Is it unfortunate that certain individuals feel like they have to make targets of others for their own amusement or elevation? Sure. But it's a reality that we all face, one that's probably inherent to our competitive, animalistic nature, and by protesting it so vehemently you're really just empowering the ridiculer and giving them what they want.
And if you don't he'll keep on doing it.
Now you're just making excuses for people being overweight, which is a separate issue and one that doesn't belong in this discussion, although it is revealing as to why you think this guy was acting out of line.
Not excuses at all. I'm just stating that it is complex and that judging people
and damning them is horrible.
Talk to them about what? Obviously this dude's intention wasn't to express concern for and help people improve their physical condition, or he would be authoring books, organizing health seminars, providing personal training instruction, etc. He just got a kick out of seeing fat people in costumes way too small for them and thought others might see the humor in it as well.
Yet he is writing a column for a magazine that is for Men's Fitness. The article would have been seen differently had it been in a comedic or perhaps a magazine known for it and it would be a non-issue. The guy has history doing this in another magazine too which also isn't known for such things. If the article was in Esquire or GQ, I could see it be seen differently.
Humor? From looking in his perspective I could see why he viewed it as funny , but to do it in that way?
Probably. But if all observation was expected to be tasteful then nothing important would ever be said.
True, you have me at that point as I have to give you kudos for that fact. Civilization would not have progressed as it did if people didn't say what had to said and did what had to have been done. Kudos ,sir, kudos. :thumbs:
So it's not okay to impugn someone by using them as a valid example of the overweight masses but it's perfectly acceptable to refer to people that you disagree with as "bitch" and "pussy"? How very consistent of you.
I know, the worst possible word choices I could ever use. But if I had to change them , it would be detestable and or unmanly. :sweat:
Actually, it does, because this case does not constitute slander. True defamation involves statements or implications that could be seen as misrepresentative or damaging of the character of an individual or a group. Who is being defamed here.... And what counter-claim ...would make what the author included in his article baseless? Are they not actually fat? How can they include themselves in the number of those defamed without implying that the ideas behind the defamation are true? Not to mention the fact that they probably signed away any rights or expectations of privacy by being part of Comic Con,... Besides, the taker of a photograph only needs a formal release allowing them to use the likeness of another individual ... Anything else is fair game, including these geeks' muffin tops and love handles.
Got me there too, you are right. :sweat:
Didn't know that about Comic Con at all, so thanks for informing me . :thumbs:
What you should be concerned about encouraging is obesity, which is just as much a health problem and arguably moreso in the long term than minor eating disorders. Why is it that we as a nation have such a problem about condemning people who make valid assertions? Being overweight is not a desirable thing, and this asshole and all of his macho friends do have the prerogative to say so even if the manner in which they express themselves is inflammatory or confrontational. The issue here isn't bigotry or bullying or inferiority complexes or any other overinflated term you wanted to use to dramaticize what has happened here.
Probably comes from the ingrained Political Correctness that I'm trying to shake off , but no sir I am not intending to encourage it . I just have a prob with them making fun of them like a pack of hyenas and that is my point .
The fact is we're not fostering tolerance by revolting against this guy's article but insinuating that it's perfectly alright to be overindulgent, and that we owe nothing in the way of curbing the destructive behavior of those who would just as soon eat themselves into the same grave occupied by smokers, drug addicts, drunk drivers and the intentionally malnourished.
... you just compared cracking jokes about fat people to the Holocaust and slavery. Please take a breath and a step back from your computer and think before you make presumptuous and absurd remarks like that in the future.
I just cracked up from that. Damn i sound stupid .:redface2: