Woman Photographs Strangers To Show How People React To Overweight People
When photographer Haley Morris-Cafiero decided to take pictures of herself in environments that made her feel uncomfortable, she didn’t expect to come up with another project that earned her a world-wide fame. “Wait Watchers” is a social experiment in a form of series of photos collected into one book that capture how passers-by react to overweight people they see on the street.
Back in 2010, after taking a self-portrait on some steps in Times Square, the photographer noticed that a man behind her was staring at her instead of posing for his own picture. He did it for a while, so for the photographer it was obvious that he was indeed judging her. “I’ve heard people make comments on my weight, but I never thought I’d be able to capture that on film,” Morris-Cafiero further explained her wish to further explore situations like that.
The woman would set up a camera with a tripod in any public place that she thought was interesting and took pictures of herself doing normal things like talking on the phone or eating ice cream. She never dressed up for the occasion as she didn’t want her clothes to attract attention, and she never did anything to provoke the looks of people that she captured on film.
After publishing the photos Morris-Cafiero received a lot of comments encouraging her to start exercising, put more effort into dressing up, and maybe start wearing makeup so people wouldn’t look at her the way they do. This inspired her to continue with the series but this time she tried to photograph the reactions of strangers when she does exactly what the internet suggested her to do. And while the woman was trying to improve herself for others, the reactions of them were still the same.
The photographer, who struggled with eating disorders in the past and suffers from Hypothyroidism, claims that she doesn’t care what people think of her and this project is not made to make anyone feel bad. “I don’t do it out of anger. I consider it a social experiment. It’s not a ‘gotcha!’ kind of sensationalism. But it is taking the camera and reversing the gaze of the stranger back on to them. I think it’s a barometer of society, really.”
The series has stirred some controversy online, as not everyone supports the photographer’s claims. While the pictures do capture strangers glancing at the photographer, no one can claim with an absolute certainty that all of the looks are mocking or judging. According to many commenters online, the strangers are not necessarily negative when looking at someone, they just might have been curious about the camera or something outside the frame.
What are your thoughts on this project? Scroll down to see the pictures and let us know what you think in the comments.
More info: haleymorriscafiero.com | Twitter
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
The full series can be found on a book that Haley Morris-Cafiero published here
While it's true that people are too quick to judge with just one look, Seems to me that most people here are simply curious because they see a camera and someone posing, which is kinda unusual. People take selfies with sticks, usually, and it's not so common to see a tripod, so it catches attention. Unless the camera was hidden, like a "candid camera" of some sorts.
I was thinking the same thing the entire article. Sorry, but I always look at people when they're taking selfies, specially if it's in a place where, to me, there's no reason to take a selfie (a random street vs the beach or a monument) and even more if they're posing a lot, and/or in the way like she is in some of the photos. Mostly I don't even register what they look like, at most what they're wearing. I'm just thinking "why the hell are you taking a selfie here?" If I ever judge those people, it's for having selfie sticks out in the middle of a busy street.
I live in San Diego by Balboa Park and see people taking selfies all the time and I looks at them curiously as to why they are taking the pic there.
i totally get this.
i completely agree to this, most of the people were looking just out of curiosity. It was just inappropriate to label them fat shamers just because they looked at one who was posing right in the middle of a busy place in most of the cases
Bingo. Your comment saves me from typing the same thing. This whole thing was basically a setup to say "Oh, noes, look at these terrible people! I'm a Victim." I really do not get this whole "fat shaming" thing. Being overweight is unhealthy.
William Teach Fat shaming is actually a thing, but not at all something silly like this. It's when people go out of their way to bully a random stranger just because they're fat. Laugh and point at them, call them names, sometimes even follow them around bothering them. There's nothing wrong with judging people in your head, we all do it. But people shouldn't be allowed to be disrespectful assholes to strangers because of what they look like.
William Teach You're right about that too, people definitely abuse the term. But it's not really about regulating Thought, or at least shouldn't be... it's about regulating the actions. It's fine if you think fat people should lose weight. It shouldn't be fine to laugh at or act disgusted by a fat person because they're fat. Should go for anything really, not just being fat... just don't be a dick to people because you don't like what they look like. And you're right, some people will always be assholes, but we can still call them out for it. At least some assholes will stop being asses openly if they get reprimanded for doing it.
Sabal, the men were giving her that look too, not just women.
You're right, bullying is wrong. And you're correct on the other things. But, too often people use the phrase "fat shaming" as a way to continue living an unhealthy lifestyle, namely, being overweight. As for the last, "shouldn't be allowed", it'd be nice if people weren't flaming assholes, but, some people are (really, we've all been aholes at one time or another, admit it), and should we really be regulating Thought in that manner?
Oh yeah that's why so many(esp.woman) are giving 'go 2 hell' looks aimed right at her! This girl reminds me of my BFF (now deceased ) who gradually got as large but was equally hammy in public! At the time I never thought much of her fatness other than how much fun she was. It's sad but fat shaming is encouraged in society. It is unhealthy but it is not anyone's biz. If Pen you're reading this- luv ya!
My thoughts exactly. I think most people would look to see what was going on regardless.
I wondered too about whether the tripod was visible. Also, in several shots, she's standing in the way of foot traffic. I'd look too, if somebody was just standing there and people had to walk around them.
AND give her a dirty look, as well! Cause, blocking foot traffic & causing an obstruction.
Agreed on the foot traffic issue. Esp. in NYC. You don't ever block the flow! It's just rude.
I thought that too. A lot (not all) of the reactions seemed to be about what she was doing, not how she looked.
Agreed. Also, some of those posts would simply draw my attention--regardless of who is was. If I saw an adult sitting on a kids' swing in that pose, I admit that I would be glancing at him/her while pondering if I should ask if he/she is okay or needs assistance.
The little boy in that pic was CERTAINLY just looking at the camera.
i so agree with this. i honestly didn't see bullying looks from bystanders. like you said - more curious. i thought what the policeman did was cute. love what you said.
And some of these look like the looking people were looking at something else
That and this lady keeps making weird expressions or ostentatiously getting in people's way & making weird poses, I'd be looking at her funny based solely on that.
I was thinking the same as you guys are.
