(Hee hee... I've had that image in my head all day, Roundcoconut! I find your posts quite thoughtful and helpful.)
I agree with you Katgirl55, we do have a great group here.
I don't mind the difference of opinions at all for the most part. Like GlennR, I think it's important to try to understand where someone with a different perspective is coming from and challenge our own preconceived notions. I find I don't necessarily disagree with every opinion someone may have. I can always find some shared experience or opinion that will allow me to have a greater understanding of another and thus understand where or why we may not agree on a certain issue.
Chikiwing,
Chikiwing wrote: I worry 13 year old impressionable young ladies are going to hear the foolish fat acceptance message and act in a manner that is detrimental to their well-being. I'm sure it's happening.
Chikiwing wrote: That's why fat acceptance is doomed to failure. But, the impressionable young people can very easily dig themselves a 150 pound hole with medical problems before they get enough life experience (wisdom) to know this philosophy is absurd.
I agree that a lack of correct diet advice is not helpful, but I think it is the toxic food environment combined with unfortunate genetics that is more detrimental to a 13 year old's well-being than having an older role model, who looks like them, tell them that it's okay to love themselves just the way they are.
I also agree that the movement, as it is currently presented, is doomed to failure. But I do think it is necessary right now, as a stepping stone towards a better strategy for developing healthy self-esteem.
Chikiwing wrote:This goes both ways. If I'm 5′ 9″ and 300 pounds are the women going to be eager to grace my bedroom doorway? I don't think so!
Here I agree and disagree. Sure, not presenting the best version of yourself, no matter your gender, is not going to win you as much love from the opposite sex. However, things are a bit different for males than females. While females tend to be judged by one criteria overwhelmingly (looks), men are valued more equally for both looks and access to (or ability to procure) resources.
Chikiwing wrote:Who are, "they?" I wouldn't look down on a young person who believes the fat acceptance message. I think they are victims. But the champions of fat acceptance, the people pushing it, Oh yes, I do look down on them and worse. With scorn.
The "they" I am referring to are both the champions of fat acceptance, as you call them, and their victims, again as you call them. They are one and the same. Obese woman and girls, for the most part, trying to bolster their self esteem by finding or creating a supportive environment.
Chikiwing wrote:When I say "fat shaming," I don't mean ridiculing the obese woman at the supermarket buying chocolate. I don't mean laughing and mocking the person who can't fit in an airplane seat. That's not me and it's not what I'm talking about.
I'm happy to hear that.
Chikiwing wrote:I'm talking about being allowed to give an honest assessment of someones weight and appearance. As far as I can tell that's called "fat shaming," by the champions of fat acceptance.
If that honest assessment is using words that most people would find insulting or demeaning, I would call it fat shaming as well. You have used some pretty insensitive phrases to describe obese women, previously on this website. You are not saying. "Her BMI is too high, or it is unhealthy or I find it unattractive". You use very inflammatory statements to make your point.
Vgpedlr, Kaye, JuicerJohn - I agree that knowledge, sensitivity and compassion are what are needed to continue a discourse about appropriate ways to motivate change for this issue.