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More than a week ago, Marie Claire’s blogger Maura Kelly wrote a blog in response to her editor’s question, "Do you really think people feel uncomfortable when they see overweight people making out on television?"
Kelly’s Marie Claire blog says, ʺI think I’d be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other…ʺ Kelly goes on to say, ʺbecause I’d be grossed out if I had to watch them do anything. I think obesity is something that most people have a ton of control over.ʺ Kelly accuses the CBS television show ʺMike & Mollyʺ of promoting obesity.
Kelly, a recovering anorexic, seemed to be saying big is not beautiful.
According to recent news reports, Kelly’s insensitive remarks sparked an online outrage. The blog has received over 3200 comments and Marie Claire has received over 28,000 emails. Also, Twitter is flooded with calls for a boycott of Marie Claire.
Kelly has since apologized for her remarks. Kelly wrote, ʺI would really like to apologize for the insensitive things I've said in this post. Believe it or not, I never wanted anyone to feel bullied or ashamed after reading this, and I sorely regret that it upset people so much. A lot of what I said was unnecessary. It wasn't productive, either. I know a lot of people truly struggle to lose weight — for medical and psychological reasons — and that many people have an incredibly difficult time getting to a healthy size. I feel for those people and I'm truly sorry I added to the unhappiness and pain they feel with my post.ʺ
However, many feel Kelly’s apology was too little too late and insincere. “You didn’t realize your words were hurtful and this article could be seen as bullying when you wrote it? Do you really lack any sort of common sense?” writes one commenter.
Marie Claire’s posted anti-obesity article has sparked a fat-phobia debate. Has fat bashing gone too far?
According to Rachel Sklar, editor-at-large at Mediaite.com, as writers-as journalists, we should be engaging in difficult conversations. However, do so responsibly, knowledgably and based on facts.
Yes, obesity is an issue. However, using the word fat is downright cruel. According to Emme, founder of the Body Image Council and a former plus-size model, when addressing weight issues, we must be sensitive and compassionate.
Clearly, there is an under-current of prejudice. Ask anyone who has worn a fat suit with a hidden camera. The comments revealed from a hidden camera are nauseating and down-right insensitive.
The one thing Kelly did get right is our country's obsession with physical perfection is unhealthy. However, women like Roseanne, Oprah, Rosie O’Donnell, Gabourey Sidibe, Kristie Alley are proving
women are beautiful -no matter their shape or size.
What do you think of Kelly’s remarks?
Sources:
http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/dating-blog/overweight-couples-on-television
http://theclicker.todayshow.com/_news/2010/10/27/5360280-fatties-are-just-fine-on-tv-marie-claire
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erica-kennedy/are-marie-claire-and-cbs-_b_776309.html?ir=Style
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39868583
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39868583/ns/today-today_health?gt1=43001
Add a Comment6 Comments
There are those who would argue there is an addictive factor to binge eating and compulsively over-eating. Whether you agree or not, the MC article was mean-spirited and very shortsighted.
November 9, 2010 - 1:11pm(Link removed by EmpowHER moderator.)
This Comment
People with over-eating disorders have about as much control over losing weight as an anorexic does in gaining weight.
And scientifically, some people ARE just larger, in the same way some people are just skinny no matter what they eat. It's all dependent on metabolism, height, bone structure, and where fat is more likely to be deposited. Typically, people who's ancestors dwelled in colder climates will retain more fat than those who's ancestors roamed warmer lands. That's genetics, unfortunately.
It's also been proven than being overweight and exercising frequently is much better for you than being a 'healthy' weight and doing no exercise.
November 5, 2010 - 4:40amThis Comment
I'm curious how the blog made it past the editor and got posted. Did the editor think it was just fine and was shocked to hear the backlash? Did the editor know it was controversial but it was considered a nice opportunity to drive traffic to the Marie Claire site, only they didn't realize it would be almost all negative? I'd love to hear the editor's point of view.
November 4, 2010 - 8:15amThis Comment
MC - The issue isn't fat-bashing, the issue is bullying, which is what her comments were. I'm a long time Marie Claire subscriber and among the 28,000 who've written a letter to the editor. There is no apology or excuse for the cruel remarks this woman made. Not everyone has control over their weight, including people like me who've gained unhealthy extra pounds from cancer treatment. I guess in her world people would choose to die rather than go into treatment that saves their lives but adds on pounds. Yes, obesity is an issue. So is bullying in the form of inflammatory statements made to spark controversy and draw more readers to a website.
November 2, 2010 - 4:36pmThis Comment
I would say that Maura Kelly is a dog inside and out but that would be an insult to dogs everywhere
November 2, 2010 - 12:55amThis Comment
I blog too. This is what I think: http://crossroadwoman.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-maura-kelly-made-me-cry.html.
November 1, 2010 - 8:23pmThis Comment