General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"Thar she blows!"
Those were the words shouted my way when I went to sit outside and get some sunshine and fresh air. I'd had an awful year, healthwise. Part of the recovery regimen involved large doses of steroids, which helped me pack on over 100 pounds in less than a year. And it's been one hell of a battle to shed those pounds.
So, yes, I'm aware that I'm not petite, that I'm no fashion model, that no one will ever mistake me for some sexy movie star. Going out to lunch with friends can be stressful as there's usually someone at a nearby table who opines, obviously just loud enough to help me, that "if she ate less she might lose some of that weight". Then there's the stranger at the grocery store who asks if I've ever considered the Atkins Diet (or any of a thousand others); "Really, dear, you have such a pretty face, all that weight is such a shame!" Ya think?
If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm leading up to suggesting that DUers need to lay off fat-bashing Christie. Go after his thinking, his statements, his politics, all fair game. But bashing is wrong whether directed toward gays or people of color or anyone of the 'wrong' religion. Or fat people. Bashing is intellectually cheap. It's easy. It's hurtful. It adds nothing to the conversation, it creates pain and adds suffering when there is already much of that in abundance.
If we can't make it better, let's at least try not making it worse.
Thanks for listening.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Zoeisright
(8,339 posts)Making fun of someone because of their appearance is mean. Period.
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)him?
Zoeisright
(8,339 posts)That's a disgusting post. She wasn't talking about Christie, she was talking about the hateful comments about overweight people.
whathehell
(30,461 posts)I just alerted on someone who just outright told another poster "Fuck You"
and then said "and fuck you again", to underline it, even though the poster to which
that was directed, said nothing particularly "provocative".
The "jury" just voted 5 to 1 to let it stand. 
This simply isn't the DU that was even a year ago, and it's going down fast.
SunSeeker
(58,266 posts)
whathehell
(30,461 posts)Thanks for your response. 
defacto7
(14,162 posts)But I'm beginning to wonder if this really is the place for me or not. I like the free speech, open forum attitude, but when I see prejudice and hate from posters with huge posting scores, It's not my home, that's for damn sure.
I think I'll take a step or two back for a while. Politics is pretty hot right now and can make people on both sides kinda stupid. If people are so out of control they can't be somewhat civil to even their own party members, then we don't really know who the enemy is.
whathehell
(30,461 posts)I really do.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)Politics is pretty hot right now....
People are worried and don't have any other outlet to vent than here on DU.
No one outside of cyber space, it seems, cares enough to listen and then act upon issues that many find dear.
Now I am not condoning anything goes, mind you, but I found out now after going through many election cycles on DU that passions are hot as people see that their way of life may be jeopardized.
I would advise you and take advantage of the hide a thread option or the ignore button.
There are far too many good things about DU that far outweigh the passions ignited during a campaign...
alliswellinmyworld
(22 posts)don't bother to stay. Free speech means one of the rules is not having to parrot everything the DNC says...
(Don't mind me...I'm a repeat troll... )
savalez
(3,517 posts)Not even in the real world does a jury go unchecked by a judge.
As far as I know there is no precedent or appeal system either.
It's not a jury system at all.
It's rule bingo!
good comeback... good point.
whathehell
(30,461 posts)I like it!, meaning I don't "like" it, but you've summed it up
in an amusing way. 
savalez
(3,517 posts)That has a nicer ring to it.
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)
mrs_p
(3,236 posts)unbelievable.
whathehell
(30,461 posts)that you let the classless remark stand?
Are you bragging or complaining?..I'm not getting you.
mrs_p
(3,236 posts)I voted against it (as did some others) but the comment still stood b/c of the 3-3 vote. I think any "f-you" is against the rules and should be hidden. No exceptions.
edit - i mean an "f-you" in response to a post - not to a group in general.
whathehell
(30,461 posts)and the vote.
Union Scribe
(7,099 posts)about "community standards"!
whathehell
(30,461 posts)lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)And yes I read thank you. You?