Yes, I agree, but it is most-- not all. Yes, A lot of these people are just glancing in her general direction, like a 'what is this person doing on the sidewalk?' kind of way. The way you'd look at anyone on the side walk. But a couple are staring at her with disgust or covering their faces laughing. It's not much, maybe 3-4 pics out of all of them, but considering she actually has a medical condition, it does kind of highlight that people are quick to judge.
Hypothyroidism? Many millions have it. You take meds. Your hormones are back in balance. It's not an excuse.
There were some people who were being douches, for sure.
I agree
Huuummmm, I don't think most of the people were even looking at her. I dindt feel the shaming, I acctually saw like 2 or 3 people realy paying her some attention.
I was thinking that none of these people are shaming anyone. People look at other people- that's part of being alive. Next will be people complaining that NO ONE is looking at them.....just live people! Please, try to make this world a better place, and just LIVE!!!
I don't know about that, there's a couple pictures where the girl is covering her face laughing while staring at her. So yeah some of these are just people glancing in her general direction, but some are being prejudiced.
true i agree !!
I agree, most of these people aren't even looking at her. They are just going about their daily lives worried about themselves and what hey are going to eat for dinner like the most of us.
I agree! Not to mention that some of them are kids/teenagers who are probably wondering why someone is taking a picture in the middle of a busy street. People need to stop considering everything "fat shaming" - looking at someone isn't fat shaming unless you actually say condesending insults to them or something.
I was thinking the same thing. Some of the eye lines really didn’t line up. I also think that if the people were looking at her, it was more that she really stood out. Posing in a comical way, dressed bright and frumpy 🤔. I would find it strange to see someone randomly sunbathing on a brick wall in public regardless of their size.
I agree. It seems people were looking at something in front of her or the same thing she was looking at. Those laughing could have been laughing at anything and saw her right in front of them just before they ran into her by accident.
see as a fat girl, those looks are often accompanied by, laughs or snide comments or an up-down look and a huff. young ones (14-mid-twenties) often give ewws and throw an elbow at their friends and point and snicker.
People were looking at her, alright - looking at her legs. She seemed to be calling attention to her grossly misshapen legs.
Some of those people weren’t much smaller than her. Like the three black girls. I’m pretty sure those girls are well used to seeing fat people. They’re probably not used to seeing someone so incredibly pale. Not that’s right to stare at her for that weather, but she’s probably the strangest loooking (and extremely white) person they encountered all day.
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EXCUSE ME???? Look closely, really closely and you will see the women looking at her and laughing (covering her mouth) This comes from a society promotes "beauty" "not getting old" etc etc... such superficiality. I am sure that the ones who are laughing at her are the ones obsessed with their figure, ughhh
But what people are pointing out is that it's only a FEW who are obviously laughing at her, about what she looks like. MOST were wondering about the camera, what she was doing, or else annoyed that she was in their way!
What? it's just some people looking at her or looking vaguely her way. Some are obviously staring at her, which can certainly be uncomfortable and make me feel slightly bad for her. I have no idea what that cop was thinking. Was he trying to be funny? Others, however, just seem to be a bit of a stretch. For example, the guy sitting at the table and Time's Square doesn't really seem to be staring at her. Or the woman with the loaf of bread in front of the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona (my hometown!) seems to be looking at something past her. What do you guys think?
I think the cop was just trying to photobomb her. He's not touching her, just hovering the hat over her head so she doesn't notice what he's doing. I've seen people who do that, randomly do something to people who are posing for photos, it's just a silly joke. I agree staring can make us uncomfortable, but as someone with low self esteem that is trying to rewire my negative brain, just because someone is looking at you for a while, doesn't mean they're judging you badly, and even if they are, it's not necessarily because of what you think it is - we just tend to assume that because WE are insecure and self conscious about that trait, so it feels like everybody else must be paying attention to it too.
Yeah, I guess he was trying to be funny, but the whole tone of the photo album is "woe is me", so I guess she's presenting the cop's friendly gesture as mockery... *sigh*
A few things pop to mind, are those people really look at her, or past here. I only see people looking in her general direction - which isn't to say they aren't looking at her, but we don't know if they definitely are mocking her. Quite a number of people actually are looking into the camera too, my guess is that they saw a camera, saw her posing and are curious about what she is doing. Critically too; if you look at their faces, a common trait of shaming is missing - the expression of disgust (i.e. the desire to dissociate from the subject). There may be a few that are judging her; maybe. However; my guess is that most of these "shamers" aren't actually judging her, but just curious as to what is happening. This just comes across as a cry for attention, more than actually proving a point.
I think the guy sitting at the table in times square is more likely wondering how come she's not freezing to death in that outfit - check how everyone else in that pic is dressed
This is depressing for the people accused of "fat shaming" when the look towards the lady could be anything in their own minds, interest, confused etc.
This lady has severe self esteem issues. I have them too, so I say from experience. When you're super self conscious, your brain instantly assumes everybody must hate you as much as you do and for the same reasons, so pretty much anything anybody does can feel like they're judging you. They're looking at you? It's because you're ugly. They're not looking at you? It's because you're ugly! And it's hard and takes time to start consciously trying to change that negative train of thought.
I have had to work on this myself. I have something wrong wit my right eye. I used to think it was the first thing people noticed about me, and I was always self conscious about it. I've gradually come to realize it's not that big of a deal and most people don't notice right away. My insecurities made me think everyone else was as focused on my flaw as I was.
Ok. I can understand that. BUT in light of this. Do you think confirming such biased self judgement as the truth is helping those people or just making them feel worse? As it basicly say's. Youre warped view of yourself is correct! I'd say it's really really bad for them. And we should put up posts that are about the opposite. Namely that people are not looking at you because "you" think you are ugly or whatever.
Captain Planet Oh, it's definitely hurting them. Understanding that the bias exists and that it's controlling you is the first, hardest and most important step in trying to fix the issue. And we definitely, absolutely should post more about it, exposing what people really think when we think they're looking at us.... The hardest part of dealing with it irl is that even though you can police your negative thoughts, you can't always go ask strangers if they're really judging you or not, so somewhere in your head, you still think that voice that says they're judging you might be right - you have no way to confirm it. But we had more chances to listen to real people saying they weren't really looking, they don't really notice, they don't actually care... it can definitely help a person who's struggling with it. This kind of post here... it's pretty toxic to an already insecure person.
