A message that bears repeating

[lorimay]

Honestly, how great of a lawyer could this jerk really be?
If he has the time on his hands to sit down and right such a disgraceful email to a woman who is just doing her job, my guess is he doesn't have too much on his plate.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

what an amazing and intelligent response!!!!

I think his name should be released. He should own it - or he is an even lower form of human being than the message indicates. This speaks to his character and the public should know this and be able to decide for themselves whether or not they want to do business with type of individual.

 

[Princess Dolly]

Her message to kids who are bullied is important. People being bullied usually feel alone, ashamed, embarrassed.... We as adults need to share our experiences so kids know that they are not alone....and tht they can have a wonderful life in the future... Even if there are still jerks out there like that lawyer...

Exactly!

Had the email been sent to the generic station address (like for one of those station "inbox" news segments), I could see it being posted publically, but since it was specifically sent to just her, it was a personal direct email. Had I received it, I would have either deleted it or responded with a message similar to her public response. When I watch the news, I am looking for info on what is happening in my area. I am not looking for 5 minutes of airtime by an anchor who got called obese by one man out of the hudreds of people in the area in which I live.

For the record, I am not trying to argue with anyone, and I certainly see how others feel differently about the topic. These are just my own feelings on the matter.

You've never seen an editorial piece on local news?

 

[smitch425]

You've never seen an editorial piece on local news?

Not on this personal of a level, no.

 

[MrsDuck]

I liked her response!

 

[Scurvy]

Had the email been sent to the generic station address (like for one of those station "inbox" news segments), I could see it being posted publically, but since it was specifically sent to just her, it was a personal direct email. Had I received it, I would have either deleted it or responded with a message similar to her public response. When I watch the news, I am looking for info on what is happening in my area. I am not looking for 5 minutes of airtime by an anchor who got called obese by one man out of the hudreds of people in the area in which I live.

For the record, I am not trying to argue with anyone, and I certainly see how others feel differently about the topic. These are just my own feelings on the matter.

I agree. If he had started a website about her, or posted on the news station's Facebook page or otherwise made his letter public then I think a public response would be appropriate. Given that he sent it only to her, I think she should just have deleted and ignored it.

That said, I think I see this differently than everyone else. First, let me say that I think it was completely inappropriate and rude for the guy to send the email. I suspect that will get lost in the rest of what I say so I want to reiterate that I think the guy was completely wrong for sending that email. However, there is increased concern lately for children who are overweight or who have unhealthy diets. Laws are being passed to try to help children avoid unhealthy foods. There are new regulations about school lunches and people are trying to ban unhealthy foods and drinks in some cities. To me, it seems logical that the next step for some people would be to worry about children being exposed to what they see as unhealthy examples. For years many people haven't wanted their kids to see things like smoking and drinking portrayed in a positive light. Many people see someone who is overweight and assume they are that way because of an unhealthy lifestyle. I assume that this woman is well liked and popular on the news or she wouldn't have been on there for so long. The guy might assume that kids would have a more positive outlook about obesity because they like this woman, and they see that lots of other people like her as well. Again, I'm not saying he's right to feel that way but I've seen others express a similar sentiment over the years.

I didn't find his email to be a personal attack, exactly. I think it was rude, but he wasn't attacking her for being fat. He wasn't informing her that she was fat as though she didn't know, or telling her how disgusting he thought she was. He was just asking her to reconsider the example she was setting for the younger viewers of the news. And he did not do it publicly, or try to shame her in front of others. I think he was misguided and rude, but I personally don't think he was bullying her.

 

[Andtototoo]

Not on this personal of a level, no.

I have. A local newscaster did a very similar piece years ago about the hate mail she received about her personal appearance, using it as a springboard to talk about the ways in which women are judged solely on their physical attractiveness and what that judgmentalism and negativity do to the self esteem of girls and women.

I remember it very clearly because she read some of the email -- without names -- on the air and I was disgusted and dismayed. This reporter had done some amazing journalism and broken important news and yet she said that most of her inbox was filled with negative comments about her appearance (which, by the way, is actually quite lovely).

And not only do I remember it, but others do as well. A few months ago my work janitor who is African-American brought that editorical up because he remembered it in light of the fact that his daughter is being harassed at school by boys about her choice to wear her hair naturally (in a closely cropped Afro) rather than having a weave put in. He commented that, "I remember when the reporter talked about how some people in this world thinks women have an obligation to be attractive to random men according to the rules these men set down. Screw 'em, that's what that reporter basically said and that's what I told my daughter."

