Not Tragically Fat!: On Shame

Hopson, Cheryl R.

doi:10.5250/fronjwomestud.40.3.0177

Cited by 2 publications

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“…We as sociologists must recognize the importance of including body size when discussing intersectionality in our research, teaching, and activism. As this essay shows, those at the higher end of the weight spectrum experience marginalization, discrimination, and oppression at incredibly high rates in all facets of life and this is magnified when we examine ways in which fat Black women are treated (Hopson 2019; Strings 2019). The harms that are incurred create both physical and psychic suffering for those who are fat.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They conclude that the experience of hyper(in)visibility and liminality has resulted in women internalizing fat hatred (p. 386). Hopson (2019) writes that she learned to deny, dismiss, negate, and even abuse her fat body. She argues that fat bashing, bullying, and the lack of economic equality for fat Black women is leading to the annihilation of fat Black women through both actual and figurative suicide, as well as through the shame and self-negation they experience (p. 178).…”

Section: Symbolic Violence and Fat Hatredmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Humanity & Society 46(2) discrimination, and oppression at incredibly high rates in all facets of life and this is magnified when we examine ways in which fat Black women are treated (Hopson 2019;Strings 2019). The harms that are incurred create both physical and psychic suffering for those who are fat.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Violence of Fat Hatred in the “Obesity Epidemic” Discourse

Gailey

2021

Humanity & Society

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The concern globally over the “obesity epidemic” has become one of the most widely discussed social problems over the last twenty or so years. There is an intense focus from the media, popular culture, government agencies, and medical community about the harms of “obesity,” which includes strategies for eradicating the “obesity epidemic.” Public discussions of “excess weight” typically imply that fat persons are responsible for their body size, and public health policy recommendations follow from that assumption. Through the voices of 74 women of size, I demonstrate the ways in which the “obesity epidemic” discourse is a form of symbolic violence. Interviewees discussed countless acts of public humiliation, blocked opportunities, and fears about attending appointments with health care practitioners because of the stigma, discrimination, and mistreatment they receive. Moreover, the anti-fat rhetoric made interviewees feel responsible for the oppression. The violence manifested through the “obesity epidemic” rhetoric creates and perpetuates the phenomenon of hyper(in)visibilty, a phenomenon where marginalized bodies are simultaneously paid tremendous attention and dismissed. I conclude by urging sociologists to include body size in their intersectional research, teaching, and activism.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Symbolic Violence and Fat Hatredmentioning

confidence: 99%