Hey, good information! thanks for the insight. It sounds quite a tough way to live.
well aware of that sentiment, still struggling with it
I’m sorry, but she is not very well kept, nor pretty, I think more people are trying to figure out who the goof is, using a tripod and taking pics of herself is.
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It's a mixture of self pity and insecurity...one will require horse blinders to survive generation snowflake.
Why overweight people think that it's always about them? What if this people aren't looking at her but at something behind the frame or next to her? Are we now shaming everyone who even walk next to overweight people and dare to look somewhere near them?
Exactly. I am overweight and I don't feel the need to constantly bawl about, cry fat shaming, or banging on my chest "accept me otherwise you're shit" What I can do about is that I eat healthy, work out, dress prettily and pay attention to hair and make up. And then one day I'll feel good in my skin. That's all and nothing more.
Very well said! And cheers to you for your realistic and positive perspective!
Exactly! I’m a big girl. Been a big girl my whole life. I take care of myself the best way I can, dress to the nines, and keep it moving. I have to. I see what point she’s trying to make I just don’t think she’s making it very well in this way. There are other ways to show fat prejudice. Most people keep that shaming to themselves, except for the handful of jerks who are jerks to everyone. It’s easier to move through the world when people keep their mouths shut about how you loook.
The teenage girls and boys are definitely taunting her. But, for instance the black lady on the 5th picture is just looking at her map.
Some of these people are just looking in her direction not judging.
To be fair you can't say that a single person here is judging her regardless of their facial expression. They could have laughed at something else and looked in her direction. Its objectively judgmental of her to assume that everyone else is looking and judging her. Its also a common trait of depressed people to assume everyone around them is thinking the worst of them. Its actually a form of unhealthy mental delusion, people are generally FAR more concerned with their own lives.
That's right and you don't have to be fat to think that way. I've always been self-conscious and had low self esteem and my automatic assumption was always if people were laughing, it was about me or if they were staring, it was because they were judging and even if they paid me a compliment, it was because they must have been mocking me. It took a long time to grow out of it and train myself to think differently.
Oh, no, a couple of those people - one of the girls ESPECIALLY, & a young man - were DEFINITELY laughing at the fat lady. Most certainly. Most of them however don't seem to be. & some of them, who do have disgusted looks on their faces for whatever reason, are no prize themselves.
Teleri Nyfain - I totally agree with you. Many of the pictures are ambiguous, as far as whether the people are laughing at her or looking at her disapprovingly. But I think a few of the pictures show people doing just that. For those of you scoffing at the idea that fat people have to face disapproval or disgust in public, if you're average-sized or slender, you will not be aware of it. When people aren't the target of a prejudice, it's often hard to see. So don't be so quick to dismiss her. I have no doubt that she has had to put up with shaming, for real. (I do realize that some of the people posting here to criticize her are fat/overweight themselves, so I'm not assuming that all the critics are thin.)
I'm fat and I certainly don't think everyone should be rail thin. But, there is a way to carry yourself when you have extra weight and a way to dress. She fails on both counts. With the bad haircut, ill-fitting clothes and dorky, Buster Brown shoes she looks, frankly, like a retarded child in some of those photos. Plus, anyone holding a map will get looks because people may wonder if you're lost. She can't assume what people are thinking.
Exactly. She's the one constantly judging strangers she encounters on the street, many of whom probably just feel curious to see the camera and someone posing in front of it. Now, I'm sure several of these people are without a doubt staring at her. Her wardrobe isn't flattering her at all, sadly, at it catches people's attention. There are many factors here, not just being overweight.
Exactly! I am overweight and even I would probably look at her thinking she could use some clothing tips. I respect her if she's happy with how she looks and if she doesn't give a sh*t about what others think of her. But don't exploit fatshaming in such an unfair way.
"Like a retarded child??" "Dorky Buster Brown shoes?" That's pretty judgemental right there. Personally, I like her style, especially the haircut. It's not neat and tidy, but it is a popular style. You certainly don't have to like it, but show a little respect. She has no obligation to look fashionable according to your tastes, fat or thin. She doesn't have to dress more nicely than other people just because she has "extra" weight, as though she has to make up for her "problem."
I think the only thing that can be taken away from this is that, is that she's suffers from insecurities, we have no idea why they're looking at her, if you photoshopped in a Victoria secret model, we simply add a different narrative in our heads as to why they're looking neither of which would necessarily represent the truth.
well if you’re a grown woman sitting on a swing, youll definetly get stares
Well there were lots of free swings and I like swinging myself. But not all swings are made to support adult weight, don't know about these specific ones though.
Two tings: First, many of these people aren't even looking at the woman, they're obviously looking past her (you can tell by how far behind or in front of her they are). Second, you can't say for certain that they're staring at her with contempt. They could simply be curious about the camera (or, as in one photo, why an adult is swinging on a swing set obviously meant for children). Maybe these people were annoyed that she set up her camera tripod on obviously busy walkways or paths. You can find anything in a completely subjective photo - it seems to me that this woman chose to set herself up for stares or looks, then called out the very activity that she herself caused. I wonder how many looks she'd have had if she'd set up her tripod on the side of the walkway. Pity we'll never know.
I've been fat since childhood. There is a difference between positive and negative attention. The fat acceptance movement has finally made a change in society: I am now free to appear in public without fear of strangers shouting at me, throwing soda/paint on me, or harassing me until I went home (all of which was common in the 1990s). The OP does not understand: if you're behaving strangely in public, people will stare. If a rail thin person had done the same experiment, she would have seen the same results. A tripod on a public crosswalk, on a children's playground, or in the middle of a busy sidewalk will *always* cause stares, regardless of anyone's dress size.
I used to be fat. Never crazily but close to 70lb overweight. It gave me diabetes and left stretch marks that will never go away. The fat acceptance movement is a plague dooming people to death and permanent conditions. It is nothing but a bad thing and I would love to see it die out.
people threw paint on you in the 90's for being fat? come on thats bullshit
A better title might be: "Insecure woman confirms she can't read people's minds, reinforces own confirmation bias and continues to wish everyone ELSE will change." A bit long winded but gets the point across I think.
