I actually recently saw a post by a disabled user on LinkedIn that rightfully pointed out some of your sentiment here that ‘health’ is often given as the ultimate pinnacle of happiness, success and morality. But obviously for those with disabilities, perfect health is an unrealistic, unreachable goal - so what then? Like you say, does it mean their lives are worth less? We definitely need to reshape our views around that. Health is definitely a privilege.
As for the conversation on weight; I still often fall victim to this even though I know intellectually that it’s stupid and wrong, often feeling bummed out when I weigh more. I can only attribute this to the messages we got growing up that being overweight - or even just NOT SKINNY - was somehow a failure or weakness. I try to focus on the practicalities of it now rather than appearance I.e lifting my ass upside down into a hoop is a bit harder when I’m heavier (but I can still do it so does it matter?) and that I’m lucky my body can do these wonderful things.
Nonetheless I still mentally take note when someone comments on my eating habits (‘starter AND a dessert!?’) , or if a person describes someone as being ‘lovely and thin’ (as opposed to what? Unlovely and fat?), or the constant stream of ‘I’m trying to be good’. I could go on…
You are SO right about health being synonymous with happiness, meaning happiness is only available to non-disabled people? Or people who are "healthy" by society's standards? It's awful, and untrue.
I don't think any of us raised in the 90s will fully overcome the impact of direct culture, but even just noticing it is a step. I have identified a similar juxtaposition in my own exercise - I'm heavier now but can run faster and my HR is lower? So weight doesn't equal health, anyway.
I often think we have made a lot of progress in critically evaluating the harmful messages of diet culture from my parents’ youth and my childhood but then I remember that I am also very much in a social bubble. The belief that being thin means being happy, successful and healthy is still entrenched for so many. I have recently been really ill, over several months which led to me requiring surgery, having to have a restricted diet and losing weight quickly, in an unhealthy way. The amount of unwelcome comments I received from coworkers which ranged from “well done you look amazing!” to “how do I get the same illness if it means I’ll also lose weight” was really upsetting. Sometimes being reminded how far we still have to go makes me feel so tired of advocating, speaking out and engaging on social media. Sometimes I just want to hide away from it all, which I know is a privilege not everyone has.
I loved Educated. I found a hardback copy in the charity shop and bought it even though I have already read it 😂 Great memoir.
I am on the hunt for a second hand physical copy for my collection, it was so good!
Hard back or paper back? I’ll keep my eye out! It’s definitely a keeper 🙌🏻
Great 👍
I actually recently saw a post by a disabled user on LinkedIn that rightfully pointed out some of your sentiment here that ‘health’ is often given as the ultimate pinnacle of happiness, success and morality. But obviously for those with disabilities, perfect health is an unrealistic, unreachable goal - so what then? Like you say, does it mean their lives are worth less? We definitely need to reshape our views around that. Health is definitely a privilege.
As for the conversation on weight; I still often fall victim to this even though I know intellectually that it’s stupid and wrong, often feeling bummed out when I weigh more. I can only attribute this to the messages we got growing up that being overweight - or even just NOT SKINNY - was somehow a failure or weakness. I try to focus on the practicalities of it now rather than appearance I.e lifting my ass upside down into a hoop is a bit harder when I’m heavier (but I can still do it so does it matter?) and that I’m lucky my body can do these wonderful things.
Nonetheless I still mentally take note when someone comments on my eating habits (‘starter AND a dessert!?’) , or if a person describes someone as being ‘lovely and thin’ (as opposed to what? Unlovely and fat?), or the constant stream of ‘I’m trying to be good’. I could go on…
You are SO right about health being synonymous with happiness, meaning happiness is only available to non-disabled people? Or people who are "healthy" by society's standards? It's awful, and untrue.
I don't think any of us raised in the 90s will fully overcome the impact of direct culture, but even just noticing it is a step. I have identified a similar juxtaposition in my own exercise - I'm heavier now but can run faster and my HR is lower? So weight doesn't equal health, anyway.
I often think we have made a lot of progress in critically evaluating the harmful messages of diet culture from my parents’ youth and my childhood but then I remember that I am also very much in a social bubble. The belief that being thin means being happy, successful and healthy is still entrenched for so many. I have recently been really ill, over several months which led to me requiring surgery, having to have a restricted diet and losing weight quickly, in an unhealthy way. The amount of unwelcome comments I received from coworkers which ranged from “well done you look amazing!” to “how do I get the same illness if it means I’ll also lose weight” was really upsetting. Sometimes being reminded how far we still have to go makes me feel so tired of advocating, speaking out and engaging on social media. Sometimes I just want to hide away from it all, which I know is a privilege not everyone has.