As a black man living in the Southern United States I have witnessed and been on the receiving end of racial discrimination. Never would I think that discrimination would come my way because I weigh more than the perceived acceptance level in this country. Yet discrimination against larger individuals is at an all time high in this country, with the bulk of the mean hateful terms coming from women. The debate continues about restaurant and concert seating, airline seating and in some cases the very existence of an fat individuals. In a country that even in the horrible economic times is still considered one of the wealthiest in the world, there is still a long time lingering thought process that if you do not meet some unwritten rule in regards to size and the color of your skin then you are an outcast.
“Weight discrimination is highly prevalent in American society and increasing at disturbing rates,” said Tatiana Andreyeva, a postdoctoral associate and lead author of the study. “Our findings justify the need for legal remedies to protect this population and reduce stigma associated with obesity.”
The discrimination was gauged by asking participants whether they had experienced bias, and if so, for what reason. Instances of discrimination that were listed included, among others, being denied a scholarship, job, or promotion; losing a job; being denied a bank loan; receiving inferior medical care; being hassled by police; receiving poorer service in a restaurant or store; name calling; threatening, or harassment.
“Our findings reinforce decades of experimental research documenting weight bias and prejudice,” said co-author Rebecca Puhl, director of Research and Anti-Stigma Initiatives at the Rudd Center. “Without major shifts in societal attitudes, it is likely these increasing trends of weight discrimination will continue.”
Size and weight discrimination in my opinion has to do more with fear of change than the suppossed claim that obesity puts a strain on the healthcare system.. The MeMe Roth’s of the world try to disguise their disgust for larger indiviudals behind foundations and organizations that claim to want to help, but do so by bashing us over the head. No thank you. I would prefer that you accepte me as a person and just like Meghan McCain stated leave my weight out of the picture.
