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Marie Claire Article By Maura Kelly: Should 'Fatties' Get a Room?
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by Amy Judd | October 26, 2010 at 12:52 pm
4263 views | 4 Recommendations | 21 comments
The Magazine Marie Claire is Coming Under Fire For Publishing an Article By Freelance Writer Maura Kelly Called Should "Fatties" Get a Room? (Even on TV?)
The article was published on October 25 and has already received over 300 comments, mostly directed at Maura herself and the editors of Marie Claire who approved the publishing of this article.
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It starts off with a reference to a CNN story about the sitcom Mike & Molly on CBS that states some viewers have expressed discomfort "watching intimacy between two plus-sized actors."
Ms. Kelly was asked to write a piece about that idea and it is her response to the issue that has caused so many to be upset. She writes:
So anyway, yes, I think I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other ... because I'd be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room — just like I'd find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair.
She does say she's not a 'size-ist jerk' as she has some friends who could be called 'plump', and then she goes on to talk about how she would be happy to give anyone some nutrition and fitness suggestions and types 'YOU CAN DO IT!'
She asks if people think she is being an insensitive jerk and people have not held back in making their opinion known.
One commentor writes:
seriously? you are toxic. and marie claire has just alienated a huge portion of their readership for allowing this insensitive and ridiculous drivel to be published. i hope you, and the editors who let this be published, are fired. you're not talking about health issues here - you're using them as an excuse to slam people you don't like. basically, for you, the bottom line seems to be that overweight people are unlovable and not entitled to be affectionate in public, lest they offend your oh-so-delicate sensibilities. no wonder you've never been in love. and, good luck with that NOW that you've opened your ignorant, shallow mouth.
Another person writes:
I couldn't even get past the first few paragraphs. I'm sorry you are disgusted by fat people. Sounds like you need to poke your eyes out. That way you won't have to be "forced" to see things that displease you. You also may need to look up vapid. It's a pretty accurate description for the little bit of your article I managed to stomach. It's really not something one should strive for.. How did this ever get past an editor?? I will never buy Marie Claire again. That's a promise.
There are some that express some understanding as to where Ms. Kelly is coming from, such as one person who writes:
I agree that some of the things she said come from fallacies that are fed by studies into the "obesity epidemic" and are vastly oversimplified. But her comment at 07:21:25 PM yesterday said the thing I really liked: "To UKJulia, JLFritschie and others who have mentioned that I've brought my own (body-related/beauty-related) issues to this post without realizing it: That's an interesting and accurate insight--I think you're right. Though I don't think of myself as anorexic any more, being freaked out by obesity to the insensitive, even cruel, point that I was is certainly a vestige of the anorexic mindset; maybe so was being righteous about how easy it is to lose weight. (Because once I lost an extreme amount of weight, of course--about half my body weight--etc.) A friend with whom I was emailing this morning made the same point about this post--that part of my extreme reaction might have to do with how much I've internalized cultural standards of beauty."
Ms. Kelly does admit that she wrote the post quickly and that she wishes she could take it down, but as Jezebel points out:
But beyond thinking this stuff which is, of course, between her and her conscience, how could she not know this would happen? How could she think this was acceptable? It's that, as much as anything else, that's worrisome: that at a mainstream magazine with a wide reach and an ostensibly progressive outlook could think, in 2010, this was okay to write and implicitly endorse. Marie Claire will probably think before running something like this again — but let's hope it's for the right reasons.
What did you think of the article? Did it go too far?
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Amy Judd
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YankeeJim
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at 14:07 on October 26th, 2010
www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Oppose-Maura-Kelly-and-Marie-Claire/161819507173754
at 15:49 on October 26th, 2010
Frankly, IMO, largeness is an epidemic in the USA. Being overweight is a big (pun) reason why Americans are unhealthy and why health care costs are so high. It is disgusting because it is an indication of 1) lack of self-control, 2) greediness, and 3) glutenous behavior. When we should be conserving, they are eating pigs and beef. They have extra large kids and have to buy SUVs to haul their asses around.
A few people have genetic problems and thyroid issues that demand empathy. But, to a large (pun) extent, bigness is just plain excess.
at 19:54 on October 27th, 2010
That's what people keep saying. But I say, look at some photographs from the last couple of centuries and count the number of fat people in those photographs. Obesity is often genetic and social.Perhaps if we stop putting so much emphasis on weight in this country, people will not get so obsessed with it and obesity rates would go down. Maybe if we teach people to be accepting of those who have a different body shape, nervous heavier people will be able to stop eating their feelings. And perhaps if we made fresh fruits and vegetables less expensive, more people could eat healthy.Weight discrimination is the most accepted form of hate speech. If she had said that it disgusted her to see an interracial couple kissing or a gay couple kissing, this would not even be an issue. In the end, maybe fat people have a different life choice than you do, and they deserve to be respected too. Greed and gluttony take many forms, but I don't see anyone disgusted by celebrities who buy multi-million dollar homes and thousand dollar pairs of shoes when that is an example of greed and gluttony too.
at 15:05 on October 29th, 2010
Hey YankeeJim: so are you a reformed greedy glutton then? What was your excuse for being a fat-ass?
at 17:00 on October 26th, 2010
YankeeJim, although your post has a slight degree of validity in regards to overweight being an epidemic in our society; exactly HOW do you propose people tell the difference between someone who deserves empathy and someone whom does not? That's the one question size-ists can never seem to answer...and does not excuse the rampant ignorance and hate spewed in regards to someone's appearance, of which is NONE of anyone's business.
at 12:19 on October 27th, 2010
Well, in our new health care plan, people will be tattooed with clear indication that they are not doing this on purpose, or are simply overweight and vulgar people.
