Is it the color of their skin? The size of their dress? The country that their great-grandfather was born in? Maybe politics or differences of religion? Do people really hate in the name of the Lord?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes, yes, and yes. We still live in a world that is filled with prejudices and hate. Where does this prejudice come from? Often times it comes from simply not knowing another person. From stereo-types and impressions. From hearing someone else’s point of view, instead of developing your own ideas and morals. Simply stated, it's ignorance.
People often hate other people because they just do not know any better way to act. This is sad, but not tragic. We can change this, if we all work towards acceptance and understanding. Towards educating ourselves and our children. Does this mean we are all really just a like under the skin? Actually, no.
We are all different, unique and we all have a strong, powerful voice to offer the world. We are not all alike. But we are all equal as we set about this task called living.
Why would I write about hate, when my topic is obviously food and weight? Well, because hate is a big issue (if you will pardon that pun) in the lives of overweight people.
Though it may be hard for most people to believe, overweight people are often abused, verbally and emotionally, by family, friends, co-workers, and strangers.
Strangers???
Sad, isn't it? I am reminded (hence the title of my discourse) of a commercial from the eighties where a very pretty woman turned to the camera and stated, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful".
Turn that around and you have the secret wish and prayer of every overweight person in America. "Please, oh please, don"t hate me because I am fat".
I myself, at my heaviest weights, have received rude, unnecessary, and sometimes even cruel comments from total strangers.
One person actually told me, in a James Coney Island restaurant, as I walked through the line with my husband, "Don't you think you've had enough hot dogs?"
This statement was so powerful in it's simple cruelty. It ruined my day (which was a trip to Austin to celebrate my first pregnancy), and it left my husband feeling angry, impotent, and anxious. The true irony was that I had recently lost twenty pounds, and was actually ordering a salad while he screamed at me from across the room.
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