h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I will be blunt: I am skinny. Definitely not AS skinny as when I was younger and now of a much healthier general appearance, but skinny nonetheless. I am skinny not because I skip meals or over-exercise or never indulge, but simply because I'm swimming in the high-metabolism gene pool. The interesting part? I got absolutely bullied to high heavens for it in school!

As this entry points out, we are genetically programmed to have an aversion to those who could do us harm. Equally, we are programmed to have an aversion to the weaker members of society, especially as children when the social hierarchy is far more defined. Historically, being 'skinny' was a symbol of class and wealth. Today, it comes with an automatic presumption of ill-health or eating disorders. To be thin is to be frail and weak, and if the world truly is getting 'fatter', then I predict that it won't be the 'fat kid' who gets bullied in the playground, but the skinny kid.

Well, Catrinska, i'll like you anyway. Some of my best friends are skinny.
I do have to correct you on one bit. You said that "Historically, being 'skinny' was a symbol of class and wealth." I believe that, historically, like during the time when food was more difficult to procure than it is today, having a little more meat on you was more a sign of wealth and health than it is today. Today, anyone can be fat. I think that today, people are programmed to desire the skinny physique. As adults, anyway, we are taught to think that Paris Hilton is more attractive than... gee, i can't think of a heavy person who's in Paris' circle, that has a few extra pounds.

As kids, i guess we just like to push around the people who are different. Whether you're fat, or skinny. Brown in a white world, white in a brown world. Smart in a dumb world, dumb in a smart world. You're not the norm. I don't think people on either end of the spectrum have it easier. We always think that the grass is greener, but forget that you still have to mow your own lawn.

Aww, thank you! 'Thin' being looked at as a good thing is just odd to me. I was delighted when I realised I had a bit of extra flesh!

I'll admit you're probably right there, I was a bit high up on my soapbox! I was thinking more along the lines of corsetry and ridiculous diets the upper classes underwent to look like they had the waistline of an ant (I seem to remember reading about diet pills that contained tapeworm eggs and being assured that it wasn't an urban legend... lovely.) It's not so much being thin through lack of nutrition, but choosing to be thin in spite of vast resources that brought in the question of class.

I think that the Paris Hilton type figures, because of the media exposure on people like Lindsay Lohan, Britney etc. are more figures of ridicule than figures of wealth, and I think that shift is going to continue. Personally. Though you are right, anyone who isn't the 'norm' will always be the subject of ridicule... it's just a question of what the 'norm' will be in 10 years time!

You are right about that as well. I always remember Scarlett O'Hara being so proud of her 17" waist (i think that's my bicep measurement) One of my very good friends has always bordered on being very skinny, and now, like you, has some curves to her, which make her look healthy. As someone on the other end of the spectrum, it's taken a bit of work for me to realize that skinny people have it just as hard as i do, when it comes to being accepted by others.

Although those girls in particular are objects of ridicule, we still see too many girls aspiring to look like the airbrushed models in magazines. I think that any adult woman with a brain realizes that an image like that is unattainable, it is sad to know that young girls don't have that perspective.

While i don't think that obese people should be thought less of, i hate these new campaigns that would have people accept obesity. People who are proud of their large size. Maybe its my own bias against myself, but i think people should strive to be healthy, but try to understand those of us who are outside of the perfectly shaped box.

Well, if you can accept being fat, that is good. I can't. It makes me almost immobile. I've had operations and repacement knee and hip joints. Being overweight aggrivates this. I feel out of control and weak because I can't seem to lose my bulk. My wife is always making fun out of me and I don't think this helps. I suppose it's low self esteem or something. I certainly don't overeat during the day ,but snack late at night.(I know it's the worst time)I don't have will power and suppose the fat will end up killing me. Perhaps I'd better try harder. Mugs

god no, i can't accept being fat, and i dont think people should. Your wife sounds like a bit of an idiot, if i might be honest. No one should be made fun of.