Why Are People So Prejudiced Against Overweight People??

Question

Why Are People So Prejudiced Against Overweight People??
Don't you think their life is hard enough without people staring at them and making comments?? My friend is 300 pounds and has a medical condition that makes her that way..she cannot help it but people treat her terrible....why do you do that??

Answer 1

I try not to stare and I have never said anything but I do get shocked and saddened when you see people struggling just to move around, and some may indeed have medical conditions but when you see really large people stuffing their face with chips at 10 in the morning and everybody else is going about their business, you think well what does it take for them to realize that their eating is unhealthy.

I have the same reaction to drug addicts and drunks on the street. Partly this is fear because I know, if my life fell apart, I could head down the same path. Generally we all want to live in a healthy world and we fear sickness and decay, we want to rid the world of it. It is sad that your friend has a medical condition, worse that people would be terrible to her. We should be respectful of all regardless of their appearance but it is unlikely that everyone is going to be able to hide their feelings and fears.

Answer 2

There are going to be a lot more in the future.
Kids in school right now are more overweight
than ever. Fast food served in school, their removing
P.E. and Art programs out of the schedules.
No, it's not right or fair what's happening, but
you should treat anyone no matter what challenges
he or she may have with respect.

Answer 3

They do it because every society needs a scapegoat -- someone whom it's socially acceptable to mock and feel superior to. Our society has recognized that it's wrong to mock someone over race, religion, gender, even social standing. So obesity is becoming one of the last things that many feel is okay to mock.

Another reason is the assumption, usually wrong, that the overweight person is completely to blame for his or her condition. That way the bullies can say, "Hey, it's their own fault!" and feel vindicated that they aren't making fun of a "victim" but of someone they can falsely label as lazy and/or gluttonous.

Answer 4

When I was in 3rd grade I picked on someone who was overweight, my parents got after me and said it is not what someone looks like; it is the heart inside that always counts. In a perfect world we would not pick on anyone based on superficiality;but judge a person on character and action.

Answer 5

Any time a person ridicules others or make fun of someone else behind their backs, they are the ones with problems..
People who do this feel better about themselves if they are dogging others...... sad but true....
some kids have been raised by nasty ignorant adults and the kids have not been taught to respect others and not make fun of others....

Answer 6

Here's a fact for you: Everyone has some medical condition. Some choose to make excuses, and others do not.

Answer 7

I agree, that totally sucks, large people can't even shop for clothes easily that are stylish and accent the good parts of their body. But on a more personal note, before you go off and be a jerk on another one of my quesitons, please read the question completely before you post...thanks :)

Answer 8

Anybody thats different.