Men Women Quote by Lindy West
““I hate being fat. I hate the way people look at me, or don't. I hate being a joke; I hate the disorienting limbo between too visible and invisible; I hate the way that complete strangers waste my life out of supposed concern for my death. I hate knowing that if I did die of a condition that correlates with weight, a certain subset of people would feel their prejudices validated, and some would outright celebrate. I also love being fat. The breadth of my shoulders makes me feel safe. I am unassailable. I intimidate. I am a polar icebreaker. I walk and climb and lift things, I can open your jar, I can absorb blows - literal and metaphorical - meant for other women, smaller woman, breakable women women who need me. My bones feel like iron - heavy, but strong. I used to say that being fat in our culture was like drowning (in hate, in blame, in your own tissue), but lately I think it's more like burning. After three decades in the fire, my iron bones are steel.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Fat Body” by Lindy West, 2022
The speaker expresses conflicted feelings about being fat, both resenting societal stigma and embracing the physical power and protection it provides.
In simple terms: Mixed love and hate for being fat, seeing both oppression and strength.
Recognize and honor the strength in your body despite external bias.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Everyday interactions with strangers
- workplace dynamics
- health discussions
- activism
- personal fitness
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does embracing bodily strength change your response to stigma?
- In what ways can society shift from judging bodies to valuing diverse forms of strength?
The narrative may overlook health risks associated with obesity, which can affect longevity.