It’s a hard world out there for women and it gets even worse around the practice of body shaming. Women and girls everywhere get every aspect of themselves commented on everyday as if it were okay. Not only do family, friends and colleagues make commentary on every aspect of women’s bodies, but complete strangers as well. Everyone likes to say she’s too this or she’s too that but here’s the thing…we don’t want to hear it, and you don’t need to say it. Personally, I’ve been teased about everything from the sound of my voice to the way I walk, but the one that really takes the cake is my weight. So for all the plus sized woman and all the people that love to comment about, this one’s for you.
1. "You Can’t Wear That"
Really? I can’t? It’s on my body. I feel great in it, and I look damn good. Telling someone they can’t wear something because of their body type is just a mean spirited thing to do. What makes you the authority on what people can and can’t do? Oh wait…nothing. You have no certification whatsoever. You may not like what I’m wearing, but it’s not on your body so you don’t get to decide. If you don’t like it than don’t look.
2. "Maybe You Shouldn’t Eat That"
Unless I’m completely oblivious and am about to consume a poisonous substance, don’t say anything. The fact that I maybe shouldn’t eat this because you think so is an irrelevant reason. If I shouldn’t eat this then what else shouldn’t I eat? Those fries? That onion ring? Anything for the rest of my life? One extra slice of pizza isn’t going to kill me so me and my fat ass are going to eat in peace.
3. "You Should Exercise More"
Hey, did you know that you can still be completely healthy but still “fat?" Gasp! Yes, it is possible to eat right, work out, do all the things the doctor tells you and still be fat. Don’t let your conventional idea of healthy people limit your perception.
4. "Some Guys Are Into That"
Into what? Oh, fat. That’s a thing. Wow, thanks. I feel so much more validated knowing someone can someday love me my fat as a fetishized object. No, really, thank you. That’s not a totally unnecessary way to accept someone’s body type or anything.
5. "You're Not Fat"
This one is difficult to explain because on one hand, I get it. You’re trying to make me feel better. It probably stems from a place of genuine care, and for that I’m appreciative, but here’s the problem: I am fat. I accept the label because if I don’t, "fat" stays the ugly word society has made it into. So when you’re telling me that I’m not fat, you’re unintentionally saying I can’t both be fat and everything else that makes me who I am. Fat people can be whatever the hell we want to be because despite what you've been told, fat isn't mutually exclusive to anything.
