What are "we" doing to our children in America?

[kvogel11202]

I saw a whole special this morning on the news about how people in China are now eating so much fast food that the kids are getting obese just like ours....they consider excercise something the older generation does. Poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and this new idea that it's OK, as long you don't mind being fat are what is causing this problem. Some people have genuine health issues, but let's face it, most of us (yes us, I'm not perfect either) got here one cheeseburger at a time. Flame on people.....

 

[Missy Mouse]

I don't believe I "projected" words into other people's mouths.

Forgive me if I perceive venom, hostility or prejudice in your or TimeForMe's post, but I do. Just as you accuse me of being blind to a problem. I see your loathing towards other fat people as a reflection of how you see yourself.

We can sit here and argue this all day. Then again, we have, haven't we?

Being PC and walking on eggshells so as to spare feelings is not constructive toward finding a resolution. I actually think contributes to part of the problem. People are told "you look great!" when the person is clearly bulging out of their pants. If they were honest from the start instead of trying to build false esteem I truly believe the weight problem would get better. That said, there's a difference between honest and cruel. And it's especially terrible in obese children because other children can be cruel. On another note, I don't loathe anyone, including myself. I have things to change - we all do. What we are on the outside is not a direct reflection of who we are on the inside. But healthwise it's a different story. Being a good person is not going to save you from a lifetime of health problems and imminent early death due from the strain obesity puts on the body. That's just a fact, there's no debating it. Period.

 

[chobie]

Being PC and walking on eggshells so as to spare feelings is not constructive toward finding a resolution. I actually think contributes to part of the problem. People are told "you look great!" when the person is clearly bulging out of their pants. If they were honest from the start instead of trying to build false esteem I truly believe the weight problem would get better. That said, there's a difference between honest and cruel. And it's especially terrible in obese children because other children can be cruel. On another note, I don't loathe anyone, including myself. I have things to change - we all do. What we are on the outside is not a direct reflection of who we are on the inside. But healthwise it's a different story. Being a good person is not going to save you from a lifetime of health problems and imminent early death due from the strain obesity puts on the body. That's just a fact, there's no debating it. Period.

Oh, the old "I'm not being rude I'm just not being PC" crap. If anything trashing on fat people is PC, because it can be shielded in a veil of pretending its about health and not about appearance.

FTR, I'm not overweight. I'm 5 lbs heavier than I want to be, but I'm still well within the normal wieght range and BMI and all that. I'm not bragging about my size and I do have to work on it to stay this weight, but I'm so sick of people needing to judge and condescend on others.

 

[TimeforMe]

Wow, this thread doesn't want die, huh?

Oh, the old "I'm not being rude I'm just not being PC" crap. If anything trashing on fat people is PC, because it can be shielded in a veil of pretending its about health and not about appearance.

.....but I'm so sick of people needing to judge and condescend on others.

First, I don't think she was rude in the least. I also don't think any of us are trashing fat people. Why oh why do some of you continue to turn it around and make it seem that way? You are the ones who have been rude.

And as far as judging and acting in a condescending fashion, again....? You are the one who seems to know the reasons why we're posting and what we're "really" thinking. I find that to be extremely condescending.

 

[Missy Mouse]

Oh, the old "I'm not being rude I'm just not being PC" crap. If anything trashing on fat people is PC, because it can be shielded in a veil of pretending its about health and not about appearance.

FTR, I'm not overweight. I'm 5 lbs heavier than I want to be, but I'm still well within the normal wieght range and BMI and all that. I'm not bragging about my size and I do have to work on it to stay this weight, but I'm so sick of people needing to judge and condescend on others.

Maybe you missed the part where I said, "that said, there is a difference between honesty and cruelty." Or perhaps you're one of the many women on here who absolutely thrive off dramatic antics. Either way, I'm done conversing with you because whether you're trying to make something of nothing or are incapable of reading something for what it is, you're not able to have a rational discussion within the context of what's actually written. Good luck and enjoy working yourself up over things you made up.

 

[Missy Mouse]

Wow, this thread doesn't want die, huh?


First, I don't think she was rude in the least. I also don't think any of us are trashing fat people. Why oh why do some of you continue to turn it around and make it seem that way? You are the ones who have been rude.

And as far as judging and acting in a condescending fashion, again....? You are the one who seems to know the reasons why we're posting and what we're "really" thinking. I find that to be extremely condescending.

I'd just let it go and ignore her because she's clearly seeking drama. You words will be wasted because people like her only hear and see what they want to. She's probably enjoying the attention she's receiving from this, so the best thing you can do for those kinds of people is to ignore them. Drives them crazy.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Oh, the old "I'm not being rude I'm just not being PC" crap. If anything trashing on fat people is PC, because it can be shielded in a veil of pretending its about health and not about appearance.

