It feels a little similar to how you have that explanation at the bottom of your posts, Ragen:
"*Note on language: I use “fat” as a neutral descriptor as used by the fat activist community...."
If we're taught that it's rude to say "fat", we may assume that someone using the phrase "fat person" is being unkind. I'd hope they'd look it up when the phrase comes from someone like you, but the fact that you include that explanation right there could make a big difference!
You also *could* choose to briefly discuss identity-first and person-first language in that note, but I realize you have to balance length with thoroughness. At some point, if they're interested in fat-positive language, they just need to go study it, instead of arguing with a well-respected fat-positive advocate!
I'm not sure exactly what the throughline is without more thought but it did immediately strike me that I have the same reaction to "person in a larger body" that I do to "person with obesity." But I'm not sure if that's to do with person-first language of just my own conception of mortality and the mind-body connection LOL. (To me, my mind and self ARE my body and brain, so it feels so weirdly...dissociative to say that I'm "in" a body instead of that I "am" a body.) But I hear that most often on the very fat-positive Nutrition for Mortals podcast, so it can't be universal. (Tangent comments welcome??)
Agree!!! I personally use "large-bodied folks" in place of "fat folks" if I'm speaking to a clutch-their-pearls type of audience who can't yet accept "fat" as a neutral descriptor. TBH I mix it up and use both regardless so people get (uncomfortable) used to it 😁. I don't like 'person in a' language for bodies... Unless it's referring to something inanimate like person in a green dress, or raincoat or kayak etc.
I feel the same way, and I really appreciate the way you pointed out that mind-body connection issue. That's bothered me as well, but I couldn't quite articulate why. Thank you!
And like you, I've heard it used by many people I respect, so I assume there are plenty of other fat-positive people who see it differently.
Ragen you are the best. Thank you for sharing this, and for all that you do.
It feels a little similar to how you have that explanation at the bottom of your posts, Ragen:
"*Note on language: I use “fat” as a neutral descriptor as used by the fat activist community...."
If we're taught that it's rude to say "fat", we may assume that someone using the phrase "fat person" is being unkind. I'd hope they'd look it up when the phrase comes from someone like you, but the fact that you include that explanation right there could make a big difference!
You also *could* choose to briefly discuss identity-first and person-first language in that note, but I realize you have to balance length with thoroughness. At some point, if they're interested in fat-positive language, they just need to go study it, instead of arguing with a well-respected fat-positive advocate!
I'm not sure exactly what the throughline is without more thought but it did immediately strike me that I have the same reaction to "person in a larger body" that I do to "person with obesity." But I'm not sure if that's to do with person-first language of just my own conception of mortality and the mind-body connection LOL. (To me, my mind and self ARE my body and brain, so it feels so weirdly...dissociative to say that I'm "in" a body instead of that I "am" a body.) But I hear that most often on the very fat-positive Nutrition for Mortals podcast, so it can't be universal. (Tangent comments welcome??)
Agree!!! I personally use "large-bodied folks" in place of "fat folks" if I'm speaking to a clutch-their-pearls type of audience who can't yet accept "fat" as a neutral descriptor. TBH I mix it up and use both regardless so people get (uncomfortable) used to it 😁. I don't like 'person in a' language for bodies... Unless it's referring to something inanimate like person in a green dress, or raincoat or kayak etc.
I feel the same way, and I really appreciate the way you pointed out that mind-body connection issue. That's bothered me as well, but I couldn't quite articulate why. Thank you!
And like you, I've heard it used by many people I respect, so I assume there are plenty of other fat-positive people who see it differently.