 

[It'sWDW4me]

I would be interested in knowing more about Mr. Healthy Attorney who wrote the letter. No doubt, he is a true physical specimen who is in perfect condition. Likely always walks, runs, or bikes to work. I'm sure he spends his weekends running ultra marathons and never allows a drop of alcohol to touch his lips. No doubt he stays far away from all caffeinated and carbonated beverages and would sooner die that eat fast food or anything that has ever seen the inside of a fryer. Likely applies his SPF 100+ first thing in the morning and reapplies anytime he will be out in the sun.

You forgot to mention that he also publicly chastises smokers and wouldn't DREAM of lighting up or grabbing a "pinch" himself.

 

[luvmy3]

I agree. If he had started a website about her, or posted on the news station's Facebook page or otherwise made his letter public then I think a public response would be appropriate. Given that he sent it only to her, I think she should just have deleted and ignored it.

That said, I think I see this differently than everyone else. First, let me say that I think it was completely inappropriate and rude for the guy to send the email. I suspect that will get lost in the rest of what I say so I want to reiterate that I think the guy was completely wrong for sending that email. However, there is increased concern lately for children who are overweight or who have unhealthy diets. Laws are being passed to try to help children avoid unhealthy foods. There are new regulations about school lunches and people are trying to ban unhealthy foods and drinks in some cities. To me, it seems logical that the next step for some people would be to worry about children being exposed to what they see as unhealthy examples. For years many people haven't wanted their kids to see things like smoking and drinking portrayed in a positive light. Many people see someone who is overweight and assume they are that way because of an unhealthy lifestyle. I assume that this woman is well liked and popular on the news or she wouldn't have been on there for so long. The guy might assume that kids would have a more positive outlook about obesity because they like this woman, and they see that lots of other people like her as well. Again, I'm not saying he's right to feel that way but I've seen others express a similar sentiment over the years.

I didn't find his email to be a personal attack, exactly. I think it was rude, but he wasn't attacking her for being fat. He wasn't informing her that she was fat as though she didn't know, or telling her how disgusting he thought she was. He was just asking her to reconsider the example she was setting for the younger viewers of the news. And he did not do it publicly, or try to shame her in front of others. I think he was misguided and rude, but I personally don't think he was bullying her.

Very well said.

 

[SaraJayne]

I would be interested in knowing more about Mr. Healthy Attorney who wrote the letter. No doubt, he is a true physical specimen who is in perfect condition. Likely always walks, runs, or bikes to work. I'm sure he spends his weekends running ultra marathons and never allows a drop of alcohol to touch his lips. No doubt he stays far away from all caffeinated and carbonated beverages and would sooner die that eat fast food or anything that has ever seen the inside of a fryer. Likely applies his SPF 100+ first thing in the morning and reapplies anytime he will be out in the sun.

I know his name, only because my sister is friends with Jennifer. My sister, as well as Jennifer, are very active in community events/affairs and my sister did not know who he was/is. And La Crosse is not that big.

 

[SaraJayne]

Had the email been sent to the generic station address (like for one of those station "inbox" news segments), I could see it being posted publically, but since it was specifically sent to just her, it was a personal direct email. Had I received it, I would have either deleted it or responded with a message similar to her public response. When I watch the news, I am looking for info on what is happening in my area. I am not looking for 5 minutes of airtime by an anchor who got called obese by one man out of the hudreds of people in the area in which I live.

For the record, I am not trying to argue with anyone, and I certainly see how others feel differently about the topic. These are just my own feelings on the matter.

It was sent to the news station.

 

[FireDancer]

I agree. If he had started a website about her, or posted on the news station's Facebook page or otherwise made his letter public then I think a public response would be appropriate. Given that he sent it only to her, I think she should just have deleted and ignored it.

That said, I think I see this differently than everyone else. First, let me say that I think it was completely inappropriate and rude for the guy to send the email. I suspect that will get lost in the rest of what I say so I want to reiterate that I think the guy was completely wrong for sending that email. However, there is increased concern lately for children who are overweight or who have unhealthy diets. Laws are being passed to try to help children avoid unhealthy foods. There are new regulations about school lunches and people are trying to ban unhealthy foods and drinks in some cities. To me, it seems logical that the next step for some people would be to worry about children being exposed to what they see as unhealthy examples. For years many people haven't wanted their kids to see things like smoking and drinking portrayed in a positive light. Many people see someone who is overweight and assume they are that way because of an unhealthy lifestyle. I assume that this woman is well liked and popular on the news or she wouldn't have been on there for so long. The guy might assume that kids would have a more positive outlook about obesity because they like this woman, and they see that lots of other people like her as well. Again, I'm not saying he's right to feel that way but I've seen others express a similar sentiment over the years.

