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Knowledge is power…
I’ve been invited to speak to a group of students this week on a most interesting and contraversial topic. Obesity. Not just obesity, but whether or not people who are obese (a controllable risk factor) should have to pay higher health care premiums or be denied non emergency medical care for a weight related issues. The students will then have to debate both sides of the issue. My goal - to educate them.
Wow! Heavy topic. When it was first mentioned to me, I was shocked by the audacity of the topic. It offended me on so many levels that I was beside myself. I soon realized, it was the opportunity to educate young minds on empathy, compassion, relations.
Many people will say and I agree - that obesity is the last form of “acceptable” bias/criticism. Take for example the latest tyrade in the news of Donald Trump against Rosie O’Donnell. His very public attack of her physical appearance was the perfect example. Were people outraged? Some, but not enough. His criticism put “fat”, “slob” “disgusting” all in the same sentence. Gee Donald, tell us what you really think about overweight people?!
So, my goal this week? To educate these young minds on what it is like to be a morbidly obese person in this world. How people treat you and look at you. How it is to move and breathe at the same time. How it is physically - rashes, aches and pains. How the medical community treats you. And then to educate them on life as a “healthy” person…a comparison. At the end of the presentation, I’ll introduce them to the person who suffered those experiences as an overweight person - me. Now that you know me, would you treat me differently?
My intent - to create empathy, compassion and to make them think. Is it really right to alienate these people due to their obesity when society already treats us differently? Could we not promote and support healthier living instead ? Educate and encourage, build up instead of tearing down?
Life throws us interesting curves and I look forward to this opportunity to spread some kindness in the world.
Filed under: Thoughts — Stephanie @ 2:29 pm
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