100% agree. Very sad and ironic.
Yeah, that seems right.
You are so right. An maybe this article will have more likes than dislikes if she change the title.
I don't see anything wrong in most if the pictures. You deliberately put yourself in positions where you can be stared at and then blame people for staring. Honestly were you expecting? You hurt people who have a legitimate claim to things with this "me too" syndrome. Abeg shift!
I don't see her being shamed in any of these photos.
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There are a couple tho...
She started off with the thesis, people are judging me and then sought to prove it. This is neither productive nor is it accurate.
If she truly didn't care what people think she wouldn't asume that guy was judging her. If you ask me. She's probably asuming that because she is more self consious and biased because people probably DO make or have made remarkt or comments about her weight. However you can't asume he's looking because of the thoughts you have. Anyone will look at things are are uncommon or just interesting to watch. I watch people take pictures at themselves too for long sometimes. And it doesn't matter if they are overweight or really thin. Also if you didn't care what people think you wouldn't say you were "inspired" to continue the series exactly because people make comments about your appearance. So many contradictions in this piece of text. Just be honest and say you do care, ALOT. You're standing still in front of a BIG proffesional camera on a tripod probably offcourse people are going to look wether you are overweight or not.
I am heavily insecure and I agree with this 100%. People who think they're being judged all the time (ironically judging others in the process) do so because they're self conscious, and it absolutely doesn't say anything about the ones looking, just about herself.
she seems to have just stopped in the middle of busy places, which is bound to piss people off, like 'get out the way, we're all walking here'. you'd get that whatever you look like.
Sometimes people just stand out. On account of their looks or fashion choises. It isn't always shaming. Sometimes it is just ..standing out. I'm a chubby dude myself and find that often you are your own worst enemy when it comes to the way you look and what people think about you in that sense. Projection is a powerful thing. And then there will always be those around you who are governed by their own stupidity and anxieties. They will always exist and it's best not let them into the equation.
Ahh.... The American youth. Looking for controversy where there is none. I wonder how many hundreds of pictures she took to find a few where some people were curiously looking at a woman posing for a picture in a public space...
she reached her conclusion before she even got the camera out the door
Now wear clothes appropriate to your size and do the same stunt. Think you'll find fewer people stare. You're welcome. (Oh, I'm size 22 btw)
What is inappropriate about her clothes? (Size 20, btw) They seem to fit her fine. The only ones that were super clingy were the swimwear, which are supposed to fit like that. She is at the beach or headed to or from there. Swimwear is appropriate in that situation. What should she be wearing, a potato sack?
I think she means, look less sloppy. Because lets face it she does look a mess in these pictures.
So the tight t-shirt, the mini skirt and short shorts are OK are they? Hmm, sorry, wouldn't be seen dead in them as I don't want people STARING at the fat lady. The baggy shorts, flowing tops etc are fine, but you don't flaunt what isn't attractive. End of.
Unpopular opinion coming through: 1. It's obese. Overweight is an understatement. 2. If she feels insecure about her weight, she might consider going to a doctor, who just might be able to help her. 3. Why do people WANT to make obesity normal? Every other illness gets treated differently. No one with diabetes or a wheelchair would promote his illness to other people.
Some people do make it seem like they want obesity to be normal, but I think most people (or I'd like to believe that, anyway) just want to not be ridiculed for being where they are. I mean, once you start working on losing weight, it can take a long time to actually lose enough to not be obese anymore... making fun of and acting disgusted with people who are obese right now, even though they could very well be doing as much as they can already to try and lose weight, isn't going to help anyone at all. People don't have to think obesity is good or even okay, they should just try not to act like dicks around obese people. If someone made fun of someone on a wheelchair, other people would be rightfully outraged, right? Should be the same with obesity too, then.
I think this woman's pictures are silly because she is making all sorts of assumptions about others. But I completely disagree with your response. Virtually EVERYBODY with diabetes and in a wheelchair would want to be treated with respect and not looked down upon, and they would promote that for others with their affliction. This is NOT about saying "it is ok to be obese", it is about saying "it is NOT ok to judge and shame people who are obese". (she just happens to be delusional in thinking people are judging her)
Given we never know why people are overweight, it's not for us to say anything. There are numerous medications on the market that cause marked weight gain. I have had no choice but to take two myself on occasion due to chronic, severe illness. And yes, I gained weight. There are chronic illnesses that do the same. Stop assuming you know reasons anyone is overweight. You either know or you do not know.
I said contact a doctor, not start eating fruit. I also know people who sre overweight because of medication. But if it is obese its so unhealthy, that a doctor should still be able to help. And obesity IS classified as an illness- so doctors ARE responsable to find a way, even if you gained weight because of medicine.
Just to let her know, I believe she might be suffering from lymphedema. The shape of her legs makes me think so. It's a lymphatic system disorder.
All I see are people looking at her. Are they supposed to look at the ground when they’re walking and not at anyone they’re walking past?
Okay, I'm confused. Am I supposed to look or not look? Make eye contact or not? Ignore her? Just what is the protocol? I also need a list of people I'm supposed to worry about offending. I can't seem to keep up.
Every time someone looks at me, I feel so ashamed. When will this crap end? It's not OK to be bad to someone because of their weight, but it's also not OK to promote obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.
Some of them were obviously judging her. Others were just looking at her because she was in the way or acting strangely. I think it’s less about being fat and more about being supposedly unattractive.
I think those people just looking at her because she posed on the street, some of the guy just checking her out
While I don't doubt that this is at least partially true, there's a lot of missing context with these still shots. In several of them she's very clearly just standing in people's ways. In others she's looking depressed. And in all of them we don't know what she was actively doing that may have attracted attention to herself. How long was she standing there taking photos? How many times was she actively in people's faces like with the dress? This set of photos is meant to highlight a real issue, but it's also very disingenuous.
1) Most people aren't even looking at her. 2) Of course people will look if you're pulling a funny pose in front of a tripod-mounted camera, it's called curiosity. 3) If you're going to play the victim, at least prove it properly.
this just made me depressed, this is what we treat each other in this world and most of the time we do not even notice to. how sad really.
