To remember that each of us, whether thin or fat, whether pre-surgery or post, is a decent, proud, strong, important and wonderous person with individual traits that make us special above and beyond our physical appearance.
To let everyone know that we are the same proud, strong, important and wonderous people that help to make each day a little richer, a little more interesting, and a little better than the day before because we are part of the world.
To demand that, as we are proud, strong, important and wonderous people, we deserve to be treated as such. That simply because we are shaped differently is not a reason for discrimination or belittling treatment.
To cry for those whom we have lost because of their battle with obesity, and our own suffering when people have been needlessly cruel, though they should have shown compassion and understanding.
To rail at the system for forcing us to fight for a healthy life, for a chance to change ourselves so we can live a "normal" life, at a "normal" size, and a chance to show the world what we can do if given half a chance.
We are NOT lazy slobs who cannot take care of ourselves. We are NOT poor freaks of nature who are unable to control ourselves. We are nurses, doctors, electricians, roofers, truck drivers, teachers, students, secretaries, plumbers, operators, salesmen, attendants, and more. We, as obese people, are over 20% of the current US population, and our numbers are growing every day.
We are sensative, insightful, thoughtful, inspirational people and, more than that, we are PEOPLE. We are NOT objects to be used as examples of slothfulness. We are not things to be loathed or terrified of. We are NOT part of a freakshow to be pointed at and discussed about behind our backs. We are NOT deaf and blind to the treatment we receive from those around us.
We raise our children to be aware of all physical differences in people, and to rejoice in those differences, not reject them. We hope that our actions will speak louder than our words. We are determined that someday, the world our children will live in will no longer include ANY prejudice.
Liza G Branch Ansonia, CT
Phyllis Zanell Seattle, WA