The health of others becomes everybody's business since we are all paying for it.
at 00:24 on October 27th, 2010
Why do people persist in trying to find some group it's okay to hate?
Can't hate differently coloured people? Darn. How about the mentally ill? What? Not okay to hate them anymore? Hm. What about those homosexuals? They have the gay, you know. Not them? Hmmm... I know. Fatties! It's totally their fault that they're fat so it's okay to hate them based entirely on their physical appearance. Let's throw in some thin veneer of science-y stuff about how they cost us money and stuff too, okay?
Next up, let's hate old people for living so long. Or people with Hepatitis C, or people who can't afford dental care because they just won't get a better job or single mothers or any other number of people who could conceivably be blamed for being different, having difficulties, or not looking pretty. Oh...wait....
Some famous dude once said some thing about stones and throwing them and stuff. I'm not saying I subscribe to his subculture or anything, but some parts of the internet should try a little humanity on for size.
at 12:15 on October 27th, 2010
Compassion should be shown to those who deserve it by standing up in a group and shouting, I am YankeeJim and I have x, y, and z problems. I cannot help myself and I need friends like you to help me cure x, y, and for z there is no cure.
at 12:20 on October 27th, 2010
By the way, I was fat and it nearly killed me. Now, three years later, I look like a slimfast commercial.
at 10:18 on October 27th, 2010
Wow Yankee Jim -you must be perfect huh? Looked in the mirror lately? Why don't we just shoot anyone overweight or just shoot people once they get past 40 or anyone with wrinkles because vanity is what is running rampant.
at 12:16 on October 27th, 2010
I am the most imperfect person in the world. I have an oblique sense of humor that is most imperfect. I am sorry, I cannot cure it.
at 12:21 on October 27th, 2010
PS: Stay out of the sun.
at 13:29 on October 27th, 2010
To begin, having the editors endorse this article is disgusting, and I'd cancel my subscription immediately if I even cared to have one.Next...to compare "fat" people to "a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair" is no comparison at all. Clearly, Ms. Kelly has either been in all 3 of these situations, or never been in any of them.I am a disabled woman, and used to be 5'5" at age 36, prior to several mobility-related disabilities that now have gone to neurological conditions. I am unable to exercise or walk, and if I was to get back to that treasured 125# weight (I am currently at yes, an overweight size -gasp- 14 or 16), it would literally be impossible to sustain my health. Simply to eat to sustain where I am now, takes about 960 calories a day. Day in and day out, month in and month out, year after year, do you think Ms. Kelly (who perhaps has the funds to "carry in" the type of food that's nutritionally and deliciously prepared FOR her if she is unable to do it herself that would satisfy those requirements) could manage that? Try it while being unable to move out of bed more than about 1-2 hours a day.I am accepting of my situation, and I move around when I can. My friends and family and boyfriend love me. I have compassion for anyone who -doesn't- want to feel the way they feel -- be them "a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair" -- OR someone who weighs more than they wish. However -- this TELEVISION show which is based on the premise of love with these two people who do happen to be overweight is NOT for her to judge so quickly and cruelly. She, and Marie Claire's editors, can go eat an eclaire.
