In today’s society, the concept of “health” is heavily scrutinized. With trending diets, exercise plans, and the obsession with eating “clean,” we often label certain lifestyles as “healthy” and others as undesirable. This moralizing of food and lifestyle choices can lead to a troubling culture of shaming those who don’t conform to these standards.
This is precisely why the poem “The Fat Joke,” performed by poet Emma Harper, has gained significant attention. It resonates deeply with many, and for good reason. Harper’s work serves as a powerful reminder that fat individuals are not obligated to justify their existence or their choices.
She opens with a classic joke: a patient visits the doctor complaining about arm pain, to which the doctor simply advises them to avoid moving it that way. Then, she contrasts this with the experience of a “fat girl” who seeks help for a different issue but is immediately redirected to discussions about weight loss surgery. Harper’s poem highlights the absurdity of how medical professionals often treat unrelated health concerns by fixating on weight.
When a fat person goes to the doctor for something as simple as a flu shot or an earache, they are often met with unsolicited lectures about BMI and blood pressure. This treatment doesn’t happen to thin people, who are rarely questioned about their lifestyle choices during medical visits for unrelated issues. Harper poignantly expresses how frustrating it is to receive such advice, especially when it comes to emotional health.
“Fat Girl walks into a world filled with self-proclaimed health advocates,” she states, emphasizing how society often seems more concerned with a person’s size than their actual health. The reality is that many individuals, regardless of their size, can make nutritious choices. Thin individuals can obsess over every calorie and still struggle with their health, demonstrating that size does not equate to wellness.
Harper’s closing lines encapsulate the essence of her message: “I am deserving of care, and I am deserving to exist as I do.” This powerful assertion challenges societal norms and reminds us all that no one should have to apologize for their body or their existence.
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In summary, the essential takeaway from Harper’s poem is that fat individuals do not owe anyone an explanation for their existence. Society’s obsession with health and size can often lead to harmful judgments, but everyone deserves to live without the pressure to conform.