It is also discrimination. Let's face it, I do some kind of exercise five times a week, yet to her, I would still be overweight. Does that make me unhealthy. BTW, I do like Mike & Molly show.
ReplyDeleteLove. I LOVE this post. You already know how I feel about this whole fiasco!
ReplyDeleteI just laugh because, seriously? Also now I know it's way easier to offend people, and I can put out waaaaay less effort. All I need to do is walk across a room!
ReplyDeleteLove ya. Ya know I'm with ya 100% on this one...
ReplyDeleteI emailed the web editor, and the editor in chief of Marie Claire. I also called and cancelled my subscription to the magazine. I think I'm going to write to their advertising partners and let them know that this consumer will be taking her money elsewhere if they continue to support this kind of hate-speak.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually blame the author. She has the right to her opinon. I do blame the magazine/web site for giving her a platform in which to spew her hatred. How on earth did that make is past an editor?!
I'm speaking out but doing my best not to give them any unintentional link love (less that first link i tweeted when still in shock) Sharing plenty of link love for the responders though in my post about Marie Claire http://www.ohboyohboyohboy.com/2010/10/letter-to-editors-of-marie-claire.html
ReplyDelete