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Thin
Privilege
This list is based on Peggy McIntosh’s work
on white privilege. A forum to discuss the list is
here.
It was written by Tish
Parmeley and added to by readers of her blog.
Everyday
as a thin person ...
I
can be sure that people aren't embarrassed
to be seen with me because of the size of
my body.
If
I pick up a magazine or watch T.V.
I will see bodies that look like mine that
aren't being lampooned, desexualized, or
used to signify laziness, ignorance, or
lack of self-control.
When
I talk about the size of my body I can be
certain that few other people will hope
they are never the same size.
I
do not have to be afraid that when I talk
to my friends or family they will mention
the size of my body in a critical manner,
or suggest unsolicited diet products and
exercise programs.
I
will not be accused of being emotionally
troubled or in psychological denial because
of the size of my body.
I
can attend meetings, classes, and
conversations and not feel excluded, fearful,
attacked, isolated, outnumbered, unheard,
held at a distance, stereotyped, or feared
because of the size of my body.
I
never have to speak for size acceptance
as a movement. My thoughts about my body
can be my own with no need for political
alliance relative to size.
I
can be sure that when I go to a class, or
movie, or restaurant that I will find a
place to sit in which I am relatively comfortable.
I
don't have to worry that if I am talking
about feeling of sexual attraction people
are repelled or disgusted by the size of
my body. People can imagine me in sexual
circumstances.
People
won't ask me why I don't change the size
of my body.
My
masculinity or femininity will not be challenged
because of the size of my body.
I
can be sure that if I need medical or legal
help my size will not work against me.
I
am not identified by the size of my body.
I
can walk in public with my significant other
and not have people double take or stare.
I
can go for months without thinking about
or being spoken to about the size of my
body.
I
am not grouped because of the size of my
body.
I
will never have to sit quietly and listen
while other people talk about the ways in
which they avoid being my size.
I
don't have to worry that won't be hired
for a job that I can do because of the size
of my body.
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