Recently, a YouTuber by the name of Nicole Arbour posted a video in which she “satirically” criticized the overweight population and the idea of fat shaming. By releasing this triggering and offensive piece of "comedy" she unleashed a shit storm of rage and confusion throughout the YouTube community.
Nicole’s video topic was jarring enough, but her approach to the conversation made the central argument that she was trying to shed light on, drown in the shadows. Simply, she made a good point; however, most people didn't hear it because the negative and rude comments she made were overbearing and off-putting. Most responses have been about how and what she said rather than the intended message. However, both are equally important.
Before I go into what her intended message was, let's take a look at why her argument was immediately deemed invalid. She opens up the video by saying, "Dear fat people, ahhhh some people are already really mad at this video. What are you gunna do fat people, what are you gunna do, chase me?" Taunting your audience is never a good idea, whether you are making an attempt at humor or not. This distasteful form of commentary appeared throughout the entire video. Other comments were, "Fat shaming is not a thing, fat people made it up. It is the race card without a race", "If we offend you so much that you lose weight, I am okay with it", and that if we provide help to these individuals considered overweight "...it is assisted suicide". Each one of her statements spewed more fire than the last, which fueled feelings of discomfort and hate in viewers who have experience with, or identify with being overweight.
Overall, the way she expressed her ideas was harmful to those watching, harmful in a sense that there are millions of individuals both young and old who struggle with weight. Being overweight and not fitting into society's standards of what a "normal" size is sucks -- it is emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. Anyone who has ever been there knows they are heavier than they should be and do not need someone, who is fit and lean, to tell them that they are indeed fat. Three years ago I was pushing 200 pounds, I was aware of my position on the scale and very depressed. I am certain that if I had someone there to point out things that I was already so hopelessly self-conscious of, it would have resulted in a downward spiral that would crumble the small amount of confidence I had left. No one has a right to criticize and diminish another human because of the width of their waistband -- no one should feel as though they have a right or an obligation to discuss someone else’s physical appearance. If it is displeasing or an inconvenience to you that someone around you may be carrying around extra baggage then kindly and respectfully keep it to yourself. Trust me they know-- THEY KNOW.
On the other hand, there is something we can learn from Nicole Arbour. Underneath her brutal comments lies a decent point. Although body positivity is increasingly prudent, especially when it comes to how our society currently is, we do often over look the importance of a healthy lifestyle. If Nicole took the time to change the way she delivered this message, if she chose not to aggressively and viciously share her opinions then we would currently be having a very different conversation.The truth of the matter is all sizes and bodies are beautiful; however, not all sizes and bodies are healthy.Be happy with who you are and what you look like, take pride in your love handles and the closeness of your thighs, but never neglect your health--it is important as you are important.
