public announcement version one

I recently came across a link to my blog someone had posted on their site. And while I'm all for people reading, commenting and or linking to my writing or quoting me for whatever reason, I'm not all for people taking the point of this journal out of context. Or, also, being an inadvertent asshole about people's issues with their weight.

Now, let me first say this: I am 140 pounds, 5'3" and 23 years old. Medically, I am within my healthy weight standard for my height and age. I am also about 50 pounds under what would be considered medically obese. And while I'm flattered that someone took the time to read my blog and to write about it in their own, I'm frankly offended that someone would not take into consideration that just because someone has issues with their weight or that extra little jiggle on their thighs that might not exactly make them obese. And while I think obesity is an incredibly serious medical matter, I am in no way saying that I judge anyone who is, or who has been, obese.

Now here's my convoluted point: If you're going to quote someone, please try not to take their words or the point of their blog out of context. I'm not here to rally the cause for obesity or to say that over weight people have problems or that I have some kind of negative self image or even that I'm overly proud of the size I am. I think I could stand to lose a few pounds and I make no qualms about the fact that I don't hate my body. In fact I appreciate it and love it for existing. Cause you know, I kind of need it (fat and all) to survive.

What really pisses me off is someone referring to obesity as a problem (which it is) and in the same sentence saying that it's good to see fat women having a positive self image. And then following it up with "I'm not saying that I find it attractive, but if she does that's ok."

Look. I like my body. And while it may be dimpled around the edges or wobbly in places, I fucking respect it. I think sites like this that try to excuse discussing weight loss with being concerned about obesity and then in the same sentence referring to people who are "comfortable in their own skin" as "being ok" even though it's "unattractive" are frankly, fucking disgusting. Referring to me as "rather ordinary looking" and then immediately after "over-weight person" is contradictory and frankly, dumb. I don't mind people quoting me; hell, I could care less if you quote me and then call me a disgusting fat ass but at least be honest about your intent.

I'm in no way the champion for obesity or weight loss. I'm a 140 pounds and I've never weighed above or below it. I don't fluctuate and I don't have an eating disorder. While I'm in this to lose weight I'm also in this to stay healthy and to make the point that douche bags like this are the reason people have self image problems in the first place. It's never ok to passively agree that being ok with yourself is good but at the same time championing that it's unattractive. It's like standing in the middle of a gay club and saying "Aww look at all these gay people frolicking about, isn't that nice for them? But frankly it's disgusting and I think you're all going to hell. Ooh but I'm so glad you're comfortable in your own skin, how nice for you!" You just look like a two faced asshole.

Here's the deal: While it's nice to be quoted and to see that people are actually paying attention to what I write and that maybe out there in the world someone actually gives a damn, I do not want to be used for someone's jellyfish comments. If there's anything I hate more then pity it's someone's lame attempt at trying to be PC masquerading as sympathy.

Saying you respect over weight people for "being comfortable in their own skin" while at the same time amending that you think it's unattractive is frankly, a bigger load of shit then even my ass can carry.