Calling someone “fat” can be a hurtful insult. But why is that?
This question came up when a mother named Allison shared her story about a recent swimming trip with her children. When her daughter called her fat, 30-year-old Allison had a clever response, and her message is now spreading quickly online.
Allison Kimmey began dieting when she was just 14 years old. She managed to stay at a size two to four through graduate school, but it was tough, and she wasn’t happy. Three years ago, at age 27, Allison reached a size eight and realized she would be much happier if she stopped fighting against her weight gain.
To motivate herself, Allison started an Instagram account, @allisonkimmey, where she shares pictures and inspirational messages. Her body positivity spreads joy and encourages her followers, but her important message doesn’t always reach everyone.
**Me:** “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts.”
**Her brother:** “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.”
**Me:** “Yes, that’s true. Some people have a lot, and others don’t have much. But that doesn’t mean one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
**Both:** “Yes, mama.”
**Me:** “So can you repeat what I said?”
**Them:** “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t just be fat, but everyone HAS fat, and it’s okay to have different fat.”
**Me:** “Exactly right!”
Not only did Allison want to teach her children how to talk to others, but she also felt it was important to spread the message that everyone is equal, no matter their body shape. Now, her post on Instagram has gone viral.
“If I shame my children for saying it, then I’m proving that it’s an insulting word and continuing the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical, and undesirable,” writes Allison.
76-year-old grandmother faces backlash online for sporting sleeveless dress in photos
Everyone has their own opinions, but it’s often wiser to keep them private. Recently, a 76-year-old fashion influencer stirred up some mixed reactions after posting a photo of herself in a sleeveless, knee-length dress. Although the post received numerous comments, not all were flattering.
Candace Cima, a grandmother of 11, showcased her style in a sleeveless brown knit dress paired with a cozy sweater in a video. While many praised her for embracing fashion at her age, others were critical of her outfit choice.
Some comments expressed that the dress did not suit her figure, suggesting that a tighter fit below the waist was unflattering. Others shared their disapproval, stating that they wouldn’t wear such a dress and felt it was inappropriate for someone of her age to show so much skin.
Cima responded to the negativity by affirming that it’s completely natural to have wrinkled skin at her age and expressed her lack of shame regarding it. She pondered whether she should also cover her face simply because of the wrinkles.
Having launched her fashion blog in 2019, Cima identified a gap in representation for older women in the fashion world. She recognized a need to discuss how to dress confidently as one ages, challenging the notion that women must hide their bodies as they grow older.
Cima advocates for a shift in the perception of aging, emphasizing that it’s unnecessary to hold on to outdated beliefs in today’s society.
Despite the harsh comments she received, Cima chose to focus on the positive and offer encouragement to her younger followers. She highlighted the joys of aging, reminding them that the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime is something to be cherished and celebrated.
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