Woman Photographs Strangers To Show How People React To Overweight People

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

I agree

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.

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

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 s**t" 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.

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.

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 r******d 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."

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.