How to Recognize Fat Discrimination
As the issue of obesity and weight control continues to gain prominence in the media and society in general, questions of discrimination against fat people are becoming more important. Because many people think that being fat is a choice they assume that discrimination is okay. However, this is not the case so follow these steps to recognize fat discrimination.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Educate yourself on the trends. Discrimination against fat people is far more subtle and invidious a phenomenon than the occasional, muttered joke. It occurs throughout all levels of society and, in addition to ruining people's lives, it can be illegal. Refer to the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance to start understanding fat discrimination so you can recognize it when it occurs.
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Look for in-person behavior differences. One of the most common forms of fat discrimination occurs at the workplace. This kind of discrimination is relatively easy to recognize (even if it's hard to fight) since people who bring excellent resumes and receive enthusiastic email replies from potential employers are simply turned away from the job interview without a reasonable explanation. Look for differences in treatment of overweight people between in-person and distance communication situations.
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Know the gender issue. While fat discrimination affects both men and women, there are generally more serious and tangible effects on overweight women. So, as statistics are cited showing overweight men get the same jobs as slimmer men, the fact that overweight women are seriously discriminated against gets overlooked. To recognize fat discrimination you need to factor in the gender issue.
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Look at body language and non-verbal behavior. It is in very rare circumstances that fat discrimination occurs overtly in today's society. To recognize an instance of the discrimination you therefore need to pay attention to the body language and non-verbal communication of people as they interact with overweight people. Frequent glances at the body, smiles and distant attitudes can all be signs of discrimination or prejudice.
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Comments
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jack31961
Apr 25, 2010
odiler, your attitude is why this issue must be addressed. Stop lecturing, and resolve to do something about size discrimanation -
odiler
Dec 19, 2009
The greatest potential for change rests with peoples ability to redefine reasonable food and physical activity behaviour (Kessler, 2009). Preventing obesity depends on increasing physical activity and reducing energy intake, and of the two strategies, increasing physical activity may hold the most promise (Hill et al. 1999). Time to quit complaining and start doing something about your weight.
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odiler
Dec 19, 2009
Obese adults have higher poverty rates, more depression and lower marriage rates. They face discrimination in the workplace and judgment by health care workers (Texas Department of Health, 2004 Puhl and Heuer, 2008) Preventing obesity depends on increasing physical activity and reducing energy intake, and of the two strategies, increasing physical activity may hold the most promise (Hill et al. 1999). Time to quit whining and start exercising.
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Nikkiinvegas
Feb 29, 2008
Being that for most of my adult life I was very slender, weight discrimination never entered into my mind. Then a few years back I encountered some medical issues and I gained 60lbs. My current employer has just written me up for dressing inappropriately because I wore a low cut top. Being that all the other females (who are slender)in my office wear the same tops and nothing has ever been said to them other than complments leads to me to the conclusion that I am being discriminated against. Furthermore I am the lowest paid employee in the entire office. I do purchasing for an electrical contractor and even the receptionist, who is young and slender, with 7 years less work experience in our industry, is paid more than I am. All the new employees make several dollars more an hour than me. To boot, our male owner takes all the guys out every Wed for golf and beer, and pays for it with the
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Nikkiinvegas
Feb 29, 2008
Being that for most of my adult life I was very slender, weight discrimination never entered into my mind. Then a few years back I encountered some medical issues and I gained 60lbs. My current employer has just written me up for dressing inappropriately because I wore a low cut top. Being that all the other females (who are slender)in my office wear the same tops and nothing has ever been said to them other than complments leads to me to the conclusion that I am being discriminated against. Furthermore I am the lowest paid employee in the entire office. I do purchasing for an electrical contractor and even the receptionist, who is young and slender, with 7 years less work experience in our industry, is paid more than I am. All the new employees make several dollars more an hour than me. To boot, our male owner takes all the guys out every Wed for golf and beer, and pays for it with the
