I'm fat. Far too many people consider themselves fat. Far too many people are considered fat in our culture. It's not that I think there is anything wrong with being fat. I just think people get a little too worried about it. Anyway, me, I'm really and truly fat, no doubt about it. You think maybe I'm just another guy with a gut that really isn't all that big? Check out my pictures page. OK, now do you see what I'm talking about?
Some of you, especially some of my closest friends, might already understand why I use the word "fat." Others of you are shaking your head thinking something like, "Oh! I don't like that word. Why would he want to say something like that about himself?" Actually, there are many of us fat people that much prefer the word to all the euphemisms.
There are a number of reasons why I and others use the word fat. First of all, it is a perfectly accurate description of one very noticeable attribute that makes me who I am. The baggage that is heaped on the word comes from somewhere else. Just because I'm fat does not mean that I'm stupid, lazy, jolly, lacking in self-esteem or self-control, a glutton, or unhealthy, or any other baggage someone might want to put on it. Of course, it's also possible that I am all or some of those things. In any case, fat is just one element of my being. Among fat people there are as many different personality types and traits as there are for non-fat people.
As far as the euphemisms go, there aren't many that are very useful or pleasant. Let's start with "obese." Regardless of what other words fat people may or may not like to call themselves, I've met few if any that like that word applied to themselves. Yes, it is clinical and maybe that is part of the problem. It makes it sound like being fat is being diseased. It's true, some people are fat because of other health conditions, but, it is perfectly possible to be fat and to be healthy. Lastly, it is such an ugly word!
Overweight? Over what weight? Some insurance chart that was invented at the end of the 19th. century to find the balance between killing workers and wasting money on feeding them? Not a word I want applied to me!
Big boned? Yeah, right!
There are other words, but, I think this makes the point. The bottom line is that words are powerful. What we call ourselves and what others call us effects how we feel about ourselves, how others view us, and how we fare in the world. So, while words may not brake your bones they certainly can effect your attitude.
There is also a political element to using the word fat. Many of us consider using it as a reclaiming of the word and, therefore, the images with which the word is associated. Much like non-straight people call themselves "queer." If the word becomes a badge of honor to those that it describes then the power is taken out of it. It can no longer be used to hurt people.
Of course, there are some other words that many of us are OK with in certain contexts: Zaftig, stout, Rubenesque, rotund and a few others. One I particularly like is "majestic."
To find out more about fat language and all those acronyms click here.
At some point I would like to add a page of resources, however, if I wait until all the content is put together I'll never actually post this site. So, in the mean time I would like to refer you to one of the best online resources for fat people and those who are interested in them. It is one of the many pages on the personal web site of my wife, Mary. I hope you find it as valuable as I do. To be transported there click here.