Quick Hit: Can a Feminist Diet?
Terrible title, great article.
Frustratingly, given the patriarchal bargain of weight-loss, being radically anti-diet as a political stance doesn’t always fit comfortably as a personal stance. Because we live in a society that punishes women for being “fat,” even the most dedicated feminists report struggles with body image. The threat of becoming a martyr for this cause (i.e., by voluntarily giving up ”thin-privilege,” if we’ve got it) can be terrifying. Add to this the personal fact that I’ve gained an (subjectively) uncomfortable amount of weight in the past year by neglecting to care for my body, and suddenly I’m facing a conundrum.
Kjerstin Gruys, the author of this post, uses the article to talk about her struggles with anorexia, her discovery of feminism through that struggle, and her now healthy desire to take care of her body through diet.
What do you think? How has our diet culture changed your life or outlook?