Netflix's Insatiable doesn't deliver on its message
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Netflix's 'Insatiable' Ignited Backlash, For Good Reason

Its premise falls flat and completely misses the mark.

185
Insatiable

Whenever I think we have progressed, I am reminded that my thinking is false. Moreover, I realize it's the people in charge of the media we watch who perpetuate certain beliefs and normalize certain ways of thinking.

It's 2018 and some things shouldn't happen anymore.

Netflix's new show, "Insatiable," misses the point it sets out to make. Its premise does little to promote a positive attitude toward one's appearance and body image, although this is its supposed intention. Its premise is simple: a high school girl is bullied for being "fat," but after an accident leaves her with her jaw wired shut for a whole summer, she loses weight after consuming liquid meals and returns "skinny" for her senior year, ready to get revenge on her bullies. Now, thin and pretty, she is not seen as worthy of being bullied so the torment stops.

I cannot, at all, see how this show promotes a positive attitude towards body image to those who struggle with it on a daily basis.

This show perpetuates the stereotype of fat people being bullied more than skinny people. It does little to sway our thinking about diverse body types and does not promote a healthy dialogue about body image.

Most of all, it promotes the ideal version of beauty we have built up as a society, instead of attacking and challenging this belief to promote change and acceptance of a diversity of people. Although its premise is to satirically critique how people judge others by their looks and touch on the topic of body image, having a girl go from what is considered "fat" in the eyes of the creators to what they consider "skinny" and have the bullying stop, is where the message is completely lost.

Despite the numerous issues with the show, and how it misses the goal it sets for itself, it does reveal a truth about our modern psyche and way of thinking.

Bullying is a pattern of behavior which generally starts in one's pre-college years, but can sometimes continue, which involves aggression and an imbalance of power. Kids are prone to bullying as a result of an imbalance of perceived social power, and unless this behavior is stopped and corrected, it can have numerous consequences including drug and alcohol abuse. Since children are still developing and molding their own world-views, I believe it is dangerous to have a show which normalizes bullying based on someone's weight.

This show is supposed to start a conversation, and it has: about itself and how it misses the mark.

Seeing what the creators deem a "fat" girl be bullied become "skinny" and not be bullied, outlines a problem we have in our current ways of thinking. Discriminating and bullying someone based on their weight is something we should have long stopped. It's 2018, let's change the way we think about others and treat each other with respect. Yet, the primary source of change will be the media. Only by changing what we are exposed to can we hope for a change in mindset. The media has to address its own fatphobia and look at its history of inappropriately telling the stories of those who are considered overweight, and correct its wrongs. However, we must remember: change is not immediate but it is possible.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46658
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29587
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953816
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

165531
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments