I am kind of new to this Fat Acceptance thing. Well, not new to the idea but relatively new to actively participating in the community as opposed to lurking. It is one thing to think these things myself, but an entirely different matter to word my thoughts eloquently for public consumption.
In my experience, belief in feminism and body acceptance don’t go hand in hand. Am I wrong to think that they should? Is it not related or part of topics a feminist should be concerned about? Bodily integrity? Autonomy? Or just as a woman?
The road to self acceptance is long and winding and more importantly – different for everyone. But (to me, at least) it makes sense that reclaiming the right to our bodies would be one of the top priorities. Letting society no longer judge us by a standard of beauty that so few achieve – and those that do are still Photoshopped into oblivion anyway!
Can someone clue me in? Am I nuts? Is there something I’m missing?
These thoughts and opinions have been triggered by a couple of experiences in the last six months or so. I’ve been really lucky to have some positive role models in my life. Unfortunately, as I get older, as I’ve embraced size acceptance, I see that many of my female role models – who kick ass and takes names, on ALL other women’s rights/feminist issues seem to forget this very important part of accepting your body for what it is. Some of the most empowered, wonderful women I know hate themselves because they can’t lose 10 lbs (it is actually more a elaborate and ridiculous story).
Lets not even talk about how hilarious this conversation is when you’re sitting next to a 320+ pound woman (me!).
I just don’t understand fighting on all other fronts, yet still hating the physical appearance of your body. You fight for women’s rights, reproductive and sexual rights, women’s health, security of person, bodily integrity, autonomy, education, workplace rights, etc. but not the right to appreciate your body for what it is and insist on comparing yourself to a standard deemed by society.
There is no doubt that I need to do a lot of reading and research but I wanted to get a discussion going – since it is something that concerns me. Maybe someone can enlighten me?
