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Fatphobia Exposed! Am I An Asshole?
Questioning How I Perceive Media
This is an interesting topic for me, sparked by something I read on Twitter about fatphobia in literature. The tweet said
Boy oh boy I just returned a book at the library that I was SO EXCITED to read, I had on hold for weeks, because of just… absolutely WILD fatphobia. Literally would like to enjoy a book without being reminded how the world looks at fat people, jeeezus.
The tweeter elaborated that the book in question was The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. This was a book I have both read and enjoyed. I did notice the fatphobia when I was reading, it was pretty blatant. The author dwelled extensively on how disgusting the man was, his lack of mobility, his shame at having to be helped to do everything including bathing by his servant. It was kinda like what you see in the worst moments of My 600lb life, to be honest!
Having said all that though I did enjoy the book. The story is fascinating and I just had to know what was going on. If you read it you’ll never guess! The tweet made me wonder, have I assimilated fatphobia myself to the extent that in literature it doesn’t even bother me?
