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9 comments from readers

Al
20 October 2009 at 10:47

Mehdi,

Muslims also choose to follow Islam, does that make Islamophobia ok??

Culverin
20 October 2009 at 11:03

Yes, I've puzzled over this and come to the conclusion that those suffering from obesity want to classify themselves as disabled and therefore be protected.

That's fine in principle, however, as with smokers et al, I really don't think their doctors should be prevented from encouraging them to lead a healthy lifestyles.

If weight is so disabling to the point that someone is unable to work, then they need help in the same way that alcoholics and addicts do or those with other eating disorders.

Regarding Al's comment, no, it doesn't make Islamaphobia ok because we're not talking about overweightophobia. Plus, as far as I know, Islam is not harmful to one's health,

jeni
20 October 2009 at 11:30

Maybe 'Fattism' is more accepted than other forms of bigotry because it so often goes hand in hand with mocking the poor and 'lazy'.

Of course obesity is harmful to your health, but that's ignoring the fact skinny people can be unhealthy from poor food choices too.

I'm not sure people 'choose' to be fat, but the stigma that comes with it prob makes them give up and eat out of depression!

Paul
20 October 2009 at 12:01

I'd like to point out that gingerism is very much alive and kicking as a 'socially acceptable' form of bigotry and intolerance. Presumably those of us who suffer from this 'condition' can be expected to cure ourselves by the use of dye or by simply removing the offending follicles...

lucidnitram
20 October 2009 at 12:19

I think the reason it's socially acceptable is because anyone can get fat, and because of that, 'fattism' doesn't target any one race, sex or religion etc. In that sense, it's a unique form of prejudice.

Though I do have *some* sympathy for sufferers of obesity, I feel that the vast majority are obese purely as a result of poor lifestyle and laziness. Obesity is unnatural; you don't get 'fat' animals. I have to admit that when I see a really fat person, I cringe with disgust. I think that's a natural reaction...

mitchy
20 October 2009 at 12:27

I think there may be something in this. I believe there is prejudice towards overweight people and that it is akin to other kinds of social intolerance.

As for whether people choose to be fat, I think some may make a lifestyle choice to overeat, whether this is a free choice or symptomatic of psychological problems such as depression, but others cannot be categorised this way. A proportion of overweight people may have medical issues which make it difficult for them to lose weight. A recent article in the New Scientist even suggests there may be a link between viral agents and obesity.

However, until firm evidence for such a link can be demonstrated, I think this could a dangerous line of thinking, especially if it amounts to the misconception that 'obesity is contagious'.

Given existing levels of negativity towards overweight people, such a link, however tenious, may only serve to increase levels of intolerance among those of us who may describe themselves as 'lean'.

mitchy
20 October 2009 at 12:32

Incidentally Al, we're talking about fattism not Islam.

Are you by any chance spillover from the BNP story the other day, when all the other bigots appeared out of the woodwork?

Daniele
20 October 2009 at 17:32

I think All's question is completely valid. What makes sexism, racism and homophobia unacceptable is that you do not choose your gender, race and sexuality. You do however choose to follow a certain religion just like you choose to join a political party. So I don't see why your choice in these matters should be protected from discussion or even criticism.You should be allowed to criticise religion just as you are allowed to criticise political opinions. That does not mean to say it is ok to be rude or aggressive of course.Why is it all right for religious schools to discriminate against teachers who are not religious? I was rejected De Facto by a Catholic school once because I did not mention Catholicism in my letter of application( I teach French!).

Being fat cannot possibly be a choice as such but it is something you are responsible for. I f you did not put too much food in your mouth, you would not get that big! It is in most cases an indication of the character of that person (weakness?) And it is perfectly acceptable to discriminate against people , for jobs for example, according to their character.How many times I have heard the phrase "I don't think he will fit in with the rest of the team" which is fair enough. So how on earth could they decide if the discrimination was because of "fatness" or because the employer just did not like the personality of that person .It would be impossible to prove.Another thing: how fat do you have to be before you are protected by the legislation?? There are also jobs where quite frankly fat people are completely unsuited for :fireman, policeman, etc..

I heard the other day that a few decades ago, you could not get a job as a nurse if you were fat. Now I see big fat nurses dragging themselves in the hospital corridors. Not a good advert for a healthy lifestyle from the NHS!!(apart from the fact they can't run when your heart stop and the machine goes Beeeeeep...)

TWJoy
07 November 2009 at 00:17

I'm sorry, but for those people that think the majority of us 'fat' people choose to be this way, are utterly wrong. Now, I'm quite large, and yet, I consume a diet of about 1200 calories a day, as well as daily exercise, but I don't lose any weight! For many people, a slow metabolism is to blame, not JUST lifestyle choices.

Now I agree, that people who sit around eating takeaways everyday are fat BECAUSE they do this, but for someone like me, who is just born 'fat', I am subject to a horrendous amount of abuse from colleagues, and even close friends.

Perhaps the 'ideal, slim' world should take a look at themselves and realize we can't all be your perfect little size! In order for small people to exist, you have to have bigger people! It's about time that this horrific, torturous bullying and discrimination came to an end.