A study shows that if you see a skinny person laying on a couch watching TV, you think they are resting. But if you see an overweight person laying on the couch doing the same, you perceive them as lazy.
The study focuses on stereotypes that can hinder an overweight person from being more active. The study basically states, if other people think you are fat and lazy, you will conform to their perceived stereotype.
The study says we need to stop thinking in terms of these stereotypes because we can be hurting the progress of overweight people who are trying to lose weight.
Here's my spin on the matter. If you see a homeless person on the street pandering for money, don't you automatically think, "Wow Buddy, get a job. McDonalds is hiring."
When you see an overweight person eating a burger, don't you think to yourself, "Hey, how about a salad?"
I think these are normal thoughts to have. But do they actually hurt the overweight, the homeless...do my personal thoughts stop Frank from losing weight, or stop Ann from getting a job?
No. I don't think someones stereotypical thoughts can 100% do that. In fact, I think it can do the opposite. If someone looked at me and said, "Hey Jenny, you must be dumb because you're semi attractive and young" I would look at them and say "Let me prove you wrong."
If I was an overweight person and someone said to me, "Hey, why don't you get off the couch you lazy thing!" I would get motivated to show them what I am capable of.
While I do NOT condone judging the overweight (I mean, how do you really know how much effort they are putting into staying healthy) I don't necessarily think it will add to the pounds on their scale. In the end, that individual person needs to do things on their own accord and not let other people's opions slow or stop their progress.
That being said, will someone telling me that my writing sucks everyday shrink my ego and make me think that I should just quit? Of course. Being lumped into a stereotype or judged on your (lack of) abilities can be hurtful and I think people need to do their best to avoid thinking in stereotypes. But you have to be strong enough to ignore these comments and believe in yourself and not in the stereotype.
And we all know, but it's worth saying, that not every skinny person is healthy. Just because they look like a stick, does not mean they are in the best of health or even put in any effort to workout or eat healthy.
It's going to be hard to change the way certain people think. But it's worth a shot. Meanwhile, if you are being pigeonholed into some stereotype, please do your best to ignore it and live the best that you're capable of.
Chicago Tribune Article "Are Overweight People Just Lazy"
Scientific Blogging "Couch Potatoes only Lazy if They're Fat-Study"
JENNYMILK
very interesting topic! i think i'm stereotyped at times, people assume cuz i'm in a wheelchair i'm paralyzed which i'm not! actually once i was sittin in class and i was movin my foot, some guy came up and said 'hey josh your foots movin' i just said 'really?!'
LOL..yah, I think it's something people do without even realizing it! It's hard to stop..but we definitely should try. You should totally lay on the sarcasm to all those goofs who jump to conclusions :)
I think this post must have come from your personal diary. I have never seen a blogger, or any writer for that matter, sterotype people more than you do. This is something you really need to work on to become less hateful and more balanced.
It's amazing how sympathetic you are towards fat people, but how much you hate "poor" people.
When I see someone overweight eating a burger, I don't think "maybe they should eat a salad instead." Everyone has their own issues to deal with and should focus on improving themselves rather than judging others.
Hey there-
How do you Think I stereotype people? You do realize that I did not write this study..I merely stumbled upon it. I am not being sympathetic towards anyone in this post, actually.
If you read this entire post, you would see that I said we shouldn't stereotype people because in fact we do not know the obstacles they are overcoming..but it's still a natural thing to do so.
I don't hate poor people crown, in fact..to some I may be considered "poor".
Like I said, I did not write the study, I was just merely giving my opinion on it. Did I not state we shouldn't stereoptype? sure did..and if you knew me, you would know that I am the least hateful..probably most balanced person you've ever met :)
Respect then Ms. Milk.
I am a fat-ass, not to sterotype, but hell yes I am lazy! But I can say that about myself. Would I be mad if someone else said that about me? My answer would be: am I mad because they called me fat, or cuz they nailed me for my laziness. Sometimes the truth hurts.
LJ I havent worked out in weeeks. I'm in the lazy club too..and yes, people totally get the most mad when something truthful is pointed out to them. eeeish.