Umm, how do I put this plainly? People have eyes. They use them to navigate around people standing in their way taking pictures.
This should be re-titled 'People looking at other people'. Because that's all it is.
i think more than half of these are not because she is overweight
There is no guarantee in most of these photos that people are looking at her. In one photo, she has a map out. People are most likely curious as to why she has a map rather than her phone. This is a horrible experiment as you can't tell what people are truly looking at or thinking.
This makes me angry. I understand that there is judgment towards some people who are overweight, but so many of these shots could be catching someone mid-turn, or laughing about something totally different. It isn't fair to assume all of these people are judging this girl automatically
Come on, if you were on a playground with your child and a depressing-looking adult woman took a seat on a swing next to you to take a photo, you would probably give her a look too.
Results aren’t controversial. No one thinks this is fat shaming.
Personally, I avoid awkward pictures involving people I don't know. If I am photographing an event then it's perfectly okay to get as many shots in as I can, but usually not of myself. Unless you're hiking in Europe or someplace exotic, selfies are extremely self-centered and can be considered quite rude. When in public don't make yourself the center of attention. That's not what being a photographer is about. I'll post a few shots on my own page soon.
I don't see anything in these photos that would be different from any other sized model. It's a photo shoot, so people are going to look simply out of curiosity. "Look! Someone taking a picture with an expensive [assumed because of the tripod] camera. What are they photographing?" Happened to me ALL.THE.TIME!!! I'm a landscape photographer, and I've developed the practice of travelling with a massive golf umbrella simply to hide my photo gear for when I pull over to the side of the road to get that amazing shot. If I don't conceal the tripod, next thing you know 5 other cars have pulled over just to see what it is you are photographing. It becomes a real problem when the noise they create scares away the animal you are trying to capture or changes the spirit of the scene with added shadows or vehicle headlights. I also have to ask: Why are her feet turned in on these shots? Was she deliberately trying to entice a certain reaction from those around her (reactions not just about size)?
The people in the photos are not even looking at her on most pics .... And the rest are probably coincidental. This is an important issue, I get that. But this isn't portraying what she thinks it is . It comes across as narcissistic and desperate to try and prove a point that in this instance just sn't there.
LOL!
People think this is for obese people, but they’re wrong. It happens to anyone who isn’t beautiful or rich or closer to either ideal than further away. It can happen if you’re too short, if you’re from a different culture (business, ethnicity, age, sex, etc). The error arises when people value judge on limited information. Don’t believe me? Go walk around a mall as a 30 year old guy. Just be alone and walk around. You’ll start to feel like a loser. Like you don’t have any friends. Like you’re a freak. Even if you manage to ignore how people will communicate their impressions to you, and get used to walking around, go back and walk around with a ten year old girl who, for example, is your niece or friends daughter. You’ll see how some people look at you: you can see it because if they accuse you with the face of being some pervert, there is nothing you can do because they can blame it on your interpretation. Everyone deals with the stupidity of others.
I hope you don't regularly feel this way! Lots of people are genuinely just looking around and, with so many people in one place, catch sight of people for no particular reason other than being in their line of sight. That being said, there are definitely judgmental people out there everywhere you go, and it's easier said than done, but you'll feel more at peace if you don't care what their judgments are. Just remember that people can be wrong, and often are. People could believe any crazy thing no matter how untrue it is, so you have to just know for yourself that you're okay and have nothing to worry about. So for what it's worth here's at least 1 person who wouldn't think you're a loser, freak, or anything like that, and I know there are tons of others who would say the same :)
Mixed emotions she is fat and should try to get healthier but then people have no right to judge things like that so quickly and to stare and judge
This has got to be the stupidest shit I've seen. A couple of those shots are in New York City and we New Yorkers sure as hell don't judge and stare. Do you know the shit we see on a daily basis? An old man in a thong with a parrot on his head will barely get a side glance here.
"Creepy woman photographs strangers and lies to Pandas."
Regardless of the public settings, she legally needs to get release forms for the noticeable people in the shots, otherwise can't she be sued for slander? Any lawyers out there?
Yes and there's is absolutely nothing legally actionable about posting photos in a public place without getting releases from the random people in the shots.
While some of the people looking at her may be judging her on her looks, I only saw this because of the expressions on their faces as looks of disgust. There is no denying that bit. I also think she put herself in positions that draw attention to herself so of course people would look at her. While fat shaming is a real thing, I do believe in a look of these pics, arnt about her weight, they may be about what she is wearing. In my mind, I was judging her more on her clothes as most of them were too tight on her body and exposed her "rolls" which is not flattering on any size woman. My cousin is a large woman herself but you don't think about that because she knows her body type and dresses accordingly. She has a flattering hair style, knows how to do her makeup right and her clothes look great on her. Yes I know this is all superficial, but we all judge each other on what we looks like. If you look like a slob, no matter your size, it just looks wrong on any size body. Am I wrong here?
Shocker! If you stand around like an idiot in tight-ass clothes with a dopey-spaced-out look on your face and a camera pointed at you - yeah, people are gonna look! This isn't half the sociopolitical commentary it wants to be. Poor quality photos with what ultimately amounts to a regressive message that actually make the subject/ author come across as immensely unlikeable.
Sadness; I feel sad about this.
With the little boy in the swing, she looked very sad in her swing. I think this is what caught their attention.
Don't blame others for your issues.....
It's so sad that people can cause so much hurt to others with just a glance, but it appears to me that the majority of these pictures are not what they are being labeled as. Most of the people seem to be looking at the camera, looking toward the general direction of this woman but not at her, or squinting due to the sun. And if glancing at someone is hateful and degrading, I'm an evil b**ch because I love people watching. However, I don't stare at people and I don't laugh at or make fun of any one, ever. I'd be devastated to see myself in one of these pictures, being accused of negatively "reacting to an overweight person" when all I was actually doing was walking near someone who took my picture at the worst possible second. That's as bad as being a body shamer, IMO.
I don't think people is (over)reacting at her. Most of them are pretty curious of just what are going on, just that! And b.t.w. she's pretty normal (and cute), and if she's fine with her body or her health, no one should give a damn about!!!
