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ImageSMART TALK
by Dr. Viva Palaver



FAT AND UGLY: While this term may not violate any rules of grammar or usage, I must comment on it, as staff psychologist at the Institute for the Linguistically Impaired. 

I began my career as a school district social worker, and I saw child after child hurt, and sometimes made clinically ill, by the thoughtless or cruel use of fat and ugly. The most obvious manifestation of the injury that hearing fat and ugly can cause, even when the label is applied to someone else, is an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.  This can, and does in too many cases, result in dangerous health conditions and death.

Obviously, this damaging phrase comes from parents.  Children aren't born prejudiced.  Even if you protest that you or your parents aren't guilty, we must all learn to firmly say that we don't like such a hurtful and unfair term.  We pledge liberty and justice for all; it's time to walk the talk.
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