Is it bigoted like racism and homophobia to criticize obesity?

[alp227]

On Friday's Thom Hartmann show (from the Families USA conference), Karl Frisch interviewed Elizabeth Kucinich to open the first hour. Kucinich discussed this food stamp reform program and cited the obesity rate as one reason. Then during that same show a caller (1 hour 17 min mark of video) discussed his "45-year struggle" with his weight and restricting his diet to low-glycemic foods to restrain his insulin. Thom then commented on high fructose corn syrup contributing to the obesity rate.

I'm not going to deny that eating unhealthy causes excess weight. However, weight has nothing to do with health except in extreme cases of physical or nutritional negligence. Given that body mass index is flawed, the definitions of "normal weight" and "overweight" are arbitrary and unscientific. Because it is indeed possible to be fat and simultaneously healthy and that everyone will be "fat" sometime in their lives, I consider the moral panic of obesity similar to racism or homophobia.

[Warpy]

1. It is bigotry to criticize individuals solely because of their weight.

It is especially bigoted to assume anything about a stranger based on weight.

It is bigoted to think one's size has anything at all to do with one's health unless one is morbidly obese.

It is bigoted to think weight is 100% under our control.

It is bigoted to assign negative stereotypes about laziness, gluttony, low intelligence or anything else based solely on weight.

It's the last socially acceptable bigotry and 80% is directed against women.

Think about that.

[alp227]

4. thanks, i was thinking of calling the show and pointing this out.

[MineralMan]

2. It's bigotry, yes.

At least in my opinion. Very few people would comment on someone's weight to their face, but some people see nothing wrong with doing it online. People weigh different amounts throughout the population.

It's one thing to try to help a friend or relative try to control a weight problem out of concern for them. It's completely rude to even mention it to or about someone you don't know. It's incredibly rude and offensive to mock anyone for his or her weight.

[bemildred]

3. Yes, unless they bring it up.

It is ALWAYS impolite to make unsolicited personal comments.