Greta Christina's fat positive manifesto

[ciphergoth]

I froze the discussion here because I thought it deserved a top-level post of its own, rather than being under a general discussion of Greta Christina. A few weeks ago she posted a very interesting series of articles on the fat-positive movement and her own beliefs; I'd be very interested to read more about what people think of them.

"I was frankly shocked at how callous most of the fat-positive advocates were about my bad knee. I was shocked at how quick they were to ignore or dismiss it. They were passionately concerned about the quality of life I might lose if I counted calories or stopped eating chocolate bars every day. But when it came to the quality of life I might lose if I could no longer dance, climb hills, climb stairs, take long walks, walk at all? Eh. Whatever. I should try exercise or physical therapy or something. Oh, I'd tried those things already? Well, whatever."

• The Fat-Positive Diet
• The Fat-Positive Skeptic
• An Open Letter to the Fat-Positive Movement

Comments

[altamira16.livejournal.com]

It's seems that you already have a very strong opinion on the matter and discussing it further with you would be pointless. You have already gotten offended by why I think it would be unhealthy.

[ciphergoth.livejournal.com]

Oh for fuck's sake, not this card already. It's good you feel that way because you're now barred from this journal.

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

Oh, you spoil all my fun!

(Yes, I know, your journal, your rules, but FWIW I wasn't actually offended and was really hoping I could persuade this person out of their kneejerk, uninformed reaction.)

[ciphergoth.livejournal.com]

I'm not banning them for the comments on fat-positivity, but for the stupid and unimaginative get-out-of-jail-free card they tried to play when actually called on it.

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

*winkles forehead* Well, yes, I do have a strong opinion. If I didn't think my opinion was robust, I wouldn't voice it. So I can only think you're suggesting one of two things:

a) your own opinion is less strong, and you are worried that engaging in honest debate will destroy it, or

b) you believe that holding a strong opinion means holding an unchangeable one - which I can assure you is the exact opposite of the case.