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The Paradox of Fatness: Between Visibility and Invisibility

A curious contradiction surrounds the experience of being overweight: while society often fixates on a person’s size, it can also render individuals virtually invisible. For many, obesity becomes the defining trait, overshadowing other personal attributes. This fixation manifests in various ways, including ridicule, disdain, and even outright hostility, whether in public settings or on social media platforms. I have personally encountered this dehumanizing behavior repeatedly while going about my daily life, encountering insults while tweeting, walking home, or even entering my own house.

My journey with fatphobia began at the tender age of 14. One morning, as I waited for the bus alongside my peers, a group of men drove by and shouted “WHALE” at me. The incident was both humiliating and absurd, a sharply etched memory marking the onset of my life within a fatphobic society. It was a moment that altered my sense of self, embedding seeds of insecurity that would linger for years. Following this incident, I struggled with public speaking, often finding myself overwhelmed with anxiety whenever I had to address a crowd.

Despite the painful reality of such public visibility, the experience of invisibility can be equally troubling. Some of this self-imposed camouflage involves tactics learned over time, as one attempts to minimize their presence in social settings. Yet, invisibility is frequently enforced by others who may choose to overlook someone fat rather than engage. This societal disregard is exacerbated by media representations, where individuals with larger bodies are increasingly absent, particularly in an era where societal standards tend to idolize thinness. The recent rise of Ozempic, alongside an already prevalent thin-centric worldview, has created a media landscape where few, if any, individuals with larger body types are visible.

In an unsettling incident this week, Vogue and Gigi Hadid demonstrated a disheartening step backward in terms of body inclusivity. Their Hairspray-themed spread, which included a lip-sync video of the song ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat,’ featured a cast that was exclusively thin, despite the musical’s central theme highlighting body positivity and the experiences of fat individuals. The absence of fat characters in a narrative focused on fatness is not just disappointing; it signifies a troubling regression in acknowledging the existence of larger bodies within spaces they should rightfully occupy.

One might expect pushback against fatness from various demographics. However, what is more disconcerting is observing that even those who are generally kind, socially conscious, and politically active tend to evade discussions about body image and fat acceptance. Despite the clear need for these conversations, particularly at various cultural festivals and writing events, opportunities to address these topics remain alarmingly scarce. It is not merely a matter of rude encounters on the street; rather, it illustrates a broader societal apathy toward the lived experiences of non-thin individuals.

The present moment feels reminiscent of previous struggles within the fat acceptance movement, akin to Sisyphus endlessly pushing a boulder uphill, only to watch it roll back down. Social media platforms like TikTok are inundated with derogatory remarks targeting women over a size 12, reflecting a cultural climate filled with fatphobia. This pervasive animosity toward larger bodies is not only harmful but transmits a dangerous message to individuals of all sizes. It’s increasingly common to see young fat girls expressing despair over their bodies, while simultaneously, pro-anorexia content flourishes, which is alarming for audiences who are already navigating self-esteem issues.

The vicious cycle of thin-centric ideals is sharpening once more, especially as those around seem indifferent to the plight of fat individuals. When society harbors disdain for our bodies, it teaches everyone to mirror that hatred onto themselves. It is crucial that we begin considering the implications of our representation and inclusion of various body types, especially when they are lacking. For individuals who profess to care about others: now is the moment to back those words with action. We may be sizeable and numerous, but what we need most are allies.

Fat individuals will not recede from existence simply because of societal hostility or exclusion. Such behaviors only exacerbate existing inequities. The call to action is clear: it’s time for advocates and allies to amplify their voices, embrace inclusivity, and share space with those who often feel marginalized. It is high time to speak out boldly and collectively.

Source
www.theguardian.com