FTR, I'm not overweight. I'm 5 lbs heavier than I want to be, but I'm still well within the normal wieght range and BMI and all that. I'm not bragging about my size and I do have to work on it to stay this weight, but I'm so sick of people needing to judge and condescend on others.

Amen Chobie, I agree. I'm also not overweight, just sick of these judgements.

 

[smartestnumber5]

People are told "you look great!" when the person is clearly bulging out of their pants. If they were honest from the start instead of trying to build false esteem I truly believe the weight problem would get better. That said, there's a difference between honest and cruel. And it's especially terrible in obese children because other children can be cruel.

So what would you suggest? Your friend asks how she looks and you say "fat" or "not good" or "okay, but better if you lost 50 lbs." What exactly is your suggestion for being honest but not cruel?

Besides, who are you to say that lots of fat people do not in fact look good. I mean, are all of the people having sex with a fat person or dating a fat person or in love with a fat person or masturbating to porn involving a fat person delusional?

You seem to be suggesting that fat people generally have an overly rosy view of their bodies. Umm, exactly how many fat people have you asked about this? Personally, I've never known a woman (fat or thin) who was not quite unhappy with her body. And I surely have never known a fat person who has not (for at least part of their lives) hated their body and had significant self-esteem issues.

I remember as a young teen while my mother tried to make me start another diet (none of which ever worked) breaking down in tears and exclaiming "I'm fat. I'll never be pretty. No one will ever love me. Just accept it mom--I have." Yes clearly, if only someone had honestly told me how bad I looked I could have shaken that high self-esteem and lost weight.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Goodness this thing keeps on going and going.

I don't have time to read back all the pages I have missed but just want to add, a scooter costs $30.00 per day to rent. Does anyone think families of fat people have that kinda cash to spend so their obese kids can ride one? Not to mention, there are a limited number to rent and getting one can be very difficult. If they rented off site, how would the have room in their hotel room to store and charge them overnight? It is difficult to find room for one and I usually have to rearrange the furniture a bit.

Resume discussion.....

Actually it was $45 the last time my mom rented one....

as far as the families...while it was not children...I do have to comment that I have seen maybe once or twice a "group" of people that look awfully similar like they are related and it was the grown kids with mom and dad maybe? Perhaps OP saw someone like that.

I have seen couples before as well more than that. And usually you can tell the difference between a disney one and an off sight one (my mom rents them at Disney whenever she is there b/c she can no longer walk the entire time at the park (and she's not obese) so I'm can spot a WDW owned scooter a mile away!).

 

[#1MMFan]

Thought this thread could perhaps use some light-hearted relief... check this out you guys!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVuwU1Qa_fI

That pretty much sums up things, right?!!!!!!!

 

[Missy Mouse]

Just accept it mom--I have." Yes clearly, if only someone had honestly told me how bad I looked I could have shaken that high self-esteem and lost weight.

The difference is, did you rent an ECV because you were too lazy to walk?

 

[noodleknitter]

The difference is, did you rent an ECV because you were too lazy to walk?

Now, it is all of that "too lazy to walk" crap that causes problems. Perhaps weight is an issue for some who rent ecv's. But I would assume that people rent so that they can take advantage of all that Disney offers, rather than be slowed down by walking when unfit. Or they are trying to keep up with younger, more fit folks in their group.

I think that concerns about the junk food and lack of excercise that affect the kids is a totally different concern. THis is the second or third generation being raised on junkfood, rather than healthy food, and I believe that we are finally paying for it. Whole grains, fruits, veggies, are not the main portion of the average american kid's diet. High Fuctose Corn syrup is. White flour... or "enriched white flour" is. Kids are paying the price for their parent's lack of sense about nutrition.

 

[Kendra17]

My apologies for assuming that your vacation was ruined, when you were merely "saddened." I'm glad to see that you took it in stride. And even thought enough to start a topic on the Dis Boards upon your return.

I believe I've made my points in several of my posts, most specifically in my last one. And so did you, to a big extent.

As for our youth, I don't think it's such a cut-and-dry solution. There's lots of research out there on why the obesity rate has risen in our society. I suggest reading "Fast Food Nation" for starters.

I did not see TimeForMe's post like this at all. And, why shouldn't a topic such as this be started? I saw the ECV thing as an example, only. The bigger issue, the one I saw the OP stating, was the fact that obesity is now in epidemic proportions.