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Not his weight.
When you make it about his weight, you kinda make it about people like me.
I do not appreciate this.
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)people who say something to him with which he disagrees, calling them idiots. My comments were not directed at you and personally I cannot make or affect the way you feel about what I say.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)you enable that asshole at the restaurant, or the store to make 'whale' comments. You are telling him, "hey, dude, it's okay. I do it too."
progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)Or do you use gay slurs to talk about Cheney's daughter??? I mean.. they ARE republicans and all. A slur is a slur, and fat-bashing seems to be not-a-big deal to people, and it's the instant punch line on sitcoms (have a fat person walk in the room, instant laugh track.)
But it's HURTFUL to everyone. If you wouldn't use a slur to describe a disabled republican, or gay, or black, then why do it because of someone's size? I honestly don't undertand.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)whathehell
(30,461 posts)because like the fat, the gay and the black republicans, what's offensive
about her is NOT her physical being or condition of birth, such as her being female.
joeglow3
(6,228 posts)Read about Mia Love. I don't much about her beyond her being a Republican, but I have heard people throwing the n-bomb around about her. This really depresses me.
pipi_k
(21,020 posts)arguments about this thing here to know the likely reason for why people fat-bash but probably wouldn't race or gender bash.
Many feel that being fat is a choice, unlike being black or gay or female.
And that is why they do it.
They are totally ignorant of the fact that some necessary medications can cause weight gain. Stress...lack of sleep...those can cause weight gain as well.
So can various physical disabilities. Mr Pipi acknowledges that I really don't eat all that much. Yet I am overweight.
Again...stress. I have panic and anxiety disorders. Also, I have chronic muscular pain which makes it difficult for me to exercise. I do my best, but going beyond my limit sets me up for extreme pain for a whole week afterward.
As long as some people think a particular condition is one of choice, they're going to feel entitled to bash others for that condition.
Sucks big time.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)I think she merely implied we "should" not rather than "could" not-- a most telling difference regardless of your misinterpretations.
Regardless though, we often advertise our character-- or lack of character-- in ways that we do not ourselves often perceive; and then rationalize that same vulgarity by simply predicating it on the vulgarity of others-- illustrating a most definite lack of independent thought... 
However, I imagine you will justify a distinction without a difference.
MineralMan
(151,222 posts)Slurs on that politicians weight offend some DUers. They're also a shortcut to thinking, as is calling him a "motherfucker." If you use those readily-available slurs, then you don't have to actually think about what it really is about him that is worthy of disgust. That lets you post something quickly and without really thinking about it.
That's not a very attractive attribute for a poster on DU. Thinking about posts and saying something that is actually to the point and directly pertinent to a particular public figure's positions is far more attractive, and will result in positive responses from your fellow DUers. Simplistic, thoughtless slurs will not have that effect, but will, instead, annoy the crap out of people who are offended by those slurs.
It's your choice, really. How would you prefer your posts to be received?
treestar
(82,383 posts)Because they aren't obese. Have the same things said by Christie, and it's about his weight.
madamesilverspurs
(16,510 posts)that you'd bear me the same measure of disrespect and would not hesitate to express it publicly.
Gee, thanks.
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)pipi_k
(21,020 posts)have to do with anything?
That's just playing with words.
What, if a public person ceases to become a public person, that would mean he's no longer a "fat fuck" (or whatever other name I've heard Christie called)?
Or if he suddenly became a Democrat, he would no longer be a big fat disgusting pig?
Head games, that's what that is.
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)figured it out.
Maraya1969
(23,495 posts)
NYC Liberal
(20,453 posts)that's why.
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)2pooped2pop
(5,420 posts)truth or lie that anyone wants to call the mother fucking repiglicans who have destroyed this country.
Fuck them and the swaybacked horses they rode in on.
Fucking treating them with kid gloves, only tells them they can get by with more shit.
yardwork
(69,352 posts)WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)Response to lonestarnot (Reply #2)
Tuesday Afternoon This message was self-deleted by its author.
WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)He is a Chaucerian villain whose inner evil is manifested in his outward appearance.
progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)Just curious.. because it's the same thing.
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)
Issues, not personal attacks.
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)
SIDURI
(67 posts)The world is full of Mean Girls of both sexes (and all parties) who feel completely entitled to put others down on the basis of appearance.
Fat-shaming is a kind of national sport that ought to die out, along with dogfights, bear-baiting, and cockfights.
Best of luck with your health issues, past and present, and thanks for speaking out.
Siduri
ErikJ
(6,335 posts)So he's fair game.
I'm less than 5'4", one of the shortest in a family with eight kids, even my mother was taller. But, then I was the oldest. Size doesn't matter. Attitude does. Play fair, it matters...a lot.
Jennicut
(25,415 posts)I don't think Christie's obesity is even relevant. But I do like making fun of Mitt's stiff robotic like appearance. That I can't help.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)You are perfect, a perfect soul. I lost 100 pounds walking every day for two years. I found it healed my heart and my mind. I hug you tight.
ErikJ
(6,335 posts)Cutting out all bread and wheat helps too.
Also walking up lots of stairs.
bbgrunt
(5,281 posts)weight issues. So while such encouragement may be offered with good intent, it can also just be another way of demeaning them for not expending "enough effort" to lose weight. It would be much better to just show love for them and understand that they are struggling.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Your post was very validating and insightful. I never really thought about it, but every single time here at DU there is a weight thread, there is always someone saying, "I did XYZ to lose weight, you should try it." I have knee, foot and hip problems, and yet I manage to walk briskly for 30-40 minutes 3-5 times a week - despite being in school full time and being a single mom of 4. I try to watch what I eat (and try the odd strict 'diet') but have a tight budget. I have a bunch of health problems that have 'weight gain' as a symptom or side effect, including a newly found severe vitamin D deficiency. What is a symptom of vit D deficiency? Sudden weight gain! I have insulin resistance. What is a side effect of insulin resistance - hunger! What's a side effect for this pill or that - weight gain!
I probably know more about nutrition and exercise than some nutritionists (the last nutritionist I saw told me - after a few quick questions - I was wasting her time, because I was knowledgeable enough to know all the stuff she was going to tell me - she had a masters). When I hear 'you need to try...' the rest comes out like Charlie Brown adult speak. I know what I need to do, need to eat - and 80-90% of the time I DO do it. And yet, my own mother, who is only like that 60-70% of the time, is very petite and slim. I lived with my mom recently for 5 months and I ate exactly what she did - in the same portion sizes. I gained, she maintained. And I walked about an hour and a half a day at the time (wasn't working or in school so walked everywhere). And I get to hear 'helpful hints' from her too. 
NJCher
(43,135 posts)That's how I see it, too, which makes weight remarks fairly irrelevant.
One thing we writing and argumentation teachers like to tell our students is that one should never waste any time on a point that doesn't move the argument forward. For the most part, weight remarks can't really advance one's argument.
However, one interesting point about Christie and weight is this: not long after he assumed office, he started a diet. The newspapers had a field day with that story. If I recall correctly, one of his motivations was that he wanted people to know he could control himself just like he was going to control the NJ budget.
Well, truth is, he hasn't been able to do either.
But then, there's another big-mouth republican for you.
Cher
Terra Alta
(5,158 posts)Making fun of someone's weight is something Republicans do. We are above that. We don't like it when they make fun of Rosie O'Donnell or Michael Moore's weight. We didn't like it when Rush Limbaugh called Michelle Obama fat. We shouldn't resort to their tactics. Criticize Christie for his horrible policies, not his personal appearance.
whathehell
(30,461 posts)defacto7
(14,162 posts)here, here.
steve2470
(37,481 posts)Yes, we all despise Governor Christie but let's confine ourselves to his mind or lack thereof.
