Acceptable Prejudice? Fat, Rhetoric and Social Justice

by Lonie McMichael

Fat prejudice is exploding in American society, yet even social justice advocates tend to deny fat individuals protection because fat is seen as unhealthy and permanently changeable -- concepts supported by a great deal of societal belief and very little scientific evidence. Using bell hooks' ideology of domination, Lonie McMichael explores the phenomena of fat prejudice -- from inception to resistance -- through a rhetorical lens. Looking at the actual experiences of fat people, she argues that fat prejudice is neither acceptable nor tolerable in our society. Publisher's Weekly calls Acceptable Prejudice? "a useful introduction to a burgeoning movement...will make readers question their attitudes about overweight people."

Genres: Nonfiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2013

Reviews

[Sherrie Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it took me over a year to slog through this fairly short book. The premise was promising, but all I got was that being fat was good and that we should all just get along.

Well, being fat is NOT good. The so-called research in this book is almost non-existant. The author would have you believe that being fat does not cause other health issues. Sorry dude, 99% of researchers disagree with you. And when one becomes so obese as to restrict movement? It's time for some drastic measures (lest we become the humans in Wall-E).

Now, should we try to accept those who are overweight/obese? Sure. Probably not going to happen. I've been overweight since birth and have learned to deal with the consequences, just like anyone else should. The ideal is not to be fat. Being fat, at one time, used to mean you had the money to eat. Those times are long gone. It's actually those who are poor that statistically more overweight, because processed foods are much cheaper than lean meats and fresh fruits and veggies.

Sorry to go off on a mini-rant here, but books like these lie to the general populace. Fat predjudice will probably be the last one to go.

[Rachel]

This is free on Kindle July 4th-8th!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid and engaging rhetorical analysis of the War on Fat thing and The Fat Resistance

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a decent primer on the Fat Acceptance movement, but if you're already well-versed in FA/HAES and the FA blogosphere, I'd skip it.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think a lot more people should read this, though I wasn't happy with the book overall it is an eye opener in any case.

[LibraryKath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to love it, I'm quoted extensively in it!