It is not easy to be fat in America, even though government reports say more than a third of adults are obese (I just read that). My doctor gave me an online resource for weight challenged folks which includes some very interesting articles and studies.
From a political candidate disparaging a former Miss Universe winner who gained weight, to an actress referenced only because of her weight, to“funny” greeting cards featuring overweight people, it turns out that fat prejudice is everywhere. It starts early in life. And the overweight among you won’t be surprised to know that weight is the most common reason kids are bullied at school and chastised at home. A surprising 85% of teens report seeing overweight classmates teased in gym class – including by teachers.
The bullying problem is not limited to the United States. In one extensive study on this topic, the researcher found similar situations in Canada and Australia. One report concentrated specifically on “fat humor.” Comedians make broader use of fat jokes, and even overweight comedians use self-deprecating fat jokes. I wonder what’s different in our culture that produces and promotes body shaming?