Editor,
I am writing in response to Victor Murthy’s column on obesity. Among the reader responses online, there’s a contention by some that the column is fashioned as a satire “in the spirit of Jonathan Swift.” If that’s the case, then it is what some would call an “epic fail.”
Swift’s piece about making fricassee out of children is clearly not meant to be taken seriously, despite the appalling nature of this “modest proposal.” Murthy’s piece is poorly written, not amusing and lacking in any rhetorical or literary devices that constitute a “political satire.” However, if this is not the case, and Murthy’s intent was to publish a self-flagellating and hateful piece of tripe, then he has succeeded. He is lucky indeed if he is so privileged that his idea of being subjected to “atrocity” is having to look at a fat person. It’s a travesty that such a well-reasoned, cultured and fundamentally useful person must suffer such offense to his aesthetic sensibilities.
Of course, such a sublimely beautiful and perfectly formed Adonis has every right to be cruel to these gross and subhuman creatures who obviously have no souls — only the evil intent to make a horrid spectacle with which to scar his fragile psyche.
I’m appalled, not only by this flagrant display of ignorant and callous bigotry, but also by the fact that space was given to such a ration of nonsense. One editor states that opinions are considered for publication if the writer uses “an accessible line of reasoning.” Apparently The Daily Lobo considers graphic and vulgar defamation perfectly reasonable. Some are apparently of the opinion that hearing such a “brutally honest” message will incite people to lose weight and dress “appropriately,” when the reality is that subjecting people to more of the socially-sanctioned abuse leveled against overweight people will only serve to contribute to the cycles of shame, depression and body dysmorphia that exacerbate obesity. Our culture dehumanizes fat people and treats them like criminals. We bombard them with ridicule, abuse, job discrimination, harassment and violence. We don’t bother to inform ourselves on the causes of obesity and the cost of eating well. We pass judgment without considering the effects of body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, anorexia and depression on metabolism, or how imposing a negative body image on people contributes to all of these and, further more, can sap the will or energy to improve one’s appearance.
I suggest that Victor Murthy develop some empathy or, at the very least, consider the potential effects of his cruel, bourgeois spew on its recipients. Additionally, I urge the Daily Lobo to consider adopting a higher standard for publishing that might spare us all from being subjected to the atrocity of poorly written, defamatory twaddle. I advocate free speech. However, all speech, especially hate speech, has real and visceral consequences. We should remember that and think twice before running our loud, contemptuous mouths.
Aaron Aguilar
UNM student
