In just reading the word fat, you have just had some sort of response and I would venture to guess it was a negative reaction. Am I right? Well, fat over the years has become a “bad word”. A negative word, one we actually avoid using as an adjective or even avoid eating because it’s “bad”. It has become the new “F” word that we are not allowed/should say. This is purely insane.
The Definition of Fat
Noun: any of several white or yellowish greasy substances, forming the chief part of adipose tissue of animals and also occurring in plants, that when pure are colorless, odorless, and tasteless and are either solid or liquid esters of glycerol with fatty acids; fats are insoluble in water or cold alcohol but soluble in ether, chloroform, or benzene: used in the manufacture of soap, paints, and other protective coatings and in cooking.
Adjective: (of a person or animal) having a large amount of excess flesh.
Am I missing something here? The definition of the word fat is in no way negative whatsoever. We as a society are placing power behind this simple word to spread hate and are using it to shame anyone who fits within this definition. The word fat has been attached to a stigma in the United States, it is no longer just used to as noun for nutritional contents or an adjective to describe a body type, it is now tied to negativity.
Fat = Shame, Laziness, Ugliness
This word only has the power we give it and as a culture, we are giving it the power to represent something hateful and used to shame an entire group of people. Fat can be looked at much like the word queer. At one time queer was a very negative term and was used as a way of name calling. The term changed over the years and the LGBTQ community has reclaimed this term and have begun using the term as a tool of power and inclusivity. Learn more about the history of queer. The same change needs to happen with the word fat. It needs to be reclaimed and no longer tied to such negativity that it is today.
Being fat is not a “bad” thing. It is simply a way to describe a physical appearance and in no way signifies laziness, the right to be shamed, or ugliness.
Stop stereotyping. Stop spreading hate. It is never okay to shame someone for their physical appearance or make assumptions about someone before you even know them.
Do your part today to spread love not hate. Encourage those you know or yourself to reclaim the word fat as the simple adjective it is to describe a particular exterior appearance, much like adjectives; short, tall, thin, etc.
Do Your Part to Stop the Negativity
- Be mindful, do not allow yourself to think of the word negatively
- Never make assumptions about someone’s lifestyle or who they are based on any outward appearance
- All body types are deserving of love and respect
- Let others know that when they use the term fat to imply something negative about that person that is never okay
Let’s stop giving this word negative power today and stop how we are thinking about the word fat.