Does Size Really Matter?
I must confess the following:
1. I watch the Biggest Loser TV program and am in awe of what they accomplish.
2. I am rooting for my niece who has recently lost 30 pounds and looking to lose more.
3. I exercise to maintain my current body weight.
4. I have never been bullied or ridiculed based on my weight; in fact, I receive a good deal of positive feedback for being thin.
5. I realize that I have A LOT of issues around size discrimination and it is about time I fess up to them.
We have all grown up hearing the slogan, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!” If only that statement were true. Size discrimination is one of the last vestiges of acceptable prejudice and the discrimination goes far beyond the demeaning jokes and stares. In fact, size discrimination is so pervasive that it contributes to negative emotional, social, economic, and physical health issues.
First, it is critical to get an understanding of terminology. What terms are most acceptable today? Are they fat, overweight, large, heavy? With regard to weight, the term “fat” has historically been seen as a derogatory term. However, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance has embraced the term “fat” in an effort to reclaim the power of the word. This is similar to the term “queer”, long used as a slur towards gays and lesbians, but is now used by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists. Fat activists want the word “fat” to be used as an adjective, just like thin, small or tall and not as a put down. Hence, I will use “fat” continuously throughout this article unless it is a cited source.
The term “overweight” receives mixed reviews. People who take offense to the term say it assumes an average standard of weight. But what is “average”? Let’s take a look at the “average” women in America:
The average woman is 5′4 and weighs 140 pounds The average model is 5′11 and weighs 117 pounds Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women Surveys show 45% of women are on a diet on any given day Surveys show 60% of American women are a size 12 or larger
Size Discrimination: The Last Acceptable Prejudice, Sherill Cantrell-Brown MA. LPC
In the media, people who are fat or short are often shown for comic relief and are rarely portrayed as emotionally competent and happy. As a result, we have negative images of the experiences of people who are fat and/or short. When discussing issues of size, we most commonly gravitate towards issues of weight, yet height discrimination is equally damaging.
The LPA with support of other organizations has recently tried to have legislation passed to have the FCC ban the word midget from the media’s use. This is similar to the bans on the “N-word” and other slurs.
“HD (Height Discrimination) is as present in our language as is its effect on the everyday life of a short person. One “looks up to” a significant individual, while an “underling” is “looked down upon”. One can “belittle” an adversary, to “make him feel small.” One might “overlook” a less worthy person, and see the person that “stands tall” being “a head and shoulders above” a “small minded” person.”
Understanding and Living with Height Discrimination by Glenn Beard March 2004
With regard to height and weight issues, there is a gender difference that should be noted.
