Blog Post #12: "Stereotyping" Obesity

In this past week’s class, we discussed the numerous stereotypes against certain groups from Christians and Muslims to hipsters and blond-haired women. But, by far, the most interesting topic of debate was on obesity. It’s very clear that obesity is a major problem in America, and it can be the subject of many different media sources, from television advertising (like the below Subway ad depicting slightly obese people losing their buttons while eating fast food) to programs such as “The Biggest Loser”. Many feel that obese people are being unfairly subjected to certain stereotypes in these media sources, but I disagree. There is a distinct difference between a stereotype and a fact. For example: It’s a stereotype to say that all blond girls are dumb. Somewhere out there, there is a blond girl that is smart and breaks that stereotype. But obesity is a medical term. It’s like saying “All cancer patients are _____.” It is a visible fact that every obese person is obese, so it’s not really a “stereotype” when an advertiser like Subway depicts him or her in this manner.

The aforementioned Subway ad.

Also, I think that programs like “The Biggest Loser” do more good than harm. If someone is considered obese, it is in his or her power to change it. Programs like this can help motivate those who have thought about dieting and exercising, as they can see firsthand how successful some of these contestants are. In high school, I had a friend that was a little overweight who started watching that show and other shows like it online. Pretty soon, he was inspired to get up and start working out, and ended up cutting 20 lbs. in his first few months. Shows like “The Biggest Loser”, in my opinion, are actually good media attention for obesity, because it can show how the disease can be cured. But overall, I do not believe one can stereotype obesity, because it is a medical condition and not a trait. 

Although this is an ad for the UK version of the program, it's a good example as to how "The Biggest Loser" can help inspire obese people to diet and exercise more frequently.