Getting Vocal

Why getting vocal?

While it is important on an individual level to critique the messages we receive about ‘ideal’ weight, shape and size, joining forces with other people can make this much easier. Addressing fat phobia, eating difficulties and eating disorders is a social justice activity. Learning to speak up for social justice around body size frees people to live proudly and happily at whatever size they are.

Activism can take many forms from a simple assertive response by an individual, to an organised activity with others….

So what can we do?

• Review our own attitudes and values – do we convey a message that says I will like myself/you more if I/you lose weight, eat less, wear a smaller size, eat only good foods.
• Challenge conversations that focus on appearance. Don’t participate in activities such as whistling, leering, rating other people’s looks.
• Train ourselves to respect people of every size and shape.
• Stop talking about weight – every discussion we have about weight or fat or being too this or that, leaves an impression on the people around us.
• Conduct a media watch and voice your opinion. Write letters to advertisers who use unacceptable images. See below.
• Lobby to have ‘size’ and ‘physical appearance’ added to Human Rights Legislation.
• Challenge fat phobia wherever you encounter it.
• Celebrate International Diet Free Day on May 6th every year.
• Donate to Salvation Army all those clothes that you’re saving until you get ‘thin’.
• Get these issues out in the open; raise them in discussions, write letters to the editor.
• Congratulate advertisers who use a diverse range of images.
• Educate ourselves – there are some great books and websites to inspire us. See booklist and website list

When the world is a more respectful place that accepts diversity in all areas, including size, religion, weight, gender, ethnicity, sexuality – we all win.

		Tips for becoming a critical viewer of the media Remember that the media’s definition of attractiveness and success do not have to define our self image or potential. Talk back to the TV when you see an ad or hear a message that makes you feel bad about yourself or your body. Make a list of companies who send negative body image messages and make a conscious effort to avoid buying their products – let them know what you’re doing. Check out your environment for images supporting restrictive body ideals – do something about it. Here’s a checklist of things to watch out for: Ads that include an emaciated model or a model whose features have been computer enhanced. Ads that include a fat person whose attributes or character are portrayed negatively. Ads that glamourise images of people on diets. Ads that present people relying on food as a way to respond to stress frustration or loneliness.

IF WE CHOOSE TO BE CONSUMERS THEN WE CAN CHOOSE WHAT TO CONSUME!