Would you ever give up on your dream job because of your weight?
I’m sure that’s not how the plan would go, but what if that’s what just happens?
That’s what Rachel Fox did. She thought she was too fat to be a scientist, and quit her job because of it.
Could you imagine?! I couldn’t. I mean sure, I don’t work in STEM so maybe it’s a totally different atmosphere. Still, no matter what field you’re in, fat discrimination is wrong.
Fox’s story isn’t news, but fat discrimination in the workplace still exists today. Recently, one of Seattle’s top-paid employees was under investigation for harassment and discrimination. Some employees even said he made “disparaging comments about people’s weight.”
I’m sorry, but what does someone’s weight have to do with their job? If you’re behind a desk or speaking to customers/clients, weight shouldn’t matter. If you’re behind a computer screen, working with your hands or even doing heavy lifting, weight still shouldn’t matter.
I don’t want to have to worry about my weight when I’m interviewing for a job or sitting in my office working. No one should have to worry about that, and it’s not something that ever crossed my mind until I read about Fox’s situation.
I didn’t think there were weight discrimination laws, but there are. However, these laws aren’t in place in all the cities across the U.S. I didn’t think we even needed such a law, but it looks like we do.
Why is it that so many people bond over fat shaming? Fat shaming is never OK. Just picture it: A group of employees huddled around the water cooler talking about how fat the new girl is or now that one guy is so big that he can’t fit in his chair. You know what? People are fat. Get over it.
It’s not going to make you a better person for talking about someone behind their back. Does it make you feel better? Is it your way of blowing off steam? You know there are things called punching bags and stress balls and yoga.
Do you know why I hate when people say they’re scared of getting fat? Because I’m fat. So you’re basically saying you’re scared of becoming what I already look like.
Is your mind blown? I hope so. You see, we don’t realize how harmful our words can be. Even if you’re just joking around with co-workers and gossiping about the people around you, watch what you say.
Weight discrimination is only increasing. It’s clear that getting rid of weight discrimination is going to be difficult. It’s like how getting rid of bullying in schools is difficult. No one wants either things, but in order to get rid of them, a shift in how we see things and treat people needs to happen.
