Daniel Callahan, a senior research scholar at the Hastings Center in New York, published a piece in which he calls for emphasis on social pressure against heavy people through ad campaigns and education. The piece is entitled: “Shaming Obese People Tastefully.”
He thinks the following questions should be asked:
“Are you pleased with the way you look?”
“Are you pleased when your obese children are called ‘fatty’?”
“Fair or not, do you know that many people look down on upon those excessively overweight…making fun of them or calling them lazy and lacking in self-control?”
Callahan sites that his proposal should work because he stopped smoking because he was “shamed.”
My take:
First of all Mr. Callahan, smoking is not the same as overeating. You don’t have to smoke to survive. You can at any time stop smoking and live. You can’t ever stop eating. Many obese people (including myself) have a problem with portion control. Smokers can’t just smoke fewer cigarettes and still not be at risk to health-related complications. They have to stop it all together.
Mr. Callahan you will never and can never understand why I’m overweight. Frankly, it’s none of your business. “Shaming” obese people isn’t going to make them magically stop overeating. Most will just eat more because of the “shame” you so desire to place upon them.
What if I tell you Mr. Callahan that I think you look ugly and old? Should I then shame you until you decide to get plastic surgery as to look younger and better looking?
Your title is an oxymoron. “Shaming obese people tastefully.” Seriously?!!! The act of shaming someone can never be done in a good way. Isn’t that the whole point? Aren’t you trying to make someone feel bad about something? How’s that tasteful?
I can’t stand when people take it upon themselves to scold me for what I eat. If I wanted your opinion I would ask for it. I know very well that I should lose weight. I don’t need nor in any way desire to hear your opinion Mr. Callahan. And to think I thought Paul Krugman was unbearable.
Well Congratulations Mr. Callahan you’ve certainly succeeded…succeeded in showcasing your stupidity and ignorance. Hope you are happy that I find you even more intolerable than: Krugman, Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh and Bill Maher.
You should ponder my disdain for your stupidity; rest assured that I will be enjoying some sweet, Caramel-Swirl ice cream.
Bon Appétit!
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Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate
posted on 06 September at 20:34
Should we bully you sir fort how you do or don't look? NO!