These groups, and others like them take size acceptance to a public level. They fight against unjust discrimination and try to help enforce the rights of overweight people around the world. Although public size acceptance has made small steps, it still has a long way to go before overweight people are not discriminated against, made fun of and portrayed as outcasts from society. Organizations that fight for size acceptance, individuals who are a part of the campaign and people who speak out for the rights of humans - regardless of size - can help make the much needed transition to a fat accepting society. Rosie O'Donnell, Carolyn Manheim and the model Emme are only a few of the all celebrities that help society see that large women have something to contribute !
Personally, I would say that I am a happy person and I let little get in my way of enjoying my life. Most days I get up and go to work feeling confident about myself and the way I look. I seldom criticize myself for being so heavy. I don't hate myself, I don't berate myself and I don't think I am less of a person because of my size. Is this size acceptance? By most standards it is. For me, I am just dealing with what I have, I haven't given up on the struggle to lose weight. (The only reason I have never lost weight is my inability to stick to a diet long enough to see results!) I find it hard to accept my size when I am constantly reminded of how my size impacts my daily life. It's hard for me to bend over to tie my shoes, to climb several flights of stairs or to squeeze into a stall in a public restroom. I am forced to buy clothes by what is available in my size rather than what I would like to wear. I can not go to a movie, a restaurant, on an airplane or even to a backyard party without wondering if I will fit in my seat. These are the things that keep me from accepting my size and believing that although thinner may not be a better lifestyle it certainly has to be an easier one. Although many women and men my size and larger have accepted themselves and are happy, there are those of us who are struggling to get by and feel the effects of being overweight. I don't think I will ever weigh even close to the weight the national standards say I should, but maybe somewhere inbetween there and where I am now. I think self acceptance is something every person should try to achieve, but on their own level, in their own time, in their own way.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Mary Ellen Popolo's Plus Size Women topic, please visit the Discussions page.