When it comes to body shape everyone is always criticising. I was very very over weight and as it stands now i am just over half way to my goal of losing 6stone. I get people who still make me feel bad for being fat (which I am, just not as much as before) but I also get just as many people who tell me I don't need to lose any more weight! Best idea is for everyone to keep their opinions on someone else's body shape to themselves!
It's sad that the human race acts like this. Shame on us.
The police one is kinda hilarious
This is just terribly unfair. There are many plus size ladies that actually take care to dress themselves well, to groom themselves - unlike the women in this photographs. The least you could do is SHOW some of the women who actually care about their looks - regardless of their size. Overweight does NOT have to mean ugly.
Since when does “average” mean ugly? Her clothes aren’t ratty or dirty or worn through. They fit her fine. She is dressed in normal clothes - how did she not “take care to dress herself well”? And what is not groomed about her? The fact that she isn’t wearing five pounds of makeup or hairspray? She looks fine. Does she look like she is headed to a fashion show? No. But why does walking in public or to the beach require that?
I wonder if a well dressed, plus size woman...hair done with a little make-up, would get the same reaction?
One guy actually seemed to be checking her out
In all fairness is it possible people are staring and trying to figure out who she is because she's being photographed?
Honestly in some of the pictures she's by a tourist attraction of sorts. They weren't looking at her in those pictures--but the tourist attraction.
I don't get why overweight persons need to post that kind of things again and again. Ok it's not cool, but deal with it. Fatness isn't a pride, it's dangerous, if you're doing something against it, be proud and ignore the people, because you know you're changing. If you're not doing anything, please, don't say anything, being fat is a right, forcing people to think in your way is not.
I think the problem is not exactly the overweight, or at least not just that. It's that she attracts attention by having her pics taken, and honestly, the clothes she wears are just horrible. She has no style whatsoever, most of it doesn't fit her at all, let alone making her look good. On top of that she seems really neglected overall, no makeup, her face in most of these looks depressed... so I don't like this post at all because it's a clickbait. It's clearly not her weight that makes those people look the way they look.
I think, that if you are standing in front of a camera on tripod for such a long time, people will stare, because it is something out of ordinary and it doesn´t mean that they are shaming someone. People mostly don´t even think about people around them, especially in a big city. Of course that there are mean people out there, no need of research to prove that, that´s just how the world is.
Aw, one of the photos has been taken in my country!
They're not even looking at her in half the pictures, they're looking at their friend or in a shop window
I honestly have no opinion on fat-shaming, except for the fact that if you are fat, you are fat, there's no shaming, it simply is a matter of fact
Yes... It becomes shaming only when people regard it as a disability or something like that...
I’m confused, most of these don’t seem like they’re reacting to her.
some people do have a problem health wise to lose weight others do not. they have a problem with what they eat and do not care. maybe it is a very low self esteem. But they need to get medical help because being over weight can cause many health problems including death
This is totaly stupid.... people just look at another people on the streets all the time - fat or not.
When she is looking sad on the swing I think the 'father and child' might actually be worrying about her and wondering if she's o.k. I would definitely look at a sad person on a swing and wonder if they were alright. I am not sure that all these onlookers are thinking the bad thoughts which she is assigning to them.
I think lady reads something that just simply isn't there or tries to make waves. I too often have weird frowny face while walking because my mind riffles through dozens of ideas and topics at the same time and sometimes I let my eyes briefly slide to someone who may catch my interest for any unsignificant reason and the interest is gone almost instantly. It's not necessarily because of what they look like, more like what they do or what they point at or when they say something louder than usual. It's just the way it is. Curiosity.
"If you've been fat, you will always feel and see the world as a fat person; you know how difficult it is..." - Caitlin Moran, Moranthology
She’s oddly dressed and making a bit of a spectacle. Of course people will look! I’m 225 pounds. I don’t think people watch me in my daily gattings about. However, if I was wearing something strange; mix matched; standing pigoned toed; with a camera pointing at me; while I looked at a map???? Yes. I would think people were looking at me.
Maybe one or two people were judging her, but I mostly saw people in their day-to-day lives. One child was looking at a stranger. One boy was with his friends and heard a funny joke. One woman was looking at why some lady had such a large map in the way of traffic. One woman wanted to see what she was eating, for maybe she'd want some too. One girl wanted to see what the woman was so interested in looking at. Some might have even been looking at her outfit (or even maybe her butt) but I saw very little judgement, and it only came from people who look like they need to judge to feel better about themselves- young and inexperienced. Also, like other comments say, she looks like she's posing or trying to get attention. As a larger girl, I see nothing wrong with any of the photos simply because people will look for one reason or another, and the real justice comes from being adult enough to ignore them and carry on with your life.
Why not try and lose some weight, feel much better after. :)
I'm sorry, but I just do not see it. It looks like people are looking at her like "What in the world are you doing"? In fact I think you all set out with the narrative to see people's reaction to a heavy set woman. But she places herself posing, in extremely strange places. Who stops in the middle of where people walk or a beach or in the way of a biker? I would look her weird too. Then picks up a short way to small for her body facing store traffic. Come on, this isn't just seeking pity, it screams it. She isn't that big, but tried extremely hard to dress to get a few stares. I'm not buying it. People are mean, but in this case not so much. Anyway, I hope she does try to lose weight if that is her goal. But seeking attention and putting it here, on line, she may have a medical issue. Just saying.
I think this photographer is really reaching as far as they’re topic goes. To me it looks like they captured a single second in time where the camera merely stopped an eye movement or head turn in the subject’s direction. I don’t see that she was the object of their attention at all. Stop trying trump up insults where there aren’t any.
I’d hang out with her. Definitely. I don’t see the issue. Seems like some people are looking at her shoes, some are looking past her. People look at people. It’s what we do. Too much time on her hands, and a lack of self confidence. Stop looking at people you think might be looking at you. Just live. Be conpmfortable. Thank God we aren’t all the same shape and size.
while i understand what some people are saying ( if there is a camera there, people are going to glance or look and see whats is picture worthy) BUT.. it's the ones who are flat out LAUGHING that really irritate me. There is no denying that some of those people are just being down right mean. There is no reason to ever laugh at any one in a bathing suit of any sort. I'm sorry. i can see it.. and you are blind if you do NOT see it.
