Grassroots Activism

I try to speak up when people assume that loosing weight is always a good thing. It's small, but it can get people thinking.

I also make a point to speaking my weight. So many folks have a skewed view of what any weight over 120 looks like. So I readily point out my 250 pounds, to give people a better idea of how many weights can be healthy, happy, and look damn good

I don't know if it counts, but... you know those little sheets of paper that people hang up at shops etc. advertising weight loss schemes? More often than not, they have little slips at the bottom with the telephone number you have to call to get involved so that people can rip one off and have the number with them. When I see one of those, I always rip every last one off and then throw them away once I'm home. Too bad the number is on the paper itself as well, but the chance of somoene calling is still diminished.

I don't compliment people on weight loss.

I refuse to buy Weight-Watchers or similar brands of foods even from grocery stores, I don't want any money to go to those, even if it's stuff I like per se at times. I can easily find non-weightloss-oriented versions of the same food.

When someone tells me something along the line of "You're fat", I reply stating a similar obvious fact about them, such as "Your hair is long" or "You're wearing a green jumper today". Boy, do they look confused! Of course, if they say something insulting, such as calling me a fatso or such names, then I call them on that and tell them in no uncertain terms they're rude.

I think that's about it for me at the moment.

I use the word "fat" openly as an endearment, and I sweetly challenge anyone who scolds me about it. My doggie-girl, for example, is not "overweight" (whatever that means) but I often refer to her fat little face, her fat butt, etc. totally as terms of endearment. I refer to my own rosy fat cheeks etc. I often get folks who exclaim in horror "You're not fat, she's not fat, how could you??!!" And I tell them that "fat" is a loving descriptive term for me.

I am mostly an "inbetweenie" in size, and lately whenever the OMGOBEEEEEESITYCRISIS comes up in conversation, I stretch my arms out wide and twirl around and say "THIS is what obesity looks like!" I usually get the "You're not obese/fat/whatever" response and I tell them that, if they are indeed going by BMI criteria, I am obese. So there.

I've written some letters to the media, and I once wrote a letter to the managers of a spa pointing out that their "on size fits all" robes, didn't. Next time I visited, they had some larger robes. I'm open about my weight and I don't do diet talk or negative body talk. I also use "fat" neutrally in conversation, which tends to freak people out.

I've written some letters to the media... I'm open about my weight and I don't do diet talk or negative body talk. I also use "fat" neutrally in conversation, which tends to freak people out.

Same here Deeleigh; whilst it's rare to get anything more than a standard response back from the media (normally the BBC if I'm honest) I do feel better for having made them aware of my objection. I always challenge fat-phobic news stories using the 'comments' facility (with varying success depending on the particular site's moderation policy - the DM is far more likely to publish than the Beeb or Grauniad) and respond to fat hate within discussion threads on non-FA sites such as IMDb, cnet, Digital Spy etc.

Like babyseal I refuse to buy diet food or patronise any product / company that employs weight-loss claims or resorts to fatphobia in its marketing, or partake in the complimenting of those who visibly lose weight. I consciously avoid 'belly telly' documentaries and fat-related reality TV, for my own sanity and to avoid being part of their viewing figures. I make a point of responding to those who in social situations make throwaway comments regarding their 'guilt' or 'naughtiness' where allegedly unhealthy food choices are concerned. And I use the word 'fat' without shame, explaining to those who express discomfort why those who consider weight as a part of their identity prefer it to 'overweight', 'obese' etc.

Of course I'd like to do a lot more, in particular setting up or helping set up that UK-focused pressure group I'm always so adamant we desperately need (a sort of Greenpeace for fat people - 'FatPeace' perhaps?), but right now I'm limited not only by my own lack of time, confidence and ability, but by other concerns about the implications for my employment and my wife's newly-acquired immigration status (and the consequent need to keep my nose clean and avoid 'rocking the boat' in a country where it's no longer so advisable to effectively paint a big fat target on oneself through opposition to social norms).

"A waist is a terrible thing to mind" - Tom Wilson

I think one thing that is easily available for anyone on the net is to post under weight articles in online publications. Many times professional "trolls" post under an article as a PR move to capture the bandwagon effect. If the public thinks everyone else feels the same way, it is easier to sway their opinion. So when we see a pro fat article it is important to post a positive comment. If we see an article full of stereotypes it is equally important that we challenge it. (And it is a safe bet it is sponsored by someone with an agenda, and some of the hateful comments are planted!) I know some people feel that is beyond their safety zone. We must remember that women's rights and all other human rights movements progressed because people were willing to sacrifice and take risks. Besides it is easy to start small. You don't need to read all comments or responses to your comments if they will be disempowering. Just "hit and run" at first; post how beautiful that plus sized model is, or link a study that contradicts the fat will kill you in the next 5 minutes garbage. www.bigfatfacts.com is an excellent link to post. I started doing this and got braver and braver every time. Now it takes restraint NOT to take on the fat bigots, but deep down I personally am a fighter, not a lover You opinion counts more than ever, VOICE IT!

"Fat can be beautiful. Intolerance is ALWAYS ugly!"