From The Side-Eye Of A Fat Black Girl: Using Pop Culture To Tackle Fat Phobia In Education

• In Event: It's About Damn Time: Loving and Learning From the Fat Frame

Abstract

This paper addresses weight-based bullying as a persistent issue among adolescents. Fat phobia, rooted in societal biases against overweight individuals, leads to social exclusion and discrimination, negatively impacting mental health and equality. Educational settings are profoundly affected by fat phobia, creating a toxic atmosphere that undermines learning and marginalizes students who do not conform to traditional physical norms.

Combining historical analysis, literature review, and critical discourse analysis, the paper examines the historical roots of fat phobia, explores societal influences, and analyzes contemporary educational practices. It also investigates the use of popular culture as an innovative tool in addressing these issues.

The findings suggest that leveraging popular culture in anti-fat phobia education effectively challenges stereotypes. Educators can empower students to critically analyze media depictions, fostering empathy and inclusivity. Current events can also serve as critical teaching tools, sparking discussions on intersecting forms of discrimination and equity.

The paper emphasizes the urgent need to address fat phobia comprehensively in education and advocates for a shift in societal attitudes toward body diversity. It argues that popular culture can be used as an educational tool to create inclusive classrooms where all students are valued and free from weight-based discrimination.

The originality of this paper lies in its multi-faceted approach to examining weight-based discrimination, its historical context, practical educational strategies, and the innovative use of popular culture to promote inclusivity and empathy.

Author

• Kenesha Johnson, Claflin University