As the count goes on, a new group of fat jokes about donald are making the rounds.
One was said by Anderson Cooper when he compared donald to an “ob*se turtle on its back”
Before anybody starts in with “it’s not fat-shaming!” It absolutely is fat-shaming. First, because it uses a term that was created to pathologize and stigmatize fat bodies, and second because it was utterly unnecessary for the metaphor. Saying someone is like a turtle on their back is a clear metaphor (well, simile but whatever…) Making the turtle fat doesn’t make the comparison any more clear, it just adds fat-shaming to it.
The other are “jokes” I’ve been seeing are around the number 270 (which is the number of electoral college votes needed to win the election,) Some make fun of weight gain from stress eating (which is both fatphobic and potentially harmful for those dealing with disordered eating and eating disorders,) or including the idea that the only way donald “could get to 270 is by losing 50 pounds.”
The way you know that is fat-shaming is that his weight (244 pounds) is a matter of public record. So this entire joke rests on the premise that it’s funny to suggest that he is heavier than he is (which is fatphobia) and/or that it’s funny to think that he weighs 320 pounds (which is fatphobia since there are people who weigh 320 pounds and it’s no funnier, better, or worse, than weighing any other amount.)
If you’re thinking:
It’s not fat-shaming because he is a horror of a human being!
It’s not fat-shaming because he (and his doctor) lied about his weight!
It’s not fat-shaming because it’s about his health!
It’s not fat-shaming because he is a fat-shamer himself!
I covered all of those attempted justifications in this post.
Bottom line though, if you’re scrambling to find a justification for why these jokes either aren’t fat shaming (they are) or why fat-shaming is justified in this situation (it’s not) then I urge you to just go ahead and consider the scrambling itself is proof that they are indeed unjustified fat-shaming.
UPCOMING ONLINE WORKSHOP:
Making Activism A Self-Care Practice
There’s a lot of work to be done in the world. Activism can create needed change, but it can also create overwhelm, especially when we’re fighting against our own oppression. In this workshop we’ll discuss philosophies and real world strategies to turn some of that work from draining and potentially harmful, into a self-care practice that supports us and helps protect us from the effects of oppression.
Details and Registration: https://danceswithfat.org/monthly-online-workshops/
*This workshop is free for DancesWithFat members
Did you find this helpful? If you appreciate the work that I do, you can support my ability to do more of it with a one-time tip or by becoming a member. (Members get special deals on fat-positive stuff, a monthly e-mail keeping them up to date on the work their membership supports, and the ability to ask me questions that I answer in a members-only monthly Q&A Video!)
Like this blog? Here’s more stuff you might like:
Wellness for All Bodies Program:A simple, step-by-step, super efficient guide to setting and reaching your health goals from a weight-neutral perspective. This program can be used by individuals, or by groups, including as a workplace wellness program!
Price: $25.00 ($10 for DancesWithFat members – register on the member page)
Non-members Click here for all the details and to register!
Body Love Obstacle Course
This e-course that includes coaching videos, a study guide, and an ebook with the tools you need to create a rock-solid relationship with your body. Our relationships with our bodies don’t happen in a vacuum, so just learning to see our beauty isn’t going to cut it. The world throws obstacles in our way – obstacles that aren’t our fault, but become our problem. Over the course of this program, Ragen Chastain, Jeanette DePatie, and six incredible guest coaches will teach you practical, realistic, proven strategies to go above, around, and through the obstacles that the world puts in front of you when it comes to living an amazing life in the body you have now.
Price: $99.00 Click here to register
($79.00 for DancesWithFat members – register on the member page)
Love It! 234 Inspirations And Activities to Help You Love Your Body
This is filled with thoughtful advice from the authors Jeanette DePatie, Ragen Chastain, and Pia Sciavo-Campo as well as dozens of other notable names from the body love movement, the book is lovingly illustrated with diverse drawings from size-positive artist Toni Tails.
Price: $9.99 softcover, $7.99 Kindle, ($6.95 + free shipping for DancesWithFat Members)
Book Me! I’d love to speak to your organization (and I can do it remotely!) You can get more information here or just e-mail me at ragen at danceswithfat dot org!
via Dances With Fat https://ift.tt/2I9VCOH