I mentioned in an earlier post that our school district has stopped selling junk food and has started baking and roasting all foods rather than frying. They have talked a lot about childhood obesity and health, and I don't understand why so many are defensive about it here. It IS an issue. It is reasonable to discuss it.

Some people here are accusing certain posters of "loathing" obese people. Some people are accusing certain posters of being prejudiced against obese people and of only pretending it's actually about health rather than appearance.

I respectfully disagree with this. MOST obese people get obese over time due to overeating and inactivity. And, many children become obese for the same reasons. However, in this case, it's the parents' fault since they are responsible for their childrens' health. Why are we so quick to recognize that yelling and spanking are abuse but that permitting one's child a diet of junk food and a childhood of physical inactivity are not abusive?

I'm responsible for ensuring my children's well-being, both emotionally and physically. I hope I'm succeeding-- I try-- but there are some things I know I'm doing correctly. Besides the basics and some nice 'extra's, I help them make healthy food choices and ensure they consume a proper diet. This does NOT mean they never get ice cream or never watch television. But, it means that they get enough vegetables and proteins and that they also get enough physical activity.

What on earth can be controversial about this?

The little girl across the street is 11 or so. Over the past three years she has turned from a little pudgy cute kid into an obese preteen. We live on a cul-de-sac in a safe neighborhood with lots and lots of kids. Every kid is out there playing daily except for her. As a matter of fact, I haven't seen her outside for 2 years! SHe used to be outside daily. She happened to be outside yesterday briefly-- with a can of PRINGLES and a Capri Sun fruit punch box/bag!!!-- which is how I knew she gained so much weight. She came out to ask another little girl to come over to her house and watch television-- she had no interest in playing outside with the rest of the kids. I was out there with my three year old and spoke to the older children briefly.

Her parents, also obese, are very nice to everyone. I think they are nice people and I don't "loathe" them for being obese. I noticed they were obese like I notice people have red hair or freckles or acne or whatever. They love their daughter, but they SEEM to be pretty complacent with their daughter's health. Don't the parents' eating habits rub off on their daughter's? Don't they have a responsibility to limit junk food and set their daughter up for a lifetime of wellness, health, and good habits?

The thing is, these people BUY the food. And, when the parents sit on the front porch in the evenings they are snacking on similar foods. They have a choice of what they eat and I don't want to begrudge them their immediate pleasure. But, their choices are just that-- choices. And, they have now taught their daughter to make the same ones.

 

[smartestnumber5]

The difference is, did you rent an ECV because you were too lazy to walk?

So would I be uglier if I had rented an ECV, or would I be equally ugly but only deserve to be told about it if I rented an ECV? Or are you saying that someone who is lazy and thus rents an ECV must have overly high body self esteem and not realize how disgusting they actually are? I am confused about how the two issues are related.

 

[Fitswimmer]

The only thing that concerns me is the advancement of the "mommy" state. How long is it going to be before we get taxed on "fattening" foods the way the government taxes cigarettes? How long will it be before some governor of a state that needs revenue will come up with the idea of taxing "Ho Ho's" ?
I don't want the government deciding what does or does not go in my shopping cart.

Obesity affects others in that taxpayers must pay for medical costs for the indigent who have obesity related illnesses. Also, I'm sure the insurance companies costs go up, so our premiums do too. However, I don't want to see those reasons being used to tax us all even more.

 

[Kendra17]

I really don't understand the defensiveness throughout this thread. Nobody used the term "disgusting", and it's unfair to pretend that anyone did.

However, as we start making larger clothes, larger car seats, larger airline seats, and other accomodations for the larger population, obesity becomes more "accepted". I know that the larger population probably would like it to be more accepted in the sense that they don't want to be discriminated against.

But, is this what we want, really? Another generation of obese Americans who are now the norm and not the exception? What are we at, now? 50%? Shouldn't we be aiming for a healthy and health-conscious population?

I understand that obese people may find that offensive, but I'm really thinking of the bigger picture (no pun intended).

 

[smartestnumber5]

I really don't understand the defensiveness throughout this thread. Nobody used the term "disgusting", and it's unfair to pretend that anyone did.

You're right--the poster I was responding to never said "disgusting." S/he said

Being PC and walking on eggshells so as to spare feelings is not constructive toward finding a resolution. I actually think contributes to part of the problem. People are told "you look great!" when the person is clearly bulging out of their pants. If they were honest from the start instead of trying to build false esteem I truly believe the weight problem would get better.

implying that if only fat people were told (in a non-cruel way) that they don't look good and that they are bulging out of their pants and this is...(hmm, how shall we say it in a non-cruel way, not disgusting, not an eye-sore, not ugly...) how about not pleasing to the visual senses, they would all start losing weight. Because really fat people (or at least those who rent ECVs) have a problem of having way to high body self-esteem and that's why they stay fat (and visually displeasing).

