Size Acceptance Demonstrators want “fatism” made illegal
The BBC have today reported there is to be a demonstration march outside Westminster in London in a bid to make fat discrimination in society and the work place illegal.
The mayor of London is being asked to lead the way in making sure employers do not discriminate. One “fat and proud” mother featured on Inside Out last week giving her experience of size discrimination; Kathryn Szrodecki, a size acceptance campaigner has started fighting back, saying the UK should be following San Francisco where a law bans “fat-ism” in housing, employment and even curbs doctors from pressing patients to lose weight. In the UK, size is not a protected characteristic under discrimination legislation.
Will you be part of the demonstration today, if so can you offer your comments on the current situation. Have you been descriminated against because of the way you look? Read the full story from the BBC below and tell us your thoughts.
“People who are very overweight do experience a lot of prejudice both in their social life and working life and do need some protection.” Dr Ian Campbell from Weight Concern explained.
The campaigners, who belong to the Size Acceptance Movement, say surveys show 93% of employers would rather employ a thinner person than a fatter one even if they are equally qualified. They are demonstrating outside the offices of the Mayor of London asking people to sign their petition for a change in the law.
Kathryn Szrodecki, who campaigns on behalf of overweight people, said that in the UK fat people were stared at, pointed at, talked about and attacked; “I have been discriminated against – I am a YMCA qualified fitness instructor, but I have gone for jobs and been laughed off the premises. “
Another campaigner, Marsha Coupe, said: “I have been punched, I have had beer thrown in my face, I have had people attack me on the train. They say ‘Move out of the way fattie! Well person coming down the aisle!’”
Ms Szrodecki said: “This is a very common event – someone being beaten up should be a crime. It is not about who you are or what you have done, it is just about the way you look. You are allowed to shame us just because of the way we look.”
Dr Ian Campbell, of the charity Weight Concern, said he was doubtful that legislation would have any immediate effect on the situation; “People who are very overweight do experience a lot of prejudice both in their social life and working life and do need some protection. We know that genetic and social reasons can lead to this very complex problem. For instance, people in inner cities are much more likely to be overweight because of poorer education, poorer housing and poorer job opportunities. Not everyone has a free choice about controlling their weight.”
Tags: fatism, size acceptance, size descrimination
October 19th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
someone being beaten up should be a crime yes its a crime
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:46 am
I agree that it’s wrong. But it is very difficult to legislate people’s hearts. It is a shame that it has come to that. Go ahead and make it a law, but don’t expect that to change their hearts. The media will have to follow suit first.
I have been ostracized becuase of my weight, and even have a coworker that makes tacky comments. I always give her a puzzled look and laugh her off when she makes a tacky remark. I pity her for feeling so insecure in her own skin that she feels the need to turn it outward on others. That is very sad for her.
The last person that tried to physically victimize me regretted it sorely. Is there a law against defending yourself? Start carrying a cattle prod or tazer. One tag with that and they might rethink their behavior…
December 9th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
A huge number of people in society, fuelled hugely by the media, think that if you’re fat you are greedy, lazy and have no self-control. The mainstream attitude is basically ‘if you’re fat it just means you’re too idle to lose weight’. My next point may make me enemies – I am comfortable with my weight right now, it’s how I am and it isn’t going to change. although we all know being overweight presents serious health risks anyway I am otherwise fit and healthy – but truly, truly think to yourself, if you woke up tomorrow and were slim (not unhealthily skinny- you know what I mean) would you really try and put the weight back ON? I know I honestly wouldn’t.