Being called “fat” is a hurtful insult. So why is that?
After a mother of two called Allison published her account of what occurred when she and her kids went swimming lately, everyone was left wondering what really happened.
Allison responded brilliantly when the 30-year-old’s daughter called her obese, and her reply is now going viral on the internet.
Allison Kimmey began dieting when she was just 14 years old. Through graduate school, she was able to keep her weight in the size two to four range, but it was challenging and she wasn’t content. When Allison reached size eight three years ago, at the age of 27, she recognized that she’d be lot happier if she allowed herself to stop fighting her weight gain.
Allison created the @allisonkimmey Instagram account as a means of self-motivation, where she posts images and quotes. Although Allison’s body acceptance uplifts and inspires her admirers, not everyone hears her crucial message.
Allison recently took her daughter and son to the pool. Allison’s kid yelled at her when it was time to leave and called her fat. According to Allison’s Instagram post:
Me: “What did you say about me?”
Her: “I said you were fat, mama. I’m sorry.”
Me: “Let’s talk about it. The truth is, I am not fat. No one IS fat. It’s not something you can BE. But I do HAVE fat. We ALL have fat. It protects our muscles and our bones and keeps our bodies going by providing us energy. Do you have fat?”
Her: “Yes! I have some here on my tummy.”
Me: “That’s right! So do I and so does your brother!”
Her brother: “I don’t have any fat. I’m the skinniest. I just have muscles.”
Me: “Actually, everyone, every single person in the world has fat. But each of us has different amounts.”
Her brother: “Oh right! I have some to protect my big muscles! But you have more than me.”
Me: “Yes, that’s true. Some people have a lot, and others don’t have very much. But that doesn’t mean that one person is better than the other. Do you both understand?”
Both: “Yes, mama.”
Me: “So can you repeat what I said?”
Them: “Yes! I shouldn’t say someone is fat because you can’t be just fat, but everyone HAS fat and it’s okay to have different fat.”
Me: “Exactly right!”
Not only did Allison want to teach her children how to talk to others, she also thought it was important to spread the message that everyone is as equal regardless of body shape. Now her post on Imstagram has gone viral.
“If I shame my children for saying it then I am proving that it is an insulting word and I continue the stigma that being fat is unworthy, gross, comical and undesirable,” writes Allison.
What an inspiring woman! We need to be better at encouraging each other instead of judging each other on how we look on the outside. Share if you agree!