And it's unfair to pretend the poster didn't say (and imply) this.

 

[Crankyshank]

You seem to be suggesting that fat people generally have an overly rosy view of their bodies. Umm, exactly how many fat people have you asked about this? Personally, I've never known a woman (fat or thin) who was not quite unhappy with her body. And I surely have never known a fat person who has not (for at least part of their lives) hated their body and had significant self-esteem issues.

I agree. I have to say the insinuation that people are fat because their loved ones enable them by telling them they look good has got to be the funniest thing I've read in a while. I don't know any overweight person, actually very few "fit" people, that don't think they have a weight problem.

I am fat. I carry it well because I am large all over and my weight is evenly distributed. I have always been a larger size but I've not always been fat. When I was just hitting puberty I was a size 7-9 and was actually a stick with a C/D cup. But because my Mother struggled with her weight her whole life and because she was horrified by the size clothes I was in (not how I looked but because of my actual dress size) I was made fun of, forced to exercise, and every morsel I put in my mouth was monitored and controlled. My siblings were allowed mac & cheese. I had salad. etc... I always had comments about how cute I would be if I were smaller. Not just from my Mother but from my Grandmother, Great Grandmother, etc... As a result I have always had an abnormal body image and no self esteem.

and let me tell you, forcing your child to lay off the sweets and work out can and will backfire unless you make it fun and interesting for them. I snuck food. I hid when I should have been out riding my bike. It wasn't hard to stash sweets at all. My Mother meant well but in all honesty she is the reason why I am fat.

And as the years went on I gained some weight. I was solid but a big girl. I was a size 14 in high school with DD breasts. I didn't look fat - I would say with my frame I would be compared to an average size 10 at that point, but I wasn't the cute petite little thing I wanted to me. I thought I was a whale. I had a knee and rotator cuff injury and had other problems that caused me to be on steroids for several months. Coupled with severe depression, emotional trauma, and the freedom of being away from my controlling mother I gained close to 100lbs my freshman year of college. It took months for me to really notice how big I was getting because I all ready thought I was huge. Kind of like how an anorexic can't tell she's so thin because she thinks she's obese when she looks at herself.

I've gained and lost about another 75lbs since then. I eat fairly well with the occasional splurge. I walk. I exercise at the gym doing weights and cardio 3 nights a week for about an hour. I have to fight for every ounce lost because of an inherited metabolic condition that was exacerbated by my weight gain on prednisone and being depressed. It's disheartening and it's depressing.

I gave that information, which is probably something no one else cares about, to show you kind of where I'm coming from. People could tell me all day long until they are blue in the face that I look good and I wouldn't believe them.
If I've learned anything from the disparaging posts on this thread is that many people have no idea what it's like to be severely overweight. I don't mean because they are thin. I mean they have no concept of what it's like to be looked at like we are and to have gone through what many of us have gone through. I know few obese people that are fat because they eat horribly and because they are lazy. It's a hell of a lot more complicated than that and it's insulting to us to assume that if we worked out more and dropped the donuts our problems would be solved.

Food is an addiction. The emotional issues that cause someone to become emotional eaters, which most obese people are, are not easy to fix. Do you think I like how i look? Do you think I like not having any photos of myself on display in my parents' house because they are embarrassed to associate themselves with me? Do you think I like the dirty horrified stares I get from people? I would sooner crawl around Disney on my hands and knees than rent an ecv and be subjected to comments that have been posted here. My self-esteem is low enough. Of course I want to be thin. Of course I aspire to be thin. Of course I'm doing more than just eating yankee doodles and wishing for the thin fairy to come visit while emailing Dr Phil and begging for a free gastric bypass.

Maybe some time spent sitting in at an overeaters anonymous group would do some people here a lot of good and might help them be a bit more sympathetic. Especially the disparaging poster that is going into nursing. With a little bit more sympathy it might actually help people like me a lot more and who knows - we could all win in the end.

 

[CathrynRose]

I'm not bragging about my size and I do have to work on it to stay this weight, but I'm so sick of people needing to judge and condescend on others.

***Applause***

I agree with what she said.

"Visually displeasing" - then turn your dang head.

 

[CathrynRose]

The difference is, did you rent an ECV because you were too lazy to walk?

WHY do you care?

What if I was a size 2 and just felt like zippin' around all the day - why on earth would you feel it's your business??? I dont care how small or big I am - is THIS all YOU have to worry about?

Geez - get a hobby.