Book Club

[Runner26]

I highly recommend Fat Talk by Virginia Sole-Smith:

“Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture” by Virginia Sole-Smith is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the challenges parents face in a world obsessed with body size and value. Here’s a summary:

By the time kids reach kindergarten, many already believe that being “fat” is undesirable. As they grow older, societal pressures and diet culture push them toward thinness. But it’s not our kids or their weight that need fixing. Instead, we must address the daily onslaught of fatphobia and body shaming they encounter from school, sports, doctors, and even parents themselves.

In this groundbreaking narrative, journalist Virginia Sole-Smith offers strategies for families to change the conversation around weight, health, and self-worth. She encourages parents to reckon with their own body biases and empowers kids to navigate this challenging landscape.

[Franklinbell]

Interesting!

[haddon9]

Sounds interesting.   I can remember that once I got into the 6th grade and then Jr. High many girls became obsessed with being thin.  We had Twiggy as a role model.  I could never look like her and wished I had her legs!

[Nonametoday]

I think nowadays, as opposed to 10 years ago, the fatphobia is gone and fat has become quite fashionable.  Notice all the posts that greeneyedlady brings to us of the hollywood types, many are obese and many stars are obese nowadays.  Clothes are being made into very large sizes and I am happy for those who need them but I can recall a time when people had to have clothing made if they were quite heavy.

[Ainhisg]

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@Nonametoday wrote:

I think nowadays, as opposed to 10 years ago, the fatphobia is gone and fat has become quite fashionable.  Notice all the posts that greeneyedlady brings to us of the hollywood types, many are obese and many stars are obese nowadays.  Clothes are being made into very large sizes and I am happy for those who need them but I can recall a time when people had to have clothing made if they were quite heavy.

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I agree.  You go anywhere, and you mostly see people who are overweight.  And I'm talking young people, as well.  Maybe that's just true for my area of the country, which is SW Missouri.  Very few people are slim or even average-sized.  Just an observation--not fat-shaming anyone.

[paixmcdao]

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@Runner26 wrote:

I highly recommend Fat Talk by Virginia Sole-Smith:

“Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture” by Virginia Sole-Smith is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the challenges parents face in a world obsessed with body size and value. Here’s a summary:

By the time kids reach kindergarten, many already believe that being “fat” is undesirable. As they grow older, societal pressures and diet culture push them toward thinness. But it’s not our kids or their weight that need fixing. Instead, we must address the daily onslaught of fatphobia and body shaming they encounter from school, sports, doctors, and even parents themselves.

In this groundbreaking narrative, journalist Virginia Sole-Smith offers strategies for families to change the conversation around weight, health, and self-worth. She encourages parents to reckon with their own body biases and empowers kids to navigate this challenging landscape.

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It is a great book, and fatphobia is certainly not gone!

[Glittergal]

Fatphobia gone? No way. Overweight and obese people endure lots of discrimination and judgement. The body positive movement has made some progress, but all you need to do to see the lingering hate is to read any comment section on social media.

[Allthingsgirly67]

I think the obsession with being thin is because Americans are becoming fatter. Generally among the wealthy “thin was always in” maybe because they had access to richer foods that can add pounds especially since they weren’t very physical as they had “the help” do everything for them. Being overweight is unhealthy and leads to many health issues. Being overweight doesn’t give license to being treated poorly. However being overweight and I’m not talking 10-20 pounds being overweight but being more is going to draw attention to that person. I work in the mall and see many young women wearing clothes that are not appropriate for their bodies. I know that wearing a midriff and pants is the in style but not when your stomach is greatly protruding. I also see many young girls wearing jeans and again a short top and they have a muffin top. You are just drawing attention to the fact that you are overweight. Not a good look imho.