at 02:27 on October 28th, 2010
I feel sorry for Maura Kelly and people like her. Here she admits to having her own 'issues' with body image in the past, so she chooses to re-create those feelings for her readers (most of them young and still growing through *ish) in the form of judgment of people who maybe dealing with issues that undoubted made her feel uncomfortable with who she was or maybe in the dark crevices of her mind still is to herself as well as her circle of friends. There is so many hateful and negative things that can and I am sure will be said to and about Maura Kelly. However, I would say that we ALL have imperfections that challenge us when it comes to loving one's self completely. Fat is a physical manifestation of 'other' pains and what not. So, Maura Kelly was the point of your article to say that if I can 'see' your 'issues' your are not deserving of love and acceptance. Or are say when you Maura Kelly, had this particular issue in your life 'you' were 'unworthy' of love and acceptance so you are of the opinion that anyone who is still dealing with the issue of weight should feel like you did/do? Once a fattie always a fattie no matter how much you puke, starve yourself, use every diet pill known to man or run around the block-- You are who you are. And so am I. Sincerely, TheBigSexyDiv
at 02:30 on October 28th, 2010
I feel sorry for Maura Kelly and people like her. Here she admits to having her own 'issues' with body image in the past, so she chooses to re-create those feelings for her readers (most of them young and still growing through *ish) in the form of judgment of people who maybe dealing with issues that undoubted made her feel uncomfortable with who she was or maybe in the dark crevices of her mind still is to herself as well as her circle of friends. There is so many hateful and negative things that can and I am sure will be said to and about Maura Kelly. However, I would say that we ALL have imperfections that challenge us when it comes to loving one's self completely. Fat is a physical manifestation of 'other' pains and what not. So, Maura Kelly was the point of your article to say that if I can 'see' your 'issues' your are not deserving of love and acceptance. Or are say when you Maura Kelly, had this particular issue in your life 'you' were 'unworthy' of love and acceptance so you are of the opinion that anyone who is still dealing with the issue of weight should feel like you did/do? Once a fattie always a fattie no matter how much you puke, starve yourself, use every diet pill known to man or run around the block-- You are who you are. And so am I. Sincerely, TheBigSexyDiva
at 02:32 on October 28th, 2010
I was very upset to her what the Marie Claire article had to say about over weight people.I cannot beleive in this day an age people are still being ousted for being over weight and using your own problems with food to apologize is just a cop out.I think people should realize weather we are Fat,Skinny,Tall,Short,Black,White,Brown,Gay,Straight,Alcoholic or Drug Addicted we are all humans that live on this planet together and we all hurt when we are attacked or insulted for our misgivens.There is not a person on this earth who is perfect,we all have our faults,Some are apparent like being over weight or an Alcoholic or Drug addict other are in perfect on the inside where their heart should be is black an full of pain so it makes them lash out or hurt others feelings to make themselves feel good or maybe to hurt someone else just to make a dollar.I think it was a mistake to insult fat people and alcoholics and drug addicts since we make up a majority of America and most likely pay your salary.I have watched the show Mike an Molly and it is extremely funny.If you are not watching just because they are over weight you are missing out.I think you should think before you speak.You should never want to intenstionaly hurt some or make someone feel like an outcast just to help your own financial gain.
at 03:14 on October 28th, 2010
Flatbelly diet was the secret for me. I lost 100 lbs. The book is excellent with a plan for healthy living that works. I five days, I lost 5 lbs, and I am not kidding. I increased exercise until now I am jogging 3.5 miles a day. It took a year to move from walking to jogging the distance in about 1 hour.
http://www.prevention.com/health/weight-loss/flat-belly-diet
at 07:11 on October 28th, 2010
Do you really think people feel uncomfortable when they see overweight couples making out on television?
at 15:15 on October 28th, 2010
NOT FOR NOTHING BUT MAURA KELLEY SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT HERSELF BECAUSE SHE IS NOTHING TO LOOK AT EITHER. HOW DARE SHE MAKE A COMMENT ABOUT OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
at 16:28 on October 28th, 2010
Dear Maura, I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you of the "burdens" of being a member of the Big Girls Club. I'm 42 years old, 5'8, 195 lbs and a total knock-out. I am well-educated, well-versed and well-read (three traits you will never possess). I own my own business and make over $160,000.00 a year. I just ran my third marathon. I rock Christian Louboutin's, Prada and Chanel. I shop at Neiman's and Saks, Bergdorfs and Henri Bendels. I look phenomenal in my Missoni bathing suit, lounging poolside at Le Sirenuse. I get compliments from people every day, about my style, my personality or just my great outlook (and I do have to admit, it's a damn great outlook). I have a great boyfriend who constantly tells me how gorgeous my body is. This, coming from a man who has 0% body fat. I drive a two-seater sports car, travel extensively and own a gorgeous home. Yes, Maura, us Big Girls are smart, successful and intelligent (another three traits you will never have). Does anyone remember the gorgeous centerfold Glamour magazine did two years ago of the beautiful plus-size women? Or how about the poll asking men who, out of Kate Moss, Kate Winslet and the gorgeous plus-size Kate Dillon, had the best body? Kate Dillon came in first, Kate Winslet came in second, and (what a surprise), Kate Moss came in last! Maura...I can always go on a diet, but whats the cure for your being prejudice, rude and without class? Umm....that would be NOTHING. If I were cruel, I would rip your appearance to shreds, but I don't have the time. I have to run, time for a nice double-cream, pumpkin latte! A gals gotta work hard to keep these gorgeous curves! Dana Vigilante, Nutley, NJ
at 08:19 on October 30th, 2010
apology a little to late....Nothing she says now can take back the words she wrote.....''trying to keep her job??" The thing is that every overweight person she will have to deal with in future will remember this and will remember her words ''I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room'' Hope she feels good getting it off her chess that she doesn't like ''fat'' people.....I apologize for a walking across a room I was only hoping People like you would look past my exterior and actually see me....Realizing I'm happy with who I am.....But it does make me sad that their are still people like you that will find a way to try and put us down...and the saddest is the a high profile mag would allow it... I'm not going to starve myself for your benefit....And unfortunately due to your words Marie Claire will no longer be a must have on my list....