The Power of Reclaiming the word FAT
Words hold immense power, shaping our thoughts, identities, and societal norms. The practice of word reclamation involves taking terms that have been used derogatorily and redefining them in empowering ways. This act of reclaiming language can transform the narratives surrounding marginalized groups, allowing them to take control of their identities and stories.
Reclamation is a bold act of resistance. It involves taking back words that have been wielded as weapons and transforming them into symbols of pride and identity. This practice is not new; it has been a tool for various communities to challenge oppression and rewrite societal narratives.
Consider how women and femmes have reclaimed "b***h," turning it from a slur into a badge of strength and assertiveness. Similarly, Black folx have reclaimed the "N-word," using it within the community as a term of endearment and solidarity. Another notable example is the book Pussy: A Reclamation, which seeks to destigmatize and empower the word "pussy" by exploring its historical and cultural significance. This powerful act of redefining harmful words is now being applied to the word "fat," challenging long-held prejudices and misconceptions.
Simply put: FAT is not a bad word. No matter how much the beauty and fitness industries try to vilify it to capitalize on our insecurities, the reality is that fatness is not inherently negative. The societal pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards is a tool for profit, not a measure of health or worth.
There are countless individuals who embody health, beauty, and vitality in their fatness. For instance, Olympic weightlifter Sarah Robles (@roblympian on Instagram), who has won multiple medals and represents the United States on the world stage, demonstrates extraordinary strength and athleticism. Influencers like Leah V (@Ivernon2000 on Instagram) and Achieng Agutu (@noordinarynoire on Instagram) exemplify beauty, style, and charisma while proudly owning their fatness. Our own Fairen Kia stands as a testament to the fact that fatness, accomplishment and beauty are not mutually exclusive.
Another reason to reclaim the word is the undeniable reality that beauty standards are constantly evolving, often attempting to leave those who don't fit its narrow mold on the sidelines. To understand the current temperature of these standards, look no further than a prominent member of a certain family dynasty, whose name rhymes with "Dim Pardashian." This individual and their family have starkly highlighted the disparity between the celebration of classically Black features and the lack of appreciation for those who naturally possess them. Her efforts to stay relevant and fashionable (as if our bodies are clothes on a rack or a pair of cheaply made fast fashion shoes) underscore the ongoing issue of misogynoir—a topic for another day—revealing how beauty standards often exploit and exclude in a vast majority of intersections. By reclaiming the word "fat," we reject these arbitrary ideals and embrace the full spectrum of human beauty, challenging the systems that profit from our artificially produced insecurities and opting for the inherent art and miracle that is the vehicle carrying our souls.
There are many who champion inclusion, but we want you to join us in also championing FATNESS. Taking up room in every space you enter, not playing shy or coy on the first date by eating less, proudly asking for the seatbelt extender on your 10th flight of the year, and unapologetically eating the foods that make you feel good as your body dictates—these are acts of self-love and defiance. Love Thy Belly was born from this audacious, self-loving, and liberating mindset, and we invite you to participate in this act of defiance and self-love, where we collectively take the word FAT back from the grubby colonialist hands of consumerism and refuse to be silenced or shamed. Let’s collectively rewrite the narrative around the word FAT, one act of self love at a time.