I didn't find his email to be a personal attack, exactly. I think it was rude, but he wasn't attacking her for being fat. He wasn't informing her that she was fat as though she didn't know, or telling her how disgusting he thought she was. He was just asking her to reconsider the example she was setting for the younger viewers of the news. And he did not do it publicly, or try to shame her in front of others. I think he was misguided and rude, but I personally don't think he was bullying her.

A very sensible post and yet another example of the overuse of the word bullying. An email expressing a negative opinion from someone who isn't in a position of power over you is simply not bullying. It is crass and rude and shouldn't be sent but it isn't bullying and isn't even an attack. It is the expression of an opinion and nothing else.

Obesity is a real problem that shouldn't be shrugged off so easily but at the same time some teleprompter reader on the local news (and that is all they really are) is probably not really the person any child should be looking up to as a role model for their health. That is a role the parents are supposed to occupy.

Just my opinion, I look forward to the over the top twisting of what I wrote here.

 

[smitch425]

It was sent to the news station.

Was it sent to a generic station address or to her direct station email address? There is a difference. Starting off the email with "Hi, Jennifer" doesn't sound like it was sent to the station as a whole. Again, I think the email was dispicable and should never have been sent. The guy is closed minded, but I don't think the wording of his email was bullying, just ignorant and hurtful. Bullying would have used far less PC words. I think he was coming from a place of concern, but boy was his execution BBBBAAADDDD.

 

[LisaR]

I agree. If he had started a website about her, or posted on the news station's Facebook page or otherwise made his letter public then I think a public response would be appropriate. Given that he sent it only to her, I think she should just have deleted and ignored it.

That said, I think I see this differently than everyone else. First, let me say that I think it was completely inappropriate and rude for the guy to send the email. I suspect that will get lost in the rest of what I say so I want to reiterate that I think the guy was completely wrong for sending that email. However, there is increased concern lately for children who are overweight or who have unhealthy diets. Laws are being passed to try to help children avoid unhealthy foods. There are new regulations about school lunches and people are trying to ban unhealthy foods and drinks in some cities. To me, it seems logical that the next step for some people would be to worry about children being exposed to what they see as unhealthy examples. For years many people haven't wanted their kids to see things like smoking and drinking portrayed in a positive light. Many people see someone who is overweight and assume they are that way because of an unhealthy lifestyle. I assume that this woman is well liked and popular on the news or she wouldn't have been on there for so long. The guy might assume that kids would have a more positive outlook about obesity because they like this woman, and they see that lots of other people like her as well. Again, I'm not saying he's right to feel that way but I've seen others express a similar sentiment over the years.

I didn't find his email to be a personal attack, exactly. I think it was rude, but he wasn't attacking her for being fat. He wasn't informing her that she was fat as though she didn't know, or telling her how disgusting he thought she was. He was just asking her to reconsider the example she was setting for the younger viewers of the news. And he did not do it publicly, or try to shame her in front of others. I think he was misguided and rude, but I personally don't think he was bullying her.

I actually agree with you but........

If this woman was in some way a role model for kids, I would be more inclined to see his point of view. Maybe a lot of kids watch the local news? Mine never did and they certainly wouldn't look at a local newscaster as a role model. If she was regularly doing pieces on childhood obesity or was known locally for educating child about eating habits, I'd be more inclined to look at the email as a constructive and potentially deserving piece of criticism.

In this case, the lawyer doesn't watch the show, knows nothing about this newscaster, and doesn't know what issues she is involved with, yet he decided she was fat and he would let her know she should be a better role model. That seems kind of out of left field to me and none of his business.

Does he also email all the skinny newscasters and tell them to eat a sandwich so little girls don't become anorexic watching them?

 

[violetrose]

I loved her response. You can tell she is genuine, her voice is cracking, she was genuinely hurt by his email. I think it's important that other people see even a beautiful and successful newscaster who is tough to the media can get hurt by someone's words. She does care about being a good role model where it counts, from the heart. And by the way I think she is a beautiful woman just as she is - not just on the inside but the outside too.

