Beauty is difference!
Emme's claim that "fat is the last acceptable prejudice" is certainly a fair statement coming from someone who obviously knows. I don't disagree with the fact that she feels that way but I do however recognize that there are a lot of ways people can be prejudice and being prejudice against fat people is not acceptable by my standards! Her point is well received but not well articulated because I think the point she is trying to make is about the ridiculous taboo set up around weight in this American culture that is indeed outstanding in comparison to other social taboo's. Also important to note is the fact that prejudice messages are something people often internalize after so many years of hearing how (supposedly) other people feel about you. People begin to hate themselves for what "they think" other people think when really they are the active agent in the "hate game" and people are way more receptive to difference than media makes them out to be. Despite my understanding of internalizing prejudices and forming insecurities as a result, the culture we live in still portrayed the negative messages and is still ultimately responsible.
The way I re-imagine difference and oppression is by throwing out our capitalist system completely! The reason weight is a taboo in America is becasue our capitalist, consuming culture is based on a campighn of fear and consumption. In other words, the media of all sorts is desighned to play on peoples fears of unacceptace that we all have, and use them to sell you things.
Example: (Deep cheesy voice) "Do you have a few extra pounds around your waistline? Try (insert ridiculous, non-creative product name here.) the wonderful new product that melts fat away!."
In order for this positioning of marginalities to be together and unified rather than placed as opponents of one another, we need people to start realizing the system we operate under in America is a fraud and doesn't serve anyone but the few powerful people at the top.(IE: corporations and government officials) When people realize the injustice behind our entire materialistic lifestyle that is American culture, they might experience a personal revolution that allows for disregarding the entire foundation of all oppressions and isms that are still rampant in today's society.
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Awrbz6
Posted by: Avyodhju | July 14, 2009 3:15 PM