Nurturing loving fat: growing beyond the weeds of fat phobia

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to use an autoethnography and ethnopoetic approach, interweaving personal narratives with scholarly research, to illuminate the profound and far-reaching consequences of fat phobia. Through a multifaceted lens, the lived experiences of a fat, black woman subjected to fat shaming, discrimination and societal prejudice are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnopoetic methodologies were used to showcase how creating critically compassionate dialogues on fat phobia can be used to create discursive spaces where fat folx are able to share their lived experiences, discuss how they are socialized into current beliefs and analyze the confluence of face, gender, fat and body positivity.

Findings

By artfully blending autoethnographic memories with poetical insight, the manuscript offers a poignant exploration of the emotional and psychological toll exacted upon those marginalized by fat bias.

Originality/value

The works aims to cultivate understanding and empathy, fostering a deeper awareness of the urgent need to challenge and dismantle fat phobia within educational institutions and society at large for the betterment of all individuals.

Citation

Smith, D.E. (2024), "Nurturing loving fat: growing beyond the weeds of fat phobia", English Teaching: Practice & Critique, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ETPC-10-2023-0128