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Let’s be real: I’ve experienced life at both ends of the weight spectrum. I was once clinically obese, then battled anorexia, eventually fitting into a size that many dream of. Trust me, shopping for a size 2x feels just as uncomfortable as shopping for a size 2. I’ve witnessed both rolls and ribs. I’ve hiked mountains comfortably while overweight and struggled to do so when I was underweight, proving that body size doesn’t define ability (take that, ableist folks). I’ve faced body shaming in both states, and through that journey, I learned a crucial truth: skinny shaming and fat shaming are fundamentally different.
Skinny Shaming vs. Fat Shaming
Sometimes, I receive comments about my weight. I weigh roughly the same as my large German Shepherd, which raises eyebrows. I’ve been told to eat more and criticized for looking “gaunt.” Once, when I casually mentioned I gained weight but lost it again after getting sick, my family shot me disapproving looks, as if my weight was somehow a topic for judgment. They even reminded me that my young nephew outweighs me.
This skinny shaming feels trivial compared to what I experienced when I was overweight. When I was larger, I felt like an outcast. People often avoid making eye contact, as if my presence is somehow a burden. I encountered doors that seemed designed to hit me in the face, and doctors would dismiss my concerns with, “Well, you’re just fat.” If I was tired, achy, or depressed, my weight was always the presumed cause. The discomfort of ordering dessert was amplified by the judgmental stares from others.
The difference in privilege is stark. Now that I’m smaller, society treats me as more deserving of kindness and medical attention. When I face skinny shaming, it stings, but I’m reminded that the world predominantly caters to thin, able-bodied individuals. In contrast, when I was heavier, the world treated me like I was invisible and less valued.
The Reality of Body Shaming
It’s essential to recognize that while both forms of shaming are harmful, they carry different weights in societal contexts. Dear thinner folks, while fat shaming is damaging, it’s not appropriate to equate it with skinny shaming. Both can hurt, but the repercussions differ significantly. Fat people often play the role of sidekicks in media, while skinny individuals are portrayed as leads. Society rewards thinness, making it a privilege that brings additional benefits.
If someone comments on your weight as a skinny person, it’s okay to share your experience. However, it’s crucial to not overshadow discussions about fat shaming with your own stories. Fat people don’t need to hear about the struggles of being skinny shamed when they’re already facing their own battles.
Conclusion
Body shaming in all its forms is unacceptable. Yet, the societal implications differ greatly based on body size. If you feel impacted by skinny shaming, find a space to discuss that. But when the topic is fat shaming, remember to listen and support without making comparisons.
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Summary: This article explores the differences between skinny shaming and fat shaming, arguing that while both are forms of body shaming, they carry different societal implications. It highlights the privileges associated with being thin and the unique struggles faced by those who are overweight.
Keyphrase: body shaming
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