Everyone is looking at fat people like this.. Because we’re fat, that means we are ugly too for them. But not everything slim is beautiful...
those people are judging her
Most of these comments are seething with projections of the commenters' own insecurities. How are all of you insecure shit-nuggets going to judge anything accurately when yall can't even see past your own arseholes.
As being overweight myself for my age this makes me sad at how fast people are to judge.
Lol, all these people were just caught in bad freeze frames. Why does everything gotta be so negative? This article was just looking for attention. Smh...
People stare at other people regardless of their size or shape. People just love to look around them. If it's not her, it's someone else. It has nothing to do with fatness
People are assholes!
yeah they weren't reacting to her being fat. they were reacting to her weird poses and the camera. relax, girl
When will severely overweight people begin to focus on the health aspect instead of on the looks of their bodies. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Obesity leads to health problems and lives cut short. Both statements are true
Merriam Webster, we need a definition change. Fat should be: fantastic, attractive, and talented. Thank you, good day.
People are awful. Completely awful.
There are at least 3 openly laughing at her and at least 6/7 more clearly regarding her with disdain. Granted we don't know why they are laughing or irritated with her but I'd be willing to believe that she's on point. The sheer number of people who have downvoted this story (I've never seen that happen) seems to prove her point even more.
I only down voted this bc it’s sad that the world is like this
Seems to me like shes doing something to make people look her way in semi-disgust. Maybe she's making a fart noise. There's nothing disgusting about her, especially not disgusting enough to scoff at.
What gets me about her story is her saying she has hypothyroidism and saying it's the cause (or contributes to) her weight. I'm really tired of hearing people use hypothyroidism as the reason for being overweight. I know because I have hypothyroidism myself and even when it was at its worse (basically, as my doctor said, it was barely functioning), I had only gained about 15-20 lbs extra. Once under control, a person will notice they have more energy and motivation to exercise.
Maybe she has a kick me note on her back and that's why people are looking at her
In a lot of these pictures, she's just standing in the way like a dumbass. No matter what your body type, if you stand in the middle of a busy sidewalk or bike path with a camera on a tripod, people are going to look at you. Or if you're a full grown adult in a playground sitting on a swing for that matter.
I'm in agreement with several other commentators. i think she's doing a lot of self-conscious interpretation. Surely people react to overweight people, and some do so more strongly than others, but i don't think what we see in these photos is entirely people reacting to her body alone (or even at all, in several cases). The more awkward one looks, regardless of the individual ingredients of awkwardness, the more attention it is likely to garner in public. Especially if you're standing there for a camera, while everyone else is coming and going. Especially again, if you have an awkward stance. People also react to photographers just for being photographers. I can't go out in public with a camera and not have some people react to my presence with it.
Umm. This is a whole lot of "They're not looking at you, they are wondering why you are acting oddly in front of a camera". Some people are so self absorbed they think the world revolves around them. In the one pic this lady claims she is being mocked in, the woman is not even looking at her but at something past her. Drama Queen.
❤️i love this
I think everyone in previous comments is right, they are looking in her vague direction or not even in her direction, or looking because of what she is doing like when she has a map they might be wondering if she needs help or they might be wondering why she has her exercise gear on in the middle of the street or they are looking at the blue shirt, green shorts and red shoes and wondering at her fashion sense. It seems like it’s set up to show a certain point of view, in which it fails miserably. If anything it shows the opposite of what she is saying about fat shaming.
All I see are people who are either amused by the fact she is posing in these locations, curious as to why, or irritated that she is in their way. Anyone would attract attention by doing this regardless of their size. Pointless 'project'.
That is just idiotic. They're forced situations, to get some negative attention. Just stupid.
What is this Photo serie about?
I could see a few photos where people may have been looking at her, some could easily have been looking past her at a shop window in one case, for oncoming traffic in another. Where she is sitting on a child's small swing or posing oddly she may have aroused some curiosity. In one she is walking into the ocean holding a purse. I would probably have looked at her myself and wondered 'Why?'.
There are so many overweight people on this planet, she is nothing new...people wouldn’t stare like she’s a freak, it’s the norm now. She IS the general population!
I think some were judging her. And I think those officers should be ashamed of themselves.
Is she even allowed to post the pictures with children in them...?
Every size is beautiful we are all different embrace it! :)
I don't know that the people were looking at her because she is overweight. Most of America is overweight. It is no big deal to see an overweight person anymore. Some of the people who were looking were quite plump themselves!
Most of these people aren't even looking at her.
People, and you wonder why young women have poor body shape images!!! Body shaming is becoming so prevalent in our society now and young ladies are dying from this. Bulimia is one of the ways the cope. Some have become cutters and then some commit suicide. Is this what our world has become??? I pray that this poor body image can be turned around before many more suffer its effects. All females have beauty. **GOD** did not make junk!! When God made us, he fashioned us in his image. Please help to teach young women that we are all beautiful in our own way.
If she's published these pictures without getting a release form signed by the folks in the photos, she's open to many lawsuits!
This is a big nothing. If anything, she's trying to draw attention to herself with awkward poses, weirdly placed feet, strangely inappropriate actions... she's baiting, and I see no reactions from anyone. People are pretty much just glancing because she's shuffling a map about, or looking because she's just sat down, or looking at a store window to see what she is looking at. Well, you get the point. And big whoop on the hypothyroid..I'm hypothyroid, my size zero sister is hypothyroid, and with medication that's another big no deal.
I'm just saying, I'd totally be that person who looks at her...not for any reason than that I see everyone i pass by. I've noticed that many people look straight ahead or actively avoid eye contact EVEN when they know me bc they don't want any awkward conversations ugh. That being said, some of these looks are definitely judge-y but some seem to be innocuous glances, curiosity or people looking in her general direction. In #4 she's doing something that would of course illicit at least a glance.
This post is trash
i think she is misjudging these people, i think her real objective of doing this is she wants to be viral.
Jesus the people commenting here idiots. Guilty conscience? Some of the looks people are giving are ambiguous. They’re just may be looking at her. But there’s a lot of mocking looks. People don’t want to accept that. Classic. The fat person asserts themself everyone falls over themselves to disagree. I can’t believe the rating on this was *minus 103*. People going out of their way to down vote it, wow.
