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News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
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bookworm
Two Little Rosebuds
Member since 8/09 2106 total posts
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
You know, I don't think he called her names. He was actually pretty articulate about it.
"Attacked"? "Bullied"? Arguably yes. I get the sense that she's trying to make a point about cyberbullying and people's general comfort level saying things behind the keyboard that they would never have the balls to say to someone's face. For example, he refused to appear on the show.
I did think it was mean-spirited at the least. And I really disagree with his point that she has some grand responsibility to model perfection to society as a whole because she's a newscaster. I really take issue with that point of view and the pressure on media figures to raise our children for us and teach them values. She has a greater responsibility to her daughters. I say this as an overweight person. And from personal experience, she's right when she says he hasn't told her anything she doesn't already know. Fact is there are biological factors at play that fight against the already overweight slimming down long-term, which really calls the following claim into dispute (read the article):
Posted by Kidsaplenty
All I'm saying is people choose to be overweight barring any health issues that prevent weight loss
P.S. This is my sister's (in Wisconsin) local broadcast. The guy lives in her town. Everyone now hates him and there is a boycott of his personal injury law practice.
Message edited 10/4/2012 6:34:15 AM.
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Posted 10/4/12 6:28 AM  |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Posted by laurabora
Honestly this whole thing just makes me wonder where people get off thinking it's okay to directly criticize someone for their appearance or the shape of their body. She is a human being. Why is her weight even a topic of conversation if she is doing her job well?
We all come in different shapes and sizes. I don't think any young girl is going to look at her and say, "Wow, she's on television and she's fat, I'm going to make sure I get fat too!" NOBODY wants to be overweight, trust me. It is a constant struggle for some people (myself included) to control their relationship with food.
I'd file this under the category of "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all."
ETA: To me, it doesn't matter why she's overweight. She could have a thyroid problem or just like to eat cookies. Her body is her business and the reasons for her weight are totally irrelevant.
Well said 
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| Posted 10/4/12 8:24 AM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Posted by LDrinkh20
"But I asked a question that I think is important to ask - do people that stand to be idolized and looked up to by children have a responsibility to exhibit a good image? "
I guess another question along these lines would be what constitutes an "idol"? I know for me, it was never a news anchorwoman and personally I think parents and adults that are IN children's lives are the ones that are most responsible for exhibiting a good image.
I am in no way flaming anyone, was merely speaking my opinion---no arguments here. I also think it is up to the person being "targeted" (for lack of better word) to determine if it is serious enough. Something that doesn't seem serious to me might seem extremely serious to you and vice versa.
And I think her point was to make a stand for those children or adults who feel victimized and as if there is no way out like you mentioned. Perhaps she was "overreacting" purposefully to bring awareness and comfort to those going through it? I don't know just a guess!
I'm sorry, I never meant to insinuate that children are watching the nightly news and idolizing a newscaster. 
I meant in general, because this situation to be brings up so many different issues. Image, insensitivity, role models, obesity in America, bullying, healthy living...
I'll be honest, my concern about role models and images isn't as heavy as my concern about obesity being on the rise, especially in children. I had one overweight girl in my class growing up, who happened to be my best friend. She got bullied for that and I got bullied for being a redhead with freckles. We were a pair. 
I remember how she would cry to me about it, and I always sympathized and was sad about how cruel children could be. Her parents were morbidly obese and her brother was overweight as well. Her mother routinely cooked heavy meals with no vegetables, desserts were abound in her home and I loved it because I could eat all the crap at her house that I couldn't get at home.
There definitely wasn't as much attention paid to childhood obesity then but although there is now, the problem has grown to be much more serious and common. I wonder where we're heading with a problem that passes from a parent to a child in perpetuity, millions of dollars in addition healthcare costs solely due to obesity that affects all of us, the lengths with which fast food companies will go to psychologically trap children at a young age into an emotional attachment with poor eating choices, etc.
Although people are free to live their own lives, it's become a bigger problem than one person's choices. When you add up all those choices, 75% of Americans are overweight and 30% are so overweight, they are considered obese. That's not why I've been choosing a healthier lifestyle, and I can relate to an idea that my choices shouldn't matter to any one else. But millions of others feel the same, and it's only getting worse. Awareness should be treated the same as any other problem that affects the majority of Americans, but I don't think it is.
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| Posted 10/4/12 9:15 AM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Awesome response! As far as the concern regarding the obesity epidemic in America I am right there with you. Although, I do feel there is an increasing amount of awareness being raised regarding this topic. Childhood obesity and obesity in general are definitely issues that need to be addressed, however this in my opinion, was not my preferred method.