XemaSab
(60,212 posts)I wasn't looking at him and laughing, I was looking at him and thinking "Holy shit, this dude looks like he could die at any minute!"
He's obviously unhealthy.
sadbear
(4,340 posts)FOR ANYTHING!
progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)sadbear
(4,340 posts)and only keeps them around to keep up appearances.
Logical
(22,457 posts)
Cleita
(75,480 posts)It's taken me two years to unload forty pounds. Yet, the pounds creep up on me when I'm not looking. I ate a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich tonight. To me was like smoking a cigarette, something I haven't done for twenty years. Something, I never thought I would ever do again. So it seems it's harder to give up fattening food for me than cigarettes. Weird. But sometimes you have to do something satisfying to get past all the lies you feel you have to listen to just to be informed. I also blew off my exercise class tomorrow just to listen to the convention again.
Okay, now you are going to hate me. I don't think Christie really eats the spartan diet I do ordinarily or spends the time on the treadmill and lifting weights that I do. I find him rude and insulting to women. I feel pretty free to fat bash him because he obviously eats, drinks and indulges his bodily needs with no limits and feels because he learned some good English in high school that he actually has a brain. Maybe he reads some. It's easier than running. I hate to say this but it is easier to read than exercise and push away food you want. Because I would rather read than run, I still have to do otherwise. Staying fit frankly is harder than reading and trying to stay informed.
progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)You don't. In fact you don't know that about anyone. It's like calling Michael Steele a racial slur, because he's republican and a jerk. It's the words that hurt, everyone.. not just your target.
Did you ever have a friend that tended to trash people behind their back, and you always knew that one day, when you weren't around, they were trashing you too? It's like that. No one should use hurtful words like that, just because you disagree with what he believes politically. Where do you draw the line? Do you make fun of a disabled person who disagrees with you politically? Do you call gay republicans by slurs, too?
Cleita
(75,480 posts)we don't know. Tell us more. Please 
But the fact is that Christie is fat and that Steele is a Republican. Those are facts. I know for a fact that people whom I socialize with trash or at least gossip about me behind my back. That's life. The man is fat. It's a fact. I do draw the line at disabled and a lot of fat people, whom I exercise with, but no a jerk who indulges himself like that and talks about women like he does is going to get a pass from me.
TomClash
(11,344 posts)It's not like the country has a 400 year history of discrimination and enslavement of well off, obese people - big, money folk hanging from trees like giant fruit. No chance.
He's not taking medications. He's not big-boned or overweight, like most people. There's not some genetic predisposition. He's just obese because he eats too much and doesn't exercise.
Where DO you draw the line? Do you make fun of a person's intellect because he or she is politically different? Isn't that hurtful all the same? "Progressives" do that all the time on DU. It's both counterproductive and wrong. But I'll bet you and I do it anyway.
Neither you nor anyone else here cares about Christie's feelings. You're worried that you might offend someone here, a noble sentiment, or you're offended because you are overweight or love someone that is. Fine. But let's not pretend that being obese in most cases is the same as having dark skin or special needs.
eridani
(51,907 posts)Indoors in the winter, I get much paler. Might there be some people for whom staying inside might not have much effect on their skin color? It it because they are lying or doing it wrong? Just sayin.'
snooper2
(30,151 posts)homo sapien chameleon LOL
eridani
(51,907 posts)snooper2
(30,151 posts)
eridani
(51,907 posts)I can. If Jose can't, he's not really trying.
snooper2
(30,151 posts)LOL
cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)People are so intent on getting their little dig in on whoever is to be hated at the moment that they post it without thinking about just who's going to read it.
In DU World, everyone's thin, has an approved diet, and exercises regularly. Or so it would seem... I find that sad. It makes me think of high school actually, all those years ago. I had ZITS. My own sister called me "Pizza Face" in front of others. I remember one day sitting in class next to a girl I'd known all my life. Our Moms traded babysitting duties before we were in school. I had a huge zit on the tip of my nose and one on my chin. She tapped on the back of the girl in front of me and said "let's go to the bathroom... I thinking I may be getting a zit and if (i forget his name at the moment) sees me I think I'll DIE!".
