Podcast Summary
Language and weight issues intersect in society: Anti-fat bias is pervasive in society, leading to discrimination and bias in healthcare and everyday life
Language and weight issues intersect in profound ways. Rosetta Stone, a trusted language learning resource for 30 years, offers NPR listeners a lifetime membership to learn 25 different languages at a 50% discount. Meanwhile, writer and podcast host Aubrey Gordon shares her experience of being publicly humiliated due to her size, recounting an incident on an airplane where a passenger demanded to be reseated, and no one intervened. This incident, Gordon explains, is just one example of the many instances of anti-fat bias that go unchecked in our society. In her new book, "You Just Need to Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People," she debunks common myths about fat people, including the idea that being fat is a choice, and explores the ways in which anti-fat bias manifests in various aspects of life, such as healthcare. Doctors' offices often label visits as obesity interventions and may deny routine care to patients based on their BMIs. Some offices even set weight limits for patients. These instances of discrimination and bias, Gordon emphasizes, are not isolated incidents but pervasive issues that require acknowledgement and intervention.
Society's Harmful Bias Against Fat People: Recognize that our body size isn't solely a result of choices and challenge harmful beliefs about fat people, such as the myth that BMI accurately measures health for all.
Our society's emphasis on thinness and negative attitudes towards people who are fat is deeply rooted and harmful. Author Aubrey Gordon refers to this bias as "anti-fatness," which includes beliefs, practices, and policies that keep fat people marginalized. Myths about fat people, such as the belief that being fat is a choice or that BMI is a reliable measure of health, perpetuate this bias. It's important to recognize that our body size is not solely a result of our choices and that the BMI, which was developed based on data from a specific group of men, is not a reliable indicator of health for everyone. To push back against these harmful messages, it's crucial to educate ourselves and challenge the stigma and discrimination faced by fat people.
BMI is an inaccurate measure for many populations: The BMI is a flawed measurement for determining health and body composition, particularly for people of color, indigenous folks, and women. It's crucial to recognize and address the harmful effects of this standard on various aspects of our environment and to promote inclusivity and support for all body types.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is not an accurate or meaningful measure of health and body composition for everyone, particularly for people of color, indigenous folks, and women. The BMI, which is calculated by dividing body weight by height, does not distinguish between muscle and fat, and its reliability goes down significantly for populations it was never designed or tested for. This standard of what is considered an "average" body size influences various aspects of our environment, from airplane seats to restaurant table sizes, and can be harmful to most people, not just a small minority. Additionally, the idea that fat people should not call themselves fat can lead to invalidating experiences and limited access to resources, such as clothing or healthcare. It's important to recognize that the average person in the United States is plus size, and we need to build environments that are inclusive and supportive for all body types.
The power of precise language in reducing misunderstanding and projection of assumptions: Using specific and accurate language can help individuals avoid projecting their own biases onto others and create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.
The words we use to describe ourselves and others can carry heavy emotional baggage. In the discussion, the speaker shares an experience of being challenged by a stranger for identifying as a fat person. Instead of engaging with the accuracy of the speaker's statement, the stranger made assumptions about what the speaker meant by the word "fat." These assumptions were rooted in negative stereotypes and biases. The speaker emphasizes that when people, particularly those who are not fat, become more comfortable using the word "fat" in a neutral way, they will be better equipped to listen to and understand the experiences of fat people. Furthermore, using specific and accurate language can help individuals avoid projecting their own biases onto others. Instead of using the phrase "I feel fat," the speaker suggests using more precise language to describe one's feelings, such as "I feel tired" or "I'm struggling with my body image today." By being clear about what we mean, we can reduce the potential for misunderstanding and the projection of unwarranted assumptions. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of using precise language and being mindful of the emotional baggage that words can carry. By being intentional with our language, we can create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all individuals.
The power of language in shaping body image: Using positive language and recognizing body types as neutral descriptors can improve self-perception and reduce negative self-talk. Surrounding ourselves with diverse body representations online can also boost self-confidence.
The way we describe and label ourselves, particularly in relation to our bodies, can have a profound impact on how we feel and how we are perceived. It's important to remember that body types, such as being overweight or underweight, are not emotions or indicators of self-worth. However, the language we use to discuss our bodies and our experiences can shape the help and support we receive from others. Additionally, the speaker shares her personal struggle with body image, particularly in relation to shopping for clothes and dealing with anti-fatness in various aspects of her life. She notes that while she is vocal and upfront about challenging anti-fatness in her external communities, it is more challenging for her to do so internally, in her relationship with herself and her own body. One potential solution the speaker suggests is filling social media feeds with diverse representations of bodies and identities, which can be helpful and impactful for many people in their body image journey.
Historical and systemic issues shaping our relationship with body image: Understanding historical roots and systemic issues can help challenge narratives that don't have our best interests at heart, leading to healthier perspectives on body image.
Our relationship with our bodies, particularly in regards to social media and body image, can be influenced by deep-rooted historical and systemic issues. Aubrey Gordon, author of "You Just Need To Lose Weight and 19 Other Myths About Fat People," discussed how scientific racism from the 1800s continues to impact our perceptions and how corporations profit from our insecurities. By recognizing this, we can gain a new perspective and challenge the narratives that don't have our best interests at heart. For more insightful conversations and perspectives, tune into NPR's Consider This and check out Washington Wise and the NPR Elections Hub for information on finance and politics. Additionally, consider Mint Mobile for affordable wireless plans and Washington Wise for understanding how policy changes can impact your investments.
