Thin Privilege
This post is in reference to multiple conversations that I’ve had over the last few weeks.
One in which the concept of thin privilege was challenged.
Another, in which a human in a larger body shared stories with me that were poignantly convincing of the fact that fat privilege is in fact, not a thing.
Thin privilege: Being able to go to the store and find clothing that fits your body. Not being worried about your body fitting into a seat. On an airplane, at a theater, at a doctor’s office. Being able to eat without concern of judgment from humans around you. Not necessarily loving your body, but not having a running social commentary that your body is a problem, a risk, or some other deleterious thing. Having the ability to go to the doctor and have your concern heard without receiving input about improving your lived experience by losing weight, first. Regularly seeing images of bodies that look somewhat like yours in the media, without mockery or unpleasantry.
Fat privilege: read above. Reverse all outcomes. This is called OPPRESSION.
Add racism that underlies the thin ideal. Add the impact of discrimination and stigma and then research > allostatic load. We’re hurting humans by not examining prejudice and by not owning our sh*t.
All humans are deserving of respect.
All humans are deserving of inclusion.
All humans are deserving of representation.
I will never understand the experience of someone who lives in a larger body.
This is why naming privilege and lack of expertise matters. And this is only the beginning of the work that is required for fat liberation. Fat liberation is good for all bodies. Thin privilege exists because normalized oppression of fat bodies does, too.
I can hold stories with compassion, but only, ONLY because I recognize and NAME that I am not the expert of that lived experience.
If the concept of thin privilege, or privilege in general, makes you uncomfortable, you are being pointed toward your work.
#thinprivilege #haes #healthateverysize #bodystories #bodyrespect #bodypositivity #bodyautonomy #antidiet #fatpositive #fatpositivedietitian #racism #ableism #fearingtheblackbody #fatactivism #fatliberation
