Fatness, Body-Size Stigma and Thin Privilege

Monday, March 11, 2019 - 3:00 pm

In this panel discussion, three faculty scholars will share their research and analyses of the changing socio-cultural perspectives on body size and fatness, including how “obesity” is currently perceived and sometimes mis-perceived by health professionals.  Have you wondered, for example, why it is now acceptable to charge fat people more for insurance coverage than thin people? Or does it seem self-evident to you that individuals with perceived behavioral health diagnoses--smoking, addictions, certain genetic conditions--should pay more? Can--and should--we equate how people look with the state of their health?  Susan Hill, Professor of Philosophy and World Religions, will discuss the historical context for these kinds of trends and explore the current state of medical research on fatness.  A second panel member, Fabio Fontana, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, will share his original research on the identification of anti-obesity biases among exercise-related professionals, whether these biases might translate into negative actions and behaviors of exercise-related professionals toward obese clients, and how weight-related bullying affects children and adolescents (in-progress).  Finally, Jesse Swan, Professor of English, will share his perspectives as a humanities scholar on love and hate, fat and fat stigma, and the hidden presumptions of thin privilege. Attendees will be encouraged to explore their own understanding and assumptions about fatness and how those affect their daily lives, interpersonally and professionally. Co-sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Registration Requested.

Location: 
MAU 109 (Center of Multicultural Education)
Contact Information
Name: 
Ryan Solomon
Phone: 
(563) 608-3464
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