It's Time To Talk About Thin Privilege
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

It's Time To Talk About Thin Privilege

It's something very prominent in our society and it's time to turn the spotlight towards it.

145
It's Time To Talk About Thin Privilege
Huffington Post

Thin privilege is something that has emerged recently in society. It stems from sizeism, which is heavily accepted in our society.

Fat phobia is strong in our white, heteronormative society, looking to actively oppress people with larger bodies. Society's bias towards fat people is a form of discrimination, which can be shown from fetishizing fat people, or charging more to ride an airplane.

Thin privilege is something that has taken root in society and is expressed in many places. Just having a smaller body type can give many social benefits in life, including (but not limited to):

1. Not being assumed lazy because of your size

2. Thin people are statistically more likely to be given a raise or promotion than someone who is fat

3. The media does not see your body type as part of an "epidemic"

4. You can eat what you want, where you want, and not have people judge you

5. You can buy clothes at a variety of different stores with a variety of designs

6. Not being the brunt of jokes

Being thin lends itself to a lot of positivity in our society.

As a fat person, I am treated poorly by doctors - my doctor says that I must lose weight or I will die. As a fat person, I cannot be who I am without being associated with my weight.

As a fat person, I cannot go home for break without being shamed by my family, for gaining the "Freshman 15," even if I didn't.

As a fat person, I am automatically assumed "unhealthy" because of my size.

As a fat person, I was not diagnosed with asthma until I was 19 years old because my doctor said I was just "out of shape."

As a fat person, I cannot find cute, fitting clothes and bras at the stores that thin people shop at.

As a fat person, in theater, I will be greeted with angry sighs when the costumer cannot find stuff that fits me.

As a fat person, I am afraid that no one will love me if I am at the weight that I am at.

Weight is not "their fault." Weight is something that was brought to us by fate and the universe that we are not always in control of. It is not an accurate measurement of a person's health status.

And if you are thin and aren't listening to this, hear me out: thin women face fatphobia as well. There is this fear of being perceived as fat, and a constant battle with weight. Dieting, calorie counting, limiting food groups are all ways society has told us we can stay small.

Someone's weight should not be a justification for shaming and discrimination. We are responsible for protecting the rights of our peers.

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.

47814
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?

30303
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.

954327
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.

172467
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