Obesity and Its Relation to Term Paper

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Many Americans would rather die or cut off a limb than be fat... (Worley). There is an underlying prejudice towards the excessively overweight that has, to a large extent, become an accepted part of society. As Worley states, it has become "...acceptable to shun fat people and make them the butt of cruel jokes" (Worley). Worley, Schwartz and others also emphasis the negative way that fat people are treated in public, as well as by family members. This leads to feelings if shame and a loss of self-esteem, with all the negative psychological aspects that this implies.

However, there are organizations that have realized the extent of this problem and who actively involved in raising public awareness about unfair prejudice and in helping combat such prejudice in society. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) has reacted against this innate prejudice in society by providing a platform and a venue for those who are discriminated against on the basis of their appearance. The site provides information and data that suggests, for instance, that obesity may be the result of genetics.

NAAFA is also extremely helpful in outlining some of the most common ways in which obese people are prejudiced against. The data available explores the ways in which discrimination and bias can take place in the employment situation. "Discrimination in employment due to body size is rampant throughout the United States, as evidenced by documentation of numerous cases and successful litigation on file at NAAFA, Inc." (NAAF Policy: EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION) NAAFA also provides ways in which such discrimination can be addressed.

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Furthermore, the Association also provides information and discussion on discrimination in the field of education. Education is a particularly important part of an individual's personal growth and development and it is in this area the overweight individual is often unfairly discriminated against. "Public, private, and parochial school systems often reflect and reinforce negative stereotypes associated with fat people. Positive fat role models are virtually non-existent in school textbooks or literature" (NAAF Policy: Education Discrimination). There are also other areas where prejudice and bias is noted towards overweight people; for example in the adoption process.

In conclusion, the various theorist and commentators on this subject clearly show in their writings that there is a great deal of misunderstanding in society with regard to obesity. While on the one had obesity is a reality, there is also a wider stereotyping of overweight people in our society that leads to different forms of bias and prejudice. The plight of the severely overweight person is worsened and often made intolerable by the bias and discrimination that may affect educational and employment prospects, among others. These stereotypes may also increase aspects such as psychological depression and anxiety, which in turn may increase the problem of obesity. As these writers suggest, the issue of obesity in terms of its understanding and perception in society is in need of reevaluation......

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