 

[brookmey]

I agree. If he had started a website about her, or posted on the news station's Facebook page or otherwise made his letter public then I think a public response would be appropriate. Given that he sent it only to her, I think she should just have deleted and ignored it.

That said, I think I see this differently than everyone else. First, let me say that I think it was completely inappropriate and rude for the guy to send the email. I suspect that will get lost in the rest of what I say so I want to reiterate that I think the guy was completely wrong for sending that email. However, there is increased concern lately for children who are overweight or who have unhealthy diets. Laws are being passed to try to help children avoid unhealthy foods. There are new regulations about school lunches and people are trying to ban unhealthy foods and drinks in some cities. To me, it seems logical that the next step for some people would be to worry about children being exposed to what they see as unhealthy examples. For years many people haven't wanted their kids to see things like smoking and drinking portrayed in a positive light. Many people see someone who is overweight and assume they are that way because of an unhealthy lifestyle. I assume that this woman is well liked and popular on the news or she wouldn't have been on there for so long. The guy might assume that kids would have a more positive outlook about obesity because they like this woman, and they see that lots of other people like her as well. Again, I'm not saying he's right to feel that way but I've seen others express a similar sentiment over the years.

I didn't find his email to be a personal attack, exactly. I think it was rude, but he wasn't attacking her for being fat. He wasn't informing her that she was fat as though she didn't know, or telling her how disgusting he thought she was. He was just asking her to reconsider the example she was setting for the younger viewers of the news. And he did not do it publicly, or try to shame her in front of others. I think he was misguided and rude, but I personally don't think he was bullying her.

Or think about an overweight teen girl who is battling her weight. She wants to be a healthy weight, but the constant teasing, comments and ridicule keep knocking her down, making her weight loss battle even harder. She then sees this newscaster, overweight like her, and sees the outpouring of support for the newscaster. She sees this beautiful, professional woman dealing with the same weight issues. Maybe she sees the newscaster as in inspiration to not let the negative words get to her. Instead of thinking, "this lady's a reporter and she's fat, so it's OK for me to stay fat," maybe the teen is able to approach her weight loss with a more positive determination. Maybe she'll realize that being overweight is not who she is, but rather an obstacle she needs to overcome.

 

[SaraJayne]

Was it sent to a generic station address or to her direct station email address? There is a difference. Starting off the email with "Hi, Jennifer" doesn't sound like it was sent to the station as a whole. Again, I think the email was dispicable and should never have been sent. The guy is closed minded, but I don't think the wording of his email was bullying, just ignorant and hurtful. Bullying would have used far less PC words. I think he was coming from a place of concern, but boy was his execution BBBBAAADDDD.

It was sent to the news station, but I don't know if it was her station email or the generic "contact us" link.

 

[SaraJayne]

A very sensible post and yet another example of the overuse of the word bullying. An email expressing a negative opinion from someone who isn't in a position of power over you is simply not bullying. It is crass and rude and shouldn't be sent but it isn't bullying and isn't even an attack. It is the expression of an opinion and nothing else.

Obesity is a real problem that shouldn't be shrugged off so easily but at the same time some teleprompter reader on the local news (and that is all they really are) is probably not really the person any child should be looking up to as a role model for their health. That is a role the parents are supposed to occupy.

Just my opinion, I look forward to the over the top twisting of what I wrote here.

If you knew one thing about Jennifer Livingston, you'd realize she is not a teleprompter reader, but an award-winning journalist, and she is, in fact, a role model for women in the community and has been for a long time.


Your opinion on people that are overweight is well known, Frank.

 

[violetrose]

If you knew one thing about Jennifer Livingston, you'd realize she is not a teleprompter reader, but an award-winning journalist, and she is, in fact, a role model for women in the community and has been for a long time.


Your opinion on people that are overweight is well known, Frank.

I don't know Frank but the person you quoted sounds pretty smug. I don't know anything about Jennifer but her rebuttal to that rude email was classy. And yes, it is bullying when someone tries to belittle another. She was hurt, it was written all over her face. Why do people use so much time being mean? Was it really necessary that this grown man write this woman he says he doesn't even watch to tell he she's too fat?

 

[goofinoff]

Wow.....she is quite inspirational. Her girls are lucky to have a mother like her!