DCWoody
Posts: 1401
Joined: 10/27/2006 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: IceDemeter FR ~ It's interesting how differently people perceive the OP. I and some others took it as an intellectual discussion on our perception of a very commonly used acronym, while others took it as an expression of a personal preference for a slim partner, and others took it as an attack on all larger women. Frankly, if I had taken it as either of the latter two, I wouldn't have bothered to continue to read - nevermind post. Whatever it was intended as by the OP, it has succeeded in giving me something to ponder. I'm glad to know the origins of the acronym (it makes sense as a marketing ploy). This term has become so incredibly PC that those of us who choose not to use it get told that we are wrong or that we lack confidence or that we lack self-esteem. Yet, we live in a society where being fat is frowned upon for aesthetic, health, financial, or whatever the reason of the day is. The word "fat" has been given so many negative connotations that it seems to be starting on the road to being considered the equivalent of a racial epithet. I'm thinking that my personal distaste with the BBW acronym maybe isn't so much the forced opinion. I'm starting to see that the distaste comes in part from my not choosing to allow a word - the word "fat" - to have any power over me. It is a simple word, and doesn't have to carry the negative with it - for me, it can just be a simple adjective that accurately describes part of my physical appearance. Another part of it that I found bothersome - I don't like being described by the word "beautiful". That word, to me, is about visual appearance only. I don't like to sum up people based only on appearance, so I have a disconnect with that word. I may be alone in this, but if I were to describe the men and women who I like/love/respect/admire who are the most visually attractive, I would not use the word beautiful. I have used "wondrous", "incredible", and "amazing" --- as, to me, these words describe the person, and not just their looks. Yet another part that irks me is the apparent egotism of the expression. For me, I personally find something a bit off-putting about someone tooting their own horn. Whether it's about looks, intelligence, compassion, integrity --- is the person shouting from the rooftops that they have this personality trait really so unsure of how clearly it will come through in their words and actions that they have to point it out? Finally (sorry - I know I'm long-winded!), I think that the fact that so many have bought in to the use of this acronym appears in some way to be an acceptance of being part of a marginalized group. That is not something that is acceptable for me. I am myself. I deal with the world as an individual. I will not accept being treated or dismissed as part of a group. Darn it, if you're going to dismiss me, it'll be because I caused it, not because I resemble some others in one way or other! Thanks to the OP and all of the rest of you who let me really think about this! Bloody good post.
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