The app targeted not only users who are fat, but also LGBTQ people and those with what they identified as intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome and Autism. Moderators were instructed to use internal moderation tools to severely limit the ability of videos from these groups to be seen, all without the video creator's knowledge.
When confronted, TikTok claimed it was "meant to be a short-term solution." An insider said that it had been going on for a long time, but it doesn't really matter - it's not a good solution for half a second. The idea that denying marginalized people a platform is a solution to bullying is trying to solve bullying with more bullying. It's taking a bullied kids lunch money from them and then handing it to their bullies, then claiming that you protected them.
The problem is never marginalized people existing, the problem is always the shame, stigma, bullying, and oppression we face. Each of the groups targeted by TikTok faces these things in different ways, nobody from these groups is helped by being denied the platform that their bullies are being given.
Online bullying is a plague that can be anything from inconvenient to life-threatening for the victims. Those committing these acts are the problem, and stopping them is the solution. If TikTok has the technology to identify which users are more likely to be targeted by bullies, then they can direct their moderators to focus on those accounts to delete and block trolls.
Platforms should work to give marginalized people more representation while doing more to eliminate bullying. TikTok needs to do better.
Was this post helpful? If you appreciate the work that I do, you can support my ability to do more of it with a one-time tip or by becoming a member. (Members get special deals on fat-positive stuff, a monthly e-mail keeping them up to date on the work their membership supports, and the ability to ask me questions that I answer in a members-only monthly Q&A Video!)
Want to sing a song about the importance of fat-friendly seating? What to remind people that they don't need to talk about their diet - in song? Jeanette DePatie and I have you covered with the playlist below! We'll be adding new songs through the end of the year!
Like this blog? Here's more cool stuff: Body Love Obstacle CourseThis e-course that includes coaching videos, a study guide, and an ebook with the tools you need to create a rock-solid relationship with your body. Our relationships with our bodies don't happen in a vacuum, so just learning to see our beauty isn't going to cut it. The world throws obstacles in our way - obstacles that aren't our fault, but become our problem. Over the course of this program, Ragen Chastain, Jeanette DePatie, and six incredible guest coaches will teach you practical, realistic, proven strategies to go above, around, and through the obstacles that the world puts in front of you when it comes to living an amazing life in the body you have now.
Price: $99.00
($79.00 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
Wellness for All Bodies Program: A simple, step-by-step, super efficient guide to setting and reaching your health goals from a weight-neutral perspective. This program can be used by individuals, or by groups, including as a workplace wellness program!
Price: $25.00 ($10 for DancesWithFat members - register on the member page)
Love It! 234 Inspirations And Activities to Help You Love Your Body
This is filled with thoughtful advice from the authors Jeanette DePatie, Ragen Chastain, and Pia Sciavo-Campo as well as dozens of other notable names from the body love movement, the book is lovingly illustrated with diverse drawings from size-positive artist Toni Tails.
Price: $9.99 softcover, $7.99 Kindle, ($6.95 + free shipping for DancesWithFat Members)
Book and Dance Class Sale! I'm on a journey to complete an IRON-distance triathlon, and I'm having a sale on all my books, DVDs, and digital downloads to help pay for it. You get books and dance classes, I get spandex clothes and bike parts. Everybody wins! If you want, you can check it out here! ( DancesWithFat Members get an even better deal, make sure to make your purchases from the Members Page!)
Book Me! I'd love to speak to your organization. You can get more information here or just e-mail me at ragen at danceswithfat dot org!
I'm (still!) training for an Iron-distance triathlon! You can follow my journey at www.IronFat.com .
If you are uncomfortable with my offering things for sale on this site, you are invited to check out this post.
Hi, I'm Ragen Chastain. Speaker, Writer, Dancer, Choreographer, Marathoner, Soon to be IRONMAN, Activist, Fat Person. View all posts by danceswithfat