Prejudice On A Large Scale

Recently the Daily Kenoshan had a new "contributor" offer some rather mean, hateful remarks in the Forums section. Fortunately the problem was addressed professionally and the disgusting posts were removed without much incident.

Regrettably, prejudice is a very real and ugly part of our society. It always has been. However, thankfully today most forms of prejudice, even when poking fun, are not tolerated.

The reason I say most forms are not tolerated is because there is still one class of people in the U.S.A. who it is still acceptable to make prejudicial fun of - big people. Listen to Leno and Letterman's monologue some evening. Chances are you will hear a wise crack or two about someone's size or weight.

Not too long ago, a "man of size" who happens to host a local morning radio show, related on the air a personal incident that further illustrates my point. It seems he had stopped at an area supermarket to pick up a few things. While walking from his vehicle to the store, a car full of young people pulled up to him and shouted, "Hey fat ass, can't you move any faster?" He told them no he couldn't and continued inside to do his shopping.

An amusing radio bit? Perhaps, but I guarantee that inside it had hurt the radio host. At the very least, he was sick and tired of hearing such moronic comments. I, being a large man myself, have heard and dealt with similar comments most of my adult life. You try to grin and bear it and shrug it off, but deep down those prejudicial barbs are painful.

Prejudice - "Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual evidence. Dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior formed on such a basis." That pretty much says it all. You might not think that "fat-bashing" is a form of prejudice. Based on this online definition, I feel it is.

Just as all people of Jewish descent are not money hungry bankers, all large people do not have poor personal hygiene. Likewise, just as all people of Polish descent aren't stupid morons, not all large people are gluttons. Similarly, just as all people with a Hispanic heritage are not lawn mowing thieves, not all large people are slow-moving and lazy. Do you see my point? These are all stupid reasons to hate someone and they have no just basis at all.

Some people who are overweight are that way because of their genes. Sometimes, it's due to other physical conditions, not related to obesity, which preclude them from regular exercise. Others have excess weight because of medications that they might be required to take. To be sure, there are those that do make poor food choices and do overeat for various reasons, but does this give others the right to be mean and hateful to them?

Does anyone want to be fat and have other people make fun of them for it? Of course they don't. Let's begin thinking of people's feelings before we ridicule others, for whatever reason. Here's an idea - Let's all try to "lighten up" just a little! Until next time…From The Booth.