Google reCaptcha, a tool designed to protect websites from spam and abuse, is governed by Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. This powerful security measure is currently employed by The Guardian Australia's website to safeguard its content. Each week, the site curates a collection of intriguing and entertaining reads, shared by Guardian Australia and its international counterparts. Meanwhile, a 14-year-old author reflects on their experiences with body image and society's obsession with thinness, highlighting the resurgence of fatphobia in today's world.
The author recalls a moment from their youth, standing at a bus stop alongside peers when a car full of men drove past, hurling the word "WHALE" at them. This painful memory underscores the persistent stigma surrounding body size. The author criticizes the rise of Ozempic, a medication that has contributed to an increasingly thin-obsessed society. They point out the lack of diverse body representation on screens, where thinness dominates both magazine covers and media features.
Vogue magazine's recent cover and lip-sync project have come under scrutiny for exclusively featuring thin individuals. The author voices their disappointment with Vogue's decision, citing it as a missed opportunity to embrace body inclusivity. They mention figures such as Gigi Hadid, Cole Escola, and Laverne Cox, who are celebrated for their diverse representations but note that even these instances fall short of addressing broader inclusivity.
The musical "Hairspray" is highlighted as an example of media that successfully incorporates fat leads and centers fatness within its narrative. This stands in contrast to current trends which frequently marginalize or ignore fat bodies. The author laments the perceived regression in the fat acceptance movement, noting an apparent increase in fatphobia and a failure to sustain progress made in past years.