“Why is calling someone ‘fat’ such a hurtful insult?”
This is the question that has left many people wondering after Allison, a mother of two, shared her recent experience of going swimming with her children. During the swim, her daughter called her “fat,” but Allison’s response was so brilliant that her message has quickly spread across the internet.
At the age of 14, Allison Kimmey began dieting and managed to maintain a size two to four throughout graduate school. However, this was a challenging journey and did not bring her happiness. At the age of 27, Allison reached a size eight and realized that accepting her weight gain would bring her much more joy.
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To keep herself motivated, Allison created an Instagram account, @allisonkimmey, where she shares pictures and inspirational content. Her message of body positivity has brought happiness and motivation to many of her followers, but unfortunately, it does not reach everyone.
During a recent visit to the pool with her children, Allison’s daughter became upset and called her fat when it was time to leave. Allison shared this incident on Instagram.
Me: “What did you say about me?”
Her: “I’m sorry, mama. I called you fat.”
Me: “Let’s talk about it. The truth is, nobody is fat. It’s not something you can be. However, we all have fat. It protects our muscles and bones and provides us energy to keep our bodies going. Do you have fat?”
Her: “Yes, I have some on my tummy.”
Me: “That’s right! Both your brother and I also have fat.”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I have only muscles.”
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Me: “Actually, everyone in the world has fat, but each of us has different amounts. You have some fat too, son. It protects your muscles. But your sister and I have a bit more.”
Her brother: “Oh, I understand now. We have different amounts of fat, but that doesn’t mean that one person is better than the other.”
Me: “Exactly. You both are beautiful just the way you are, with your unique amounts of fat. Do you understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “Can you repeat what I said?”
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Them: “Yes! You said we shouldn’t call someone fat because being fat is not something you can be. Everyone has fat, and it’s okay to have different amounts.”
Me: “That’s right!”
Allison not only wanted to teach her children how to communicate with others but also believed it was essential to spread the message that everyone is equal, regardless of their body shape. Her Instagram post has now gone viral.
“If I scold my children for using the word ‘fat,’ I am reinforcing the idea that being fat is undesirable, gross, and unworthy,” Allison writes.
What an inspiring woman! Instead of judging people based on their appearance, we should support and encourage each other. Share if you agree!
