Resisting Fatphobia (A Social Justice Perspective on Size)

First, what is fatphobia?

In a highly over-simplified nutshell,

Fatphobia is any number of beliefs, attitudes, or ideas that rest on the assumption that “thin is good” and “fat is bad.” 

Fatphobia includes any actions, statements, exclusions, designs, or policy frameworks that assume this view—rather than respect and celebrate the reality of body-diversity in our world.

Fatphobia is being proliferated around us all the time, affecting so many areas of our lives (individually, collectively; emotionally, physically, etc.), that it is unreasonable to believe any individual could escape this cultural force unscathed, or unaffected, in our current social climate.

Realizing that escape, denial, and/or attempts at assimilation (e.g. dieting) are NOT suitable solutions to the problems posed by fatphobia—we are left with one option: 

Resistance. 

We reject those forces, structures and ideas that rank acceptability of bodies on a scale.

We stand up for our right to exist proudly in our own bodies, and for all other persons who have the right to exist in theirs.

We explore, identify and challenge our own fatphobic beliefs on an ongoing basis—reviewing both our own self-judgment, as well as our judgment of others.

We question research, institutions, authority figures, and social structures that uphold fatphobic ideals.

We educate ourselves about alternative paradigms (e.g. Health At Every Size, or weight-neutral Intuitive Eating).

We say no to media, institutions, and in some contexts, relationships that deny the humanity of non-conforming bodies, and/or put our own bodies or recovery at risk.

We seek to understand fatphobia and other systems of oppression (e.g. sexism, racism, ableism, and others) so that we may be more skilled in challenging these ideologies when they become known to us.

We acknowledge our privilege where it exists, and fight for the rights of marginalized people, understanding that “no one is free until we are all free.” (*)

We practice those skills and action steps that dismantle oppressive systems—that serve to protect, liberate, and improve the lives of all affected.

“Resistance,” in a nutshell, is the conscious and intentional practice of these skills—not only for the purpose of healing ourselves but for the purpose of healing the world at large. 

*And yes, I just quoted Martin Luther King Jr.

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