One of the Ann Romney posts I read earlier stated that she was old and wrinkly. She's the same age as my wife. My wife isn't old and wrinkly even though she's 12 years older than I am. I'm glad she doesn't read DU or that post would have ruined her night, and probably the rest of her week.
Oooh, but use the word "retarded" in a post? You're fucked. Funny how things like that work around here...
progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)I've been trying to post, to alert, and cajole, DUers into being kind and realizing how hurtful it is.
Fatism is the last "ism" that is acceptable in America, in the media, on DU, in school, etc. And it hurts.
petronius
(26,696 posts)should have no place here, and I will vote to hide them when asked...
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)He is hateful and disrespectful to others. Strange that he spoke about respect, because from what I have seen, he does not show respect for anyone unless they agree with him.
Beauty comes from within. I know some very beautiful people who are quite large.
Their beauty comes from within -- from their loving ways.
Flint Stone
(29 posts)It is now fashionable in our culture to discriminate against and belittle obese people, and cigarette smokers.
I feel for you MadamSilverSpurs, you are going to need some mighty thick skin no matter what your ideology!!!
Cleita
(75,480 posts)But overeating and smoking cigarettes kills people. I agree, there shouldn't be discrimination. So how do we do it? I personally don't like smoke around me.
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)simply being in the same restaurant as a big person does not harm anyone. How do you do it? You do it by first being compassionate and empathetic. Then you invest in community services that help people who want to lose weight lose weight. And then you treat people with dignity and leave them alone. Not everybody's vice is so easily seen as an overweight person's. I bet even your friendly politically correct, skinny, environmentally friendly, vegan down the street has a vice. Some vices are just more socially acceptable than others. Even health has its pitfalls into social popularity contests.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)Most people are far bigger than me including the fit ones. I am rather small. However, when it comes to having to accept politicians who are overindulgent I draw the line. I hate El Boner too for being a drunk. Do I have to accept that too?
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)Kennedy and Clinton's vice was women. Did it mean they were bad presidents? No. My measure for politicians is, is what they are doing affecting how they run the country? If yes, then they shouldn't have a job anymore. If no, then it shouldn't be an issue.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)However, did you know that Kennedy was criticized for his haircuts and Clinton because he had a red nose? Christie however is not a President. Why are you bringing this up?
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)and being able to legislate. Being fat has nothing to do with being able to legislate. It is just another way for small minded people to demean others so they can feel superior. I do not like Christie or Boehner, but it is not because of their drinking or eating habits. Their drinking and eating habits have nothing to do with how they legislate.
Cleita
(75,480 posts) joeglow3
(6,228 posts)Cleita
(75,480 posts)errors in judgement. We should not have drunks running things. People who are grossly overweight also are at risk for heart attacks and COPD. Christie was noticeably out of breath toward the end of his speech. Is this what NJ wants in a governor, one who is one heartbeat away from intensive care?
btw all the people who are miffed that we call him fat, seem to have no problem when Ann Coulter is called a skeleton, a bean pole or a skinny skank. Just saying.
joeglow3
(6,228 posts)See the difference?
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)So what if Christie is out of breath? So what if he is one heartbeat away from intensive care? None of us know when we are going to die. I was watching NY Med the other night and someone was getting a heart from a marathon runner who got the worst headache of his life and dropped dead. The truth is none of us know when we are going to die. We cannot judge someone's ability to do a job based on their size.
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)he should be fired. My brother drives a moving truck. At the end of every day he has about a six pack of beers. Is that healthy for him? No. Does it affect him driving a truck? No, because he does not drink on the job. He drinks after work on his own time. We should be free to do what we want outside of work.
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)
midnight
(26,624 posts)Maraya1969
(23,495 posts)I'm so sorry you are going through what you are going through but I like what the poster up-thread said - you are a perfect spirit in a shell.
