I'm not sure how many of you have already seen this horrible article from the Marie Claire website;
"Should Fatties Get a Room? (Even On TV?)" written by Maura Kelly.
I am so completely disgusted and horrified that even an online publication would allow something so full of hate and ignorance to be posted on their site. I usually don't get upset at things like this, but this one really struck home for me.
I am fat. Not "plump", not "chubby", but fat.
Of course, I struggle with my body image every day, as many women (and men) do. There are days when I feel like the sexiest and most gorgeous thing to ever walk the earth, and then there are those days when I feel like all I should do is cover up, lest I offend someone with my body.
I also have a husband who is fat. I love every last inch of him, and would never want anyone to tell him that he cannot kiss me in public simply because it is "aesthetically displeasing" for someone else to see. It makes me fightin' mad that anyone can try to tell me that I should have to keep my affection toward my husband behind closed doors, because someone is "grossed-out" by our "rolls and rolls of fat touching each other".
Really?!
After reading this sorry excuse for an article, I immediately contacted Marie Claire's web editor Kate Schweitzer by email (at kschweitzer@hearst.com) to inform her exactly what I thought of this piece and also to assure her that I would be canceling my two-year subscription to Marie Claire.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Marie Claire should print an apology? Will you be canceling your subscription?
If I had a subscription, I'd be canceling it. THAT is appalling.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually have a subscription to this magazine, but I did e-mail the editor. I am appauled by that article.
ReplyDeleteIf us fatties need to get a room, every one else needs to get a room too!
ReplyDeleteThe writer and editor are only trying to stir up controversy, glad you wrote the letter and canceled your subscription.
I saw this article yesterday and was absolutely disgusted. You'd better believe the editor will be hearing from me as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is outrageous! I cant believe people can still be so narrow-minded! This is the most horrible thing I've read in a long time! I am not usually the confrontational type but I hope that woman gets fired! The only thing that "needs to get a room" is the hateful, biased opinions of shallow, ignorant people like that!
ReplyDeleteYup, Im from the uk and have a subscription to the UK MC but I'll be cancelling my subscription in protest too.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your comments. I know that many of my readers are not plus size, but I think everyone can relate when it comes to discrimination any some sort, and how hurtful and harmful it can be.
ReplyDeleteTo say I am shocked by this article is an understatement. Wow. Unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteThis is def a horribly written piece. We are entitled to our opinion, but coming from a place like Marie Claire who has a "plus-size" blogger as well? I don't get it at all! I will never purchase or subscribe to them again.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a letter to the editor as well. I read the post yesterday, and was instantly blown away by the author's words. Cyber bullying at its best, yeah?
ReplyDeleteI am incredibly insulted by what she wrote.
I just read the article after reading your post and all I have to say is "ignorant ass" it's so disgusting what these people do. How they stay behind their computers and bully us. It's bad enough that we have to get bullied in our everyday lives. Ugh, just disgusting. And her apology is full of crap.
ReplyDeleteI definitely felt better after reading some of the responses, it's nice to know that others are seeing this crap for what it really is.
I've read this article twice, once because I couldn't believe it and then again just to be sure of the rubbbish I was reading. If losing weight was as simple as exercising and eating fruit and veg then wouldn't we all be a size 2? Unfortunately being overweight, (fat, chubby, or however you refer to yourself) means we are still open to ridicule even though we are in 2010. We are the last acceptable prejudice because obviously we can help being fat. If you are black or disabled you can't help that. I don't know what Marie Claire was thinking when they published this. Maura Kelly is entitled to her opinions just like the KKK but I don't see them writing articles for Marie Claire and neither should she.
ReplyDeleteI read the article yesterday and was glad I've never subscribed to the magazine.
ReplyDeleteHow dare they?
Wow, I actually just read something about that show saying that it wouldn't do well because it's main focus is two fat people. I can't remember where I read it, but it also stated that Americans are basically not ready for a show where both characters are fat and the show isn't all about them being fat. WTF? I was a little confused by it, because I figured if the show is good, then why would their fat matter?
ReplyDeleteBut you know what, we fat people deal with discrimination all the time. A few months back, my husband(who is thin) and I went out to a restaurant with my brother and my brother said to me that it was a good thing my husband isn't fat or else we would just be "the fat couple eating." I guess that's all we are to some people.
It's so stupid, and as much as we try to ignore there are times when it's so in our face that you can't escape it. If I still had a subscription I'd cancel it too.
Haven't read the article yet, but I do subscribe and I am horribly disappointed by this. I always liked Marie Claire for not only their fashion, but their interesting articles. Cancel.
ReplyDeletelesa
I "love" the comment on the article about how fat actors and plus size models are going to make being fat "appear normal" - - - cause, you know, fat isn't normal but the air-brushed and heavily made-up actors and models today are so normal and a good standard of body image.
ReplyDeleteThis article is truly disgusting. And just a couple of weeks ago Marie Claire also bashed "healthy living" bloggers for being too thin and bad role models because of their size. I would love to know what perfection is in this magazine's eyes. I am actually glad a network created a show that shows people who are some perfect stereotype - it is real and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have always detested Marie Claire & will continue to do so after this awful article.
ReplyDeleteTheir fashion is tacky, their articles poorly edited & the sooner they run out of money, the better.
They most definitely should print an apology!
What I see in the photo above is REALITY. The real world doesn't walk in high heels down the street in NYC (think Sex & the City) and they don't all look like a size 6 either. If you go to the movies, the mall, restaurants, grocery stores, etc...you see what the real world looks like. Variety!
We all have to live in this world together. No way am I going to censor myself to please a total stranger.
Glad you posted this & wrote the editor. I am going to do the same!
I am SO disgusted by this article. I loved Marie Claire, but I can't even begin to fathom a reason why this is "okay". Who in the world gave the green light for this article? No more Maire Claire for me. Done.
ReplyDeletePS. I LOVE the show--Mike and Molly! My husband and I watch it. I want to steal all of her clothes!
ReplyDeleteOMG i have not read it but now im so pissed off! this country is supposed to be advanced and knowledgeable and yet articles like this are being published?!! I agree with the above comment about the rea world being different and diverse. This is awful and ignorant. not all fat people are fat y choice, there are tons and tons of reasons behind it.
ReplyDeleteI will be emialing the editor as well. im glad i never subscribed to the dang magazine!
Thank you all for your fantastic comments! I love hearing everyone's opinion and feelings about this mess.
ReplyDeleteI read the article yesterday. I was astounded that someone could be that mean. I do not subscribe,but if I did I would cancel it. Kudos to you for doing so!
ReplyDeleteThat was a horrific article. I can't believe someone actually read that and okayed it for publication.
ReplyDeleteDid you see Jen Lancaster's response?
http://www.jennsylvania.com/jennsylvania/2010/10/ive-got-your-counterpoint-right-here-marie-claire.html
On a vaguely related note, I love Melissa McCarthy and can't wait to check out the series once it's on dvd.