You mentioned how cruel children were to your friend when you were young. Where do these children learn this behavior? A lot of times, their parents. I think THAT was this news anchorwoman's point. Not that she isn't overweight but that by behaving the way this man did, we are teaching our children that it is ok to judge others based on their outward appearances etc. In my mind HE is not being a good role model.
I also wanted to respond to the points others have made regarding the idea that if this were an anorexic woman, things would be different. Personally, I get just as upset and angry when people comment on a woman (or man) being too thin. I guess as someone who has been on both sides of the spectrum, I feel strongly that my body is MY body and nobody should feel they have the right to comment on it.
BTW- I think this conversation is wonderful!
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| Posted 10/4/12 9:36 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
There is a great thread on MFP on this topic:
MFP
I particularly enjoy and agree with the poster Maricash. Here is one exchange:
"QUOTE of another poster:
Is sooooooo tired of hearing about this.... she just can't let it go and is becoming famous because of it. BULLYING MY A$$ !!
I just heard that she runs 3x a week .......suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure she does BAHAHAHAHAHA
Maricash:
There are many people on this site who are even heavier than that woman and who run regularly. I see posts from them quite often. Here's a recent example: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/711234-300-lbs-and-ran-my-2nd-5k-i-feel-like-a-superhero-w-pics?hl=300+5k
I'm sure she's just faking it though. No one who is overweight exercises or eats healthy things ever. Just as no one who is thin starves themselves to get there or spends any time watching T.V. Fat people all stuff themselves and sleep all day. While thin people all run 10 miles daily and eat healthy balanced meals. At least that is what I am "learning" from some of the ignorant comments in this thread."
Message edited 10/4/2012 12:00:33 PM.
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| Posted 10/4/12 11:54 AM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Posted by LDrinkh20
Awesome response! As far as the concern regarding the obesity epidemic in America I am right there with you. Although, I do feel there is an increasing amount of awareness being raised regarding this topic. Childhood obesity and obesity in general are definitely issues that need to be addressed, however this in my opinion, was not my preferred method.
You mentioned how cruel children were to your friend when you were young. Where do these children learn this behavior? A lot of times, their parents. I think THAT was this news anchorwoman's point. Not that she isn't overweight but that by behaving the way this man did, we are teaching our children that it is ok to judge others based on their outward appearances etc. In my mind HE is not being a good role model.
I also wanted to respond to the points others have made regarding the idea that if this were an anorexic woman, things would be different. Personally, I get just as upset and angry when people comment on a woman (or man) being too thin. I guess as someone who has been on both sides of the spectrum, I feel strongly that my body is MY body and nobody should feel they have the right to comment on it.
BTW- I think this conversation is wonderful!
So do I, thank you for keeping a cool head and having this discussion with me. :)
I agree, parents definitely have a responsibility to teach their children acceptance of all kinds of people. I've often wondered how much of a way a child behaves is directly related to parenting and how much isn't. I think it should be both parts of your point and mine. If parents are concerned about their children's weight, health, and teaching them to make good choices in regards to nutrition, it alleviates the possibility of them being ridiculed by their peers. And if they teach acceptance as well, they have a better chance of not being one of the cruel kids that bullies.
Do you think schools and teachers have the responsibility as well? I've been hearing/reading about the changes being made to school lunches and know at least one parent that isn't happy about it. Their point was that their kid doesn't like this vegetable or that one, and if that's their only choice, they'll go hungry. She felt she should have a say in what her child eats, or to allow the child to make the choice between veggies and something like tater tots.
Message edited 10/5/2012 8:08:59 AM.
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| Posted 10/5/12 8:08 AM |
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BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name:
Mrs. B
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Posted by Kidsaplenty
I was always skinny until after I had kids. I was about 105, ballooned up to 195, and am now sitting nicely at 115.
I will say this, it was always my choice to remain overweight. Always. I assume full responsibility for being obese, just as I have full responsibility for getting my ass in gear and losing it all. And I believe that anyone without a major health problem can make the choice to lose weight.
I do think people just dont have the motivation or drive to work as hard as many of us here did to get healthier. And that is their choice, but don't act flabbergasted when someone points out that you are overweight and unhealthy. You choose to remain obese, you choose to keep eating the way you do, and you choose to not make the necessary changes in your life. It may be insensitive, but its true.
No offensive but from what you wrote it doesn't really sound like you understand what it means to 'struggle' your entire life with your weight.
You didn't spend your teen years on yo-yo diets, and your college years in a gym to get into a size 4.