I've gained weight because of medication, (and myself) and just got the note from the doctor that I am on the borderline of diabetes so the diet has become seriously serious. I just went out and got a used treadmill and I did a whole 6 minutes on it in 1 1/2 minute increments. 
I feel like I have such a huge job ahead of me but I know I can only do things one at a time and so can you.
If you want, Youtube has videos on stretching, exercising, Yoga, Chi Gong and a bunch of other stuff that you can try in the privacy of your home. I've done some of the Yoga ones and stretching ones and they have really helped.
Here's to a healthier both of us! 
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)Self righteousness is not just a right wing trait.
Dustlawyer
(10,539 posts)I myself now have become one of the people with weight issues to medication and now physical issues caused by my underlying disease. There are things we look at as being something we feel we must be either more, or less, politically correct. It has always bothered me, even though I knew it would happen beforehand, is peoples attitude towards lawyers. Because I am a plaintiff attorney, people call me "ambulance chaser" and worse and automatically assume I am a crook. Because it is so widely accepted, people have no problem saying it to my face. I have never stolen anything from my clients. In fact, because I choose which cases I take, I choose the ones I believe in. I enjoy helping my clients and get satisfaction when I can help right a wrong. I specialize in mass torts which means that the firm that I work for takes mainly big cases with large numbers of victims. My screen name comes from working the "Dust docket.". That means victims of asbestos and silica exposure. The companies involved knew of the dangers as far back as 1932, and some even earlier. They covered it up because it was cheaper and murdered MILLIONS of working men and women, as well as their families who were exposed to it from their husband's, dad's clothes. I have worked hurricane claims where insurance companies routinely deny valid claims because most people will not hire an attorney. I have worked the BP Texas City explosion case where BP murdered 15 people and injured 6,000. I have seen documents where BP budgeted for the price of a human life because it was cheaper to pay for deaths, than repairs. I have been working the BP oil spill and will not go into all of what is happening in this case except to say that BP has spent so much money advertising right on the coast that none of the local media will write anything negative. I have gotten a little long, but will finish by saying that things are not always what they seem as this lady says. I used to say that talking smack about attorneys is the last socially accepted prejudice, but that is wrong. Overweight people have the same problem and words hurt, trust me, I'm a lawyer!
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)I've never been a lawyer-hater/basher, but even still, you gave me something to think about. Thanks.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)There are cultural and historic references to people indulging themselves in the pleasures of life that don't lead to the best of health outcomes. There are the indulgences of character by those who feel that it is their right to degrade others, like Christie, Rush, Boortz, Beck, etc.
They are not showing any empathy and it makes it hard for me to show it to them. Because they are literally killing people by getting rich spewing filth. But we can be better.
defacto7
(14,162 posts)What does someone's size, race, hair colour, sexual preference, ear shape, etc... have to do with politics?
Just the mention of someone's appearance as political comment wreaks of prejudice, let alone a 2 year old's mentality.
Free speech? Fine. Prejudice... Grow up.
JoeyT
(6,785 posts)There are enough adjectives we can use toward Christie that don't insult, offend, or hurt our friends that we could all wear our keyboards out and still not have run out of stuff to say about him. To insist we stick to insulting him about his weight not only displays a callousness for the feelings of other people on here, but a severe lack of imagination.
MFM008
(20,042 posts)I dont dislike CC for his looks, just his politics. I know what sort of health problems he must have.
Same thing happened to me. Medication I have to take, Ive put on the same since I began it.
eridani
(51,907 posts)You know, there are worthy victims who certainly didn't deserve to be raped, who demonstrate that by not getting pregnant. And then there are the sluts who deserve it.
And there are worthy fat people who do all the right diet and exercise stuff and are fat even after losing some weight, and those other kind--the ones who are just eating too much. And you REALLY CAN tell the difference just by looking at them.
spanone
(141,560 posts)mrs_p
(3,236 posts)People who direct their criticism towards his weight are no better than republicans, imho.
