NEWS: My Size Cannot Define Me

I think that one of the reasons this has become more prevalent than some people know is because, like said at the end of the video:

There are people out there who think naturally skinny, as well as people who put in work to be a smaller size, deserve disrespect because we had it "so easy" since Marilyn Monroe died.

I am in no way quantifying where my suffering stands in comparison to people of a larger form, and I'm pretty sure mine is less overwhelming. I only know what I've experienced which is: I've been physically assaulted for my size, I've been harassed my whole life, I have not been hired at jobs because I appeared physically weak, when I open a magazine I honestly don't see people my size, and now that I am a size I am comfortable with and makes me feel healthy, I get to listen to people demean over a decade worth of effort and me changing my life and overcoming great adversities and tell me how "it was so easy" for me.

really refreshing to read this blog. articulate and accurate. i wonder if there will be a time when we can all feel good about ourselves, whatever our shape, and for size-ist criticism to be unheard of. wouldn't that be nice? mmm i think so too.

THIS!!!!!

I'm just gonna go ahead and post this again--- because this site is changing the way people think about themselves, which I think is key on how others perceive you This is My Body Project facebook page

And now there's this-- http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1694397/lady-gaga-body-revolution-2013.jhtml

I am very passionate about this issue as I am neither "fat" nor "skinny" but have battled with body issues my entire life and still do. Accepting myself and others is a huge thing for me and I really hope to overcome it. I've made some progress recently and I feel better and I'm glad there are dialogs opening up about it all over the place these days

Well said, thumbs up!

Oh, and the email she received is no different from the "why don't you just do some jumping jacks/I'm only trying to help" comments made by a member earlier in this thread.

^^^^^ i was just coming to post this.

Well articulated, M. J.

It's astounding how common size-based prejudice, intolerance and unwelcomed judgement is compared with other prejudices based on things such as ethnicity or sexual orientation, both of which have become increasingly frowned upon in our progressive society.

I have an active lifestyle, and eat a low-calorie, mostly vegetarian diet, but no matter what I do, my body insists on taking on the shape of a butternut squash. *shrug*

I got teased throughout my teenage years, and was never able to make a first impression based on anything but my size, shape, weight, etc... It used to piss me off and, privately, it saddened me. I used to make myself insane trying to be what people wanted me to be so I could fit in, but it never worked, which hurt me even more, and the cycle continued.

Fortunately, as I reached adulthood, I was able to develop a genuine feeling of self worth and happiness with who I am as a person, and that's really all that matters.

Remember, as is always the case with people who pass judgement when it is not called for, or act rudely to you because you are different, or you don't fit their image of how you should look or act, the personal problem always, ALWAYS lies with them, and not you.

Be happy with who you are, surround yourself with people who know and love the real you, and don't spend a bit of your time or energy worrying about the haters. <3

I'm about ready to file a "false advertisement" suit (if such a thing exists) against stores that claim to have a "Big/Tall" section, but don't stock it with anything wearable.

Plus

Fucking

One.



The only thing I can think of is how they make the "big and tall" selection is to take their normal sizes and just add more fabric, because rarely ever try on something big and tall and have it fit right. It's either too tight in the arms or neck.

I can fully understand a XXL not fitting my stomach or chest. But when it doesn't fit my arms? Or across my shoulders? That's not right.

Yeah, my parents bought me a jacket one year for my birthday that was supposed to be from the big and tall section. It fit everywhere except the arms.

I've written about this many times in the past on my own blog prior to SG and I'm sure I will again here on my SG blog too. Thank you for addressing this in such a well thought out manner. You're a great writer, keep it up. XO, Curvy Nix

Great article. Thank you.

amazing article

sorry double post

Negative comments about a person's appearance say nothing about the person being spoken of, only about the person speaking (or writing).

I just want to say a bit more after reading all of the comments.

I have always been called fat, even before I was. For me, weight has become such an extreme issue it is no longer about health for me. I know thats sad and scary but it's true. But it goes both ways. Kids at school used to ask in hushed tones if my sister was annorexic, teachers tried to get us taken from our parents because she was so thin. In comparisson I was a whale and called the whale, the fat sister. My dad used to ask why I'd read so much when I should be burning calories. As a young adult I was 5'7, weighed at the most 132 and on the swim team, volleyball team, and I worked with horses and rodeoed. Once I hit around 120 pounds people called me skeletal but I never shook the fat comments.

Now I am still 5'7" and weigh about 220 pounds. I'm constantly told "just eat less." I eat once a day if at all. I'm crazy busy and never learned how to cook beyond what I make for my daughter.

It litteraly runs my life. I have horrible anxiety over it, I'm afraid of social situations, especially the gym for fear someone will be judging me fot being fat.

On the flipside my sister grew up always being skinny and just about a year ago gained weight and then immediatly lost it when she was made fun of for not being the the itty bitty thing she was before. Funny how you can't win either way. She lost a lot of the weight again. She doesn't know what size jeans she wears and is perfectly happy. She's not a two any more and thats all that counts for her.

People can be cruel, even when they mean to be helpful. Size-ism is an ugly thing.

It is unhealthy to be overweight, and especially obese. Curves are sexy, obesity is not...don't get confused. Being fat is the greatest cause of the current and future strain on our already overburdened healthcare system, and so anybody who makes excuses for not taking care of themselves, physically, is being selfish. Our country is the flabby butt of many jokes worldwide....it is shameful to allow yourself to get so out of shape. Heroin addicts and smokers don't expect pity for their poor choices, and neither should you. Stop making excuses...all of France is thin and fit; it can be done.

So I take to you did not read anything that was posted in this thread besides the title?

And you think statements like this are helpful?

Really great article.

Didn't you know that the best way to get fat people to change their ways is to shame them with assumptions of their lifestyles and pretending that you anything about health?