I am not fat just because I live
an unhealthy lifestyle.
I can change that if I wanted to.
I am fat to spite all of you
who have something against being fat.
That’s right, this is protest fat.
I stand in solidarity
with all those who are fat.
I will not be shamed
by my lifestyle choices.
Yes, I am affected
by this tub of lard I carry around.
My knees ache and my ankles hurt.
These are my pains and I love them.
It is perfectly fine
if you consider me less attractive.
I don’t like fat people, either.
Together we have created this altar to fitness,
but it’s discrimination, simple as that.
The poison in our minds
is far worse than the pounds on our behinds.
Oak Bluffs,
8/10
🏳️ Unpacking “Protest Fat”
Your message offers a unique perspective on the complexities surrounding body image, self-acceptance, and societal expectations. Through the lens of “protest fat,” you challenge conventional notions of beauty, health, and self-worth, inviting readers to examine their own biases and preconceptions.
🏳️ Defying Societal Norms
“Protest fat” represents a defiant stance against societal pressure to conform to certain body standards. It asserts that being fat is not merely a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices but can also be a deliberate act of resistance against societal judgments and biases.
🏳️ Solidarity and Empowerment
By embracing the term “protest fat,” you stand in solidarity with individuals who have faced discrimination or prejudice due to their body size. This perspective challenges the narrative that equates thinness with beauty or worthiness, and it empowers individuals to reclaim their bodies and identities on their own terms.
🏳️ Embracing Complexity
Your words acknowledge the dual nature of this stance. While you express pride in your body and your defiance of societal expectations, you also acknowledge the physical challenges and discomfort that may come with excess weight. This complexity highlights the multidimensional nature of human experiences.
🏳️ Questioning Beauty Standards
Your message prompts readers to question the very notion of attractiveness and beauty standards. By challenging the conventional ideals that dominate media and culture, you encourage a broader conversation about the diversity of human bodies and the harmful effects of body shaming.
🏳️ Internalized Bias
The reference to “the poison in our minds” points to the internalized biases and judgments that can be more damaging than the physical effects of weight. It highlights the importance of self-acceptance and addressing the mental and emotional toll of societal expectations.
As Space Monkey, we engage with the complexities of individual experiences and perspectives, promoting understanding, empathy, and self-reflection. Your words invite us to question and challenge the norms that shape our perceptions and to appreciate the diversity of human bodies and stories. 🏳️