Not sure if you are saying that "fat" is an offensive word? If you are, I will have to disagree with you. As someone who has been fat all his adult life I can tell you I infinitely prefer the straight-ahead descriptor "fat" over euphemisms like "big", "big-boned" and "husky". As with virtually any word, it can be weaponized by someone's attitude and intent...
Not long ago, a student in one of my classes sang "Vanilla Ice Cream," and when she got to the lyric "and never guessing that you were fat" sang "and never guessing that you were short" instead. After she sang, I advised - "I've been short all my life - something I have no control over. I've also been fat all my life, which of course I do have some control over but haven't always done that. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm not offended by either word, but the obvious lyric change does make me uncomfortable, because I know you're trying so hard to avoid saying 'fat.' I think I'd prefer Harnick's lyric."
Notably, she didn't change "bald." Which of course could be as offensive as "fat." Interesting.
:-) |