I did
I got pregnant with DS through fertility treatments. The drugs I took for 4 1/2 months made me gain 20lbs BEFORE I even got a postitive sign on that stick.
Then I gained more weight while I was pregnant - and not because I was eating whatever I wanted. My body was on hormone over drive.
My DS just turned 2 a few weeks back and I am STILL losing the weight. The first year my body was a complete mess because of all the crap I pumped myself with to get pregnant. No amount of dieting helped.
Not to mention I am a FTWM whose commute is over an hour each way. I drop my son off at 7:00 am and don't pick him up until after 6:00pm on most days.
I can't go to the gym before work because my DH leaves for work at 515. I have enough going on with getting myself and DS out the door on time as is.
I get to my moms to get DS at 615 and need to pack him up and help my mom clean her house from the mess he made that day.
Now its 7:00 pm. DS needs to get a bath, a bottle and be put to sleep. All of which DH can't handle on his own (this is my own personal battle and can easily be fixed if he would step up but he won't and I resent him for it).
Finding time to get to the gym for a half hour is impossible. My DH is not much help with DS, he is just now stepping up with watching him on his own whle I sneak out for 30 minutes.
So yes, I am now fully taking control of losing the weight I gained. However, unless you know my back story as to why it has taken me this long to get into it, don't point at me and say it was because I am was not motivated.
I don't need ANYONE to state what I already see in the mirror daily. I beat myself up enough without having a complete stranger tell me I am fat.
Stick to your own mirror
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| Posted 10/5/12 9:34 AM |
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Kidsaplenty
Sister love
Member since 2/06 5971 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Posted by BriBri2u
Posted by Kidsaplenty
I was always skinny until after I had kids. I was about 105, ballooned up to 195, and am now sitting nicely at 115.
I will say this, it was always my choice to remain overweight. Always. I assume full responsibility for being obese, just as I have full responsibility for getting my ass in gear and losing it all. And I believe that anyone without a major health problem can make the choice to lose weight.
I do think people just dont have the motivation or drive to work as hard as many of us here did to get healthier. And that is their choice, but don't act flabbergasted when someone points out that you are overweight and unhealthy. You choose to remain obese, you choose to keep eating the way you do, and you choose to not make the necessary changes in your life. It may be insensitive, but its true.
No offensive but from what you wrote it doesn't really sound like you understand what it means to 'struggle' your entire life with your weight.
You didn't spend your teen years on yo-yo diets, and your college years in a gym to get into a size 4.
I did
I got pregnant with DS through fertility treatments. The drugs I took for 4 1/2 months made me gain 20lbs BEFORE I even got a postitive sign on that stick.
Then I gained more weight while I was pregnant - and not because I was eating whatever I wanted. My body was on hormone over drive.
My DS just turned 2 a few weeks back and I am STILL losing the weight. The first year my body was a complete mess because of all the crap I pumped myself with to get pregnant. No amount of dieting helped.
Not to mention I am a FTWM whose commute is over an hour each way. I drop my son off at 7:00 am and don't pick him up until after 6:00pm on most days.
I can't go to the gym before work because my DH leaves for work at 515. I have enough going on with getting myself and DS out the door on time as is.
I get to my moms to get DS at 615 and need to pack him up and help my mom clean her house from the mess he made that day.
Now its 7:00 pm. DS needs to get a bath, a bottle and be put to sleep. All of which DH can't handle on his own (this is my own personal battle and can easily be fixed if he would step up but he won't and I resent him for it).
Finding time to get to the gym for a half hour is impossible. My DH is not much help with DS, he is just now stepping up with watching him on his own whle I sneak out for 30 minutes.
So yes, I am now fully taking control of losing the weight I gained. However, unless you know my back story as to why it has taken me this long to get into it, don't point at me and say it was because I am was not motivated.
I don't need ANYONE to state what I already see in the mirror daily. I beat myself up enough without having a complete stranger tell me I am fat.
Stick to your own mirror
No, I don't know, because I was always a size 4, and was never even close to fat growing up. So I can't relate to you there.
I became a size 16 and remained that way for YEARS. It wasn't until I chose to lose it, and I chose to do SOMETHING that I came back to normal. It is all a choice, and every.single.one of us has one. Motivation is great, but it doesn't mean you are actually doing a damn thing to lose the weight. Hell, if I can have six, that's right SIX kids and find time to exercise, go to nursing school full time and still maintain it, then I think it's a testament that if you want it enough you WILL do it. All I am saying is that it's your CHOICE.
