Fatty Hypocrites

What mixed messages do you send?

Are you concerned about fat? Specifically the fat attached to your body?

 

I’m going to guess the answer is, “yes.” Right this moment, my stats tell me my post, The Fatties Are Coming, has been viewed 154 times just today.

 

That post reported on the study that most people found a woman’s size 12 body far more attractive than the idealized size 6. (And overwhelmingly more attractive than the Hollywood-dream size 0!)

 

Not long ago I ran across the photos of the famed before and after Photoshop. Today I saw a blurb about Faith Hill traveling with her family without makeup, practically unrecognizable. I was fascinated.

 

We are obsessed with fat, attractiveness, and image.

 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like my obsession. It makes me confront the ugly of my own prejudice.

 

I watch the Biggest Loser on t.v. and thank my stars I’ve never had to struggle with obesity. But, even with the recognition I’ve been able to keep my weight within the “healthy” range for the majority of my life, I must confess:

 

  • For months (if not years) after I give birth I do my very best not to look at my body in the mirror.
  • When I get ready to get out my attitude is usually, “Whelp, this is as good as it’s gonna get today,” rather than a genuine appreciation for what I see.
  • I consider the two 1″ stretch marks at my belly button – acquired at some point from four pregnancies – embarrassing and, out of shame, refuse to wear a swimsuit that might inadvertently show it off.
  • I eat cookie dough while watching the Biggest Loser or America’s Next Top Model as an act of rebellion.

 

What’s wrong with me?! And, frankly, what’s wrong with you? What’s wrong with us that so many people are searching the internet for the “perfect body size”?!

 

  • We forward writing and pin phrases about teaching young women to have healthy views of their bodies; then put our preschoolers on diets and purchase clothing designed to accentuate their physical attractiveness.
  • We rail against media sexuality and how it exploits women; then turn off the lights and hide from our husbands at bedtime, refusing to reveal what everyday womanhood looks like.
  • We spout the health benefits of kale and organic produce; then scarf down highly processed fast foods every time we get a chance.
  • We get mad at people who place too much value on appearance but refuse to do the work to look healthy ourselves… it’s much less effort to complain.
  • We tell people it’s what’s inside that counts, but then disregard personality with the statement, “I’m just not attracted to them.”

There’s a disconnect between our actions and our words!

 

I acknowledge learning the “perfectly desirable” dress size was a 12 made me feel good about being alive because it relieved a bit of the size 6 pressure I feel.

 

I don’t have perfect answers to this, but I acknowledge the hypocrisy I live out.  I am guilty on too many accounts.

 

After all, I can’t tell my daughters they’re beautiful but refuse to appreciate what I see in the mirror when I look at myself. Or can I?

 

What do you think about the body image vs. health issues we struggle with as a country? What comments about fat get you riled up?

 

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2 thoughts on “Fatty Hypocrites

  • April 3, 2012 at 9:17 pm
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    Being someone who has battled obesity since his teenage years, my body image is terrible. Over the last 2 years I have lost over 70lbs, however, I focus on the 6lbs I have gained back. I still can’t go to the pool without wearing a t-shirt due to what you label as a lard baby that I wonder if I will ever be able to get rid of.

    Being FAT in America is such a negative thing. Even if not obese, men and women are supposed to look like Brad and Angelina.

    Never sure I will be comfortable in my own skin, as long as there is some of the flab hanging around.

    Reply
  • April 4, 2012 at 9:35 am
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    I’ve struggled with body image forever and am hopeless that I will ever stop. Trying not to pass it on to my girls. Sometimes I think it’s just as bad for the men, and when you’re a man, people don’t worry about hurting your feelings the way they do with women, so they come right out and tell you you’re fat! My husband gets it all the time and he laughs it off, cuz, you know…he’s a man. But I know he’s self conscience of it. I put this quote on FB yesterday, did you see it?

    “I’ve got two daughters who will have to make their way in this skinny-obsessed world, and it worries me, because I don’t want them to be empty-headed, self-obsessed, emaciated clones; I’d rather they were independent, interesting, idealistic, kind, opinionated, original, funny – a thousand things, before ‘thin’. And frankly, I’d rather they didn’t give a gust of stinking chihuahua flatulence whether the woman standing next to them has fleshier knees than they do. Let my girls be Hermiones, rather than Pansy Parkinsons. Let them never be Stupid Girls.”
    ― J.K. Rowling

    Reply

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