Sylvarose
(210 posts)I've been "overweight" all my life. At my heaviest..was in the last few years of my relationship (he still thought I was beautiful).
And let me tell you...I was big. I still am heavy. However, I am back down to at least being able to shop in most Plus Size stores not just special Plus Size stores.
I'm back to exercising again..and making healthier eating choices. Anyway..the point is..and I firmly believe this..don't let the bastards get you down. Treat yourself with love and compassion because yes..there are too many out there who will judge you, say things to you and there is 'fatism' in this country. Heck..I know for a fact I didn't get a job once because someone actually thought fat=lazy.
So yeah...I agree..it's often irritating to see people's criticisms about Christie being solely focused on his weight. Look, there's plenty else about the man to criticize. Now, comments that are truly concerned about he's health..I can be a little bit more forgiving..but if I'm reading a post and it strays into comments about his weight..I move on.
Finally...if your health permits..and you can find someone in the area who offers classes (or get some DVDs)..I highly recommend taking up belly dancing. YES! Belly dancing! It's low impact. Easy on the joints. It's a great work out..and it wonderful for soothing and boosting self esteem. Also it's fun. When I belly dance...I don't think about exercise..or my weight. I just enjoy myself..and it reminds me that I'm beautiful just the way I am. I've taken classes with women of every body age and shape.
SR
treestar
(82,383 posts)I haven't heard anything like that, but then I'm older. Could be when you're young and weigh a lot, you're going to get those comments. People can't seem to stop themselves.
theinquisitivechad
(322 posts)It bothers me too. It's not substantive criticism. It's akin to how cheap going after Obama for smoking would be (if he's not completely already stopped - apparently he's been following a cessation program so he may not be anymore).
But yeah. Cheap insults levied by cheap people.
4th law of robotics
(6,801 posts)I think we'd be better of if more people were capable of minding their own damn business on issues that don't concern them.
ThatsMyBarack
(7,641 posts)
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts) 
gollygee
(22,336 posts)I am so upset about the dog whistles and racism from the GOP, and then this stuff comes from us. There are some things that people should not be made fun about.
hlthe2b
(113,900 posts)Deriding him for his weight should be off limits.
That said, and as much as I detest his politics, I am worried about his health given his weight. I hope he is being monitored closely by his physician and doing whatever he can to be as healthy as possible--even if he does not lose the weight.
Kaleva
(40,352 posts)WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)At least in the first half, anyway.
Good post, well said, and
BlueMTexpat
(15,689 posts)His physical appearance in some ways personifies their ugliness.
But I have learned, especially as I have aged, that keeping my weight within bounds, no matter what I do, is more difficult if for no reason other than that my body's metabolic system doesn't work in the same way as it did when I was younger. And yes, I struggle.
So I too am very uncomfortable with the "fat" memes, even when they are directed Christie's way, nasty as he is. They are hurtful and mean and we belittle ourselves by using them. Just because Republicans are not above bashing in any way possible does not justify Democrats descending to their level.
We have plenty of weapons to bash Republicans with that don't need to be based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, national origin or physical appearance. Not using such epithets is not "political correctness" as the Republicans like to charge. It is simple courtesy. And one can achieve much more by courtesy than one might think.
Thank you for your post.
lupinella
(365 posts)Thank you very much for this. Bullying & privilege come in many forms.
Trillo
(9,154 posts)The value of FAT is totally misunderstood by folks. Fat was part of what helped the H. erectus and later H. sapiens to have such a big damn brain, or so some have said.
Fatheads, all of us.
DocMac
(1,628 posts)Shall we have some pie? 
heaven05
(18,124 posts)and there are du'ers that call each other, ignorant, dim because of non-agreement on any given point. we don't need that either and I applaud your courage in trying to tell du'ers to be civil in their conversations and OP's.
ann---
(1,933 posts)but is Christie on steroids?