I feel for you, because I was like that foryears. I always thought I just didn't have the time, I was too busy, etc. But then one day I just did it and am still doing it. It was all just a crapload of excuses on my part.
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| Posted 10/5/12 10:03 AM |
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BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name:
Mrs. B
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Re: News anchor gets a letter criticizing her weight - need your opinion
Posted by Kidsaplenty
Posted by BriBri2u
Posted by Kidsaplenty
I was always skinny until after I had kids. I was about 105, ballooned up to 195, and am now sitting nicely at 115.
I will say this, it was always my choice to remain overweight. Always. I assume full responsibility for being obese, just as I have full responsibility for getting my ass in gear and losing it all. And I believe that anyone without a major health problem can make the choice to lose weight.
I do think people just dont have the motivation or drive to work as hard as many of us here did to get healthier. And that is their choice, but don't act flabbergasted when someone points out that you are overweight and unhealthy. You choose to remain obese, you choose to keep eating the way you do, and you choose to not make the necessary changes in your life. It may be insensitive, but its true.
No offensive but from what you wrote it doesn't really sound like you understand what it means to 'struggle' your entire life with your weight.
You didn't spend your teen years on yo-yo diets, and your college years in a gym to get into a size 4.
I did
I got pregnant with DS through fertility treatments. The drugs I took for 4 1/2 months made me gain 20lbs BEFORE I even got a postitive sign on that stick.
Then I gained more weight while I was pregnant - and not because I was eating whatever I wanted. My body was on hormone over drive.
My DS just turned 2 a few weeks back and I am STILL losing the weight. The first year my body was a complete mess because of all the crap I pumped myself with to get pregnant. No amount of dieting helped.
Not to mention I am a FTWM whose commute is over an hour each way. I drop my son off at 7:00 am and don't pick him up until after 6:00pm on most days.
I can't go to the gym before work because my DH leaves for work at 515. I have enough going on with getting myself and DS out the door on time as is.
I get to my moms to get DS at 615 and need to pack him up and help my mom clean her house from the mess he made that day.
Now its 7:00 pm. DS needs to get a bath, a bottle and be put to sleep. All of which DH can't handle on his own (this is my own personal battle and can easily be fixed if he would step up but he won't and I resent him for it).
Finding time to get to the gym for a half hour is impossible. My DH is not much help with DS, he is just now stepping up with watching him on his own whle I sneak out for 30 minutes.
So yes, I am now fully taking control of losing the weight I gained. However, unless you know my back story as to why it has taken me this long to get into it, don't point at me and say it was because I am was not motivated.
I don't need ANYONE to state what I already see in the mirror daily. I beat myself up enough without having a complete stranger tell me I am fat.
Stick to your own mirror
No, I don't know, because I was always a size 4, and was never even close to fat growing up. So I can't relate to you there.
I became a size 16 and remained that way for YEARS. It wasn't until I chose to lose it, and I chose to do SOMETHING that I came back to normal. It is all a choice, and every.single.one of us has one. Motivation is great, but it doesn't mean you are actually doing a damn thing to lose the weight. Hell, if I can have six, that's right SIX kids and find time to exercise, go to nursing school full time and still maintain it, then I think it's a testament that if you want it enough you WILL do it. All I am saying is that it's your CHOICE.
I feel for you, because I was like that foryears. I always thought I just didn't have the time, I was too busy, etc. But then one day I just did it and am still doing it. It was all just a crapload of excuses on my part.
I didn't have the time until recently, that is why I have now started to lose the weight..dieting alone doesn't work for me, I NEED exercise.
I just think its wrong to point to someone and say they are unmotivated so that is why they are fat.
I wasn't unmovitated - looking at myself wearing a size 12 almost 2 years after DS was born made me want to get into the gym.
I just didn't have the help that others did from my DH when it comes to being more hands on with DS. I mean he still can't handle a diaper change on his own!! I'm talking about DH
He also isn't helpful around the house or with other responsibilities like grocery shopping or cleaning or the laundry (this is a whole other story), so that leaves 'me time' to nothing.
The weekends I want to spend with DS, I don't want to be at the gym. Since I work FT, I only get to see him for an hour an half before he goes to bed.
DS has become a bit more independent where DH will finally step up and take him for a half hour. Hence, why I can now get a half hour of gym time a few times a week.
You are right the only way to lose weight it to do something positive about it. It just took me some time on how to figure out how to get THAT time into my day.
I just don't want to be looked at as 'unmotivated' for not having lost the weight sooner.
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| Posted 10/5/12 11:19 AM |
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