A lot of these pictures people aren’t even looking at her. There is a lot of people who stare and judge over weight people which is unfortunate.
Considering line of sight most seemed to be looking past her at something else or in the general direction of where she was. There were a couple that seemed to be however.
I saw at least 4 pictures where people looking at her were laughing and a few where there were looks of disgust on their faces. So I don't find most of the people looking at this woman just being "curious" about her camera, tripod, etc.
I would definitely say that there were a few people who were looking at her in a judgemental way but some of that could be because she is posing for pictures using a tripod. A couple could have been because she was wearing awful outfits that they would have judged any one for wearing (Blue top, green shorts and RED shoes??) To get people's true reactions, they need to be unaware of being watched. Such as the cop picture, my guess was it had noting to do with her at all, he was just trying to photobomb her in a humorous way since she was being so conspicuous about capturing a photo. But the majority, IMHO, were simply either looking in her general directions or trying to figure out why she was posing for photos with a tripod, especially when she was oddly posing.
For me it raises the questions, "Is there beauty?, Is there ugliness, Is there average?, is there unusual?"
Boo f***ing hoo! You did that to yourself and you can undo it!
You don't know anything about her, it's possible that she has some health issues. And even if she doesn't, do you really think people choose to be fat? There are lots of things at play here, and most of them are not self discipline. Would you say the same thing to a poor person? We aren't born equal.
I don't think people were actually looking at her. May be didn't want to photo bomb and tried to pass her quickly.
Would agree. A lot of those expressions are ones that would be given to anyone standing in the middle of the street taking a photo.
First: she's not overweight, she's obese. Second: Those people are just looking and not really reacting... this "art project?!" has no meaning or message...
This is what happens when you're morbidly obese, it's really not their fault.
it seems to me like the camera taking the picture is often completely ignored, giving a real snapshot. i would love to get a coffee with Haley i like her. seeing faces of judgement and not faces of love made me feel sad xxx
Why did she choose the outfits that she wore? Some of the attention she is getting is from those outfits, her general overall state of dishevelment, bad hair days, and stance. I imagine non-obese women would get odd looks too if they dressed her way . Does blame it all on the weight!
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Fat is fat, skinny is skinny. It's reality. Don't overthink it. If you want to be fat than be, but hey, no one like to be fat.
None of these pictures are of people reacting to the heavy woman. Everyone is just wondering what the hell she's doing and curious about the camera. Or was your point about how we should never even glance at fat people because they're fat?
This has been floating around out there forever.. she poses or does weird things, or just flat out blocks foot traffic, and the resulting looks are supposed to be some kind of discrimination against fat people. Just no.
I doubt that all of these people are staring because of the lady's weight. A lot look like coincidence - and more like someone looking for something to gripe about... I could be wrong.
Some people may feel sorry for her because she looks sad in almost every picture.
I believe this story to be bogus. Most of the pictures seem like the onlookers are looking at other things or even the person taking the picture and not the girl. There are a couple pictures that look like they are giving her strange looks...but that could be just how it looks and nothing to do with her. I'm calling this one questionable.
Complete bullshit. I'm obese. People look at other people. We all do it. So what?
BostonIrish
I agree with with Daria B ....seems to me a lot of folks were just curious about the cameras - there were 3-4 who seemed to be a-holes - but the majority looked more like 'why is there a camera aimed at this woman ? ' kinda thing.......
I think some videos might be more revealing than pictures. The reactions are open to interpretation.
I'm always afraid that people talk behind my back, though most of the time it isn't even true. This photo series is even worse. Yes, there are people who look down on other for such stupid reasons as being fat or whatever, but I don't think that's the case in most of the pics here
That saddens my heary
Heart when!
Bloody spell check! It should say "that saddens my heart"
This is BS. If you took enough photos of me in public, I’d find shot like that. Someone laughs at a friend’s joke, glances at me, photo at the right time, blam, same effect.
It's her legs! Everybody is looking at her legs! I don't get why fat people so often insist on displaying emphatically their worst features to the public. It is really hard to judge someone's character accurately when all they show others is their ugliest features. It is a matter of 'normal' and 'abnormal' - if you consider the majority of people with certain feature to be 'normal,' while people with that feature looking very different are 'abnormal.'
It looks like she's overacting and people around is overreacting.
They are people like you and me alone with more volume and weight ... I do not like to look at those people with mockery or amazement, I do it like any other person ...
In most of the pictures she looks awkward or is in a strange pose and most people are just trying to figure out what the heck she is doing. She almost looks like a person who is mentally challenged or having a really bad day and is disheveled. People are curious by nature. Of course there are jerks out there who do fat shame, but if you took any kind of extraordinary person you would get mostly the same pictures.
She travel a lot, it's so nice!
She was in Peru, Cusco
This article is terrible and should be removed.
I saw maybe, MAYBE two people possibly looking at her. Otherwise. they're looking past her or looking at her because she is posing and someone is taking her picture.
They’re just checking her out to see who’s getting her picture taken. That’s all.
They’re just checking her out to see who’s getting their picture taken.
I feel like the photograph with the police officers has nothing to do with her weight.
The photographer tries to capture a problem that apparently is non-existing (at least not) on the pictures she has chosen to show. Maybe she herself is so touched by her overweight that in her mind it can only be judgemental when someone looks at her. Mostly it's just pure curiosity - and randomly. I love to study people (not the creepy way) if they, for example, stands out from the crowd, which I usually only consider to be positively.
To me it looks like people looking at someone who is having their pic taken. They could even be looking at something else and not ever her but the way the photo is portrayed its like they are staring.
This all strikes me as infinitely sad.
Really stretching it to prove a point, doncha think?
I cannot see a single picture which looks like a judging person. People are smiling with their friends, looking into shop window displays, etc.
its my guess that unless she is lesbian she is very unlikely to be a virgin still . My point is there is someone for every body type , I am guilty at people watching , I like to sit outside a cafe and watch people walking past , Its human nature to watch and be aware of our surroundings , ,,, We are not all blessed with perfect bodies and Im sure that most people would change something , about themselves , Also Ive met some very nice ladies that is over weight ,