I want to give a shout out and a huge Snarkfest high five to Jennifer Livingston, a La Crosse, Wisconsin television anchor who had the balls to fight back. She received an email from a viewer who said she wasn't a 'suitable example for the community's young people, girls in particular' because she was overweight. First off, who the HELL does the author of the email think he or she is?? What does her size have to do with how she is seen by the public?? How does her size have any bearing whatsoever on the job she does? I, for one, think she's not only beautiful but strong for standing up to that bully. She answered his email with an on air response which, in my opinion, kicked ass and smacked down.
Watch her rebuttal in this video clip and judge for yourself.
She's absolutely right. Kids can be horrible and mean. Hearing things like this from a parent somehow makes it right to them. We are raising a generation of kids who will one day be our leaders. Let's teach them to be nice to one another, regardless of race, creed, color, religious belief or size.
Hey Busymee, yeah, it's really painful, as a fat girl to watch someone be belittled and criticized for her size. Size has no bearing on the job she does. She's not a marathon runner, she's not a police officer who has to be in tip top shape to chase criminals. It just burns my ass that she even has to defend her size.
Right on! I'm so glad you wrote this. The more we spread the word and encourage kind behavior the better we'll make the world. I know that sounds cheesy, but I believe it to be true. Jennifer was never anything but nice to me in high school. I applaud her for taking a strong stand kudos to her and to the station. And to her husband who brought this to the attention of the world.
I'm so thankful she said what she did. If it helps just one person....
Not cheesy at all. I was incredulous when I saw the story last night and thought, who in the hell does that guy think he is??? What is wrong with people??
I'm with you, Joy, I hope that she got through to at least one person who in turn will stand up to a bully.
We worry about our children being bullied and it's happening to the role models. This makes me furious. I'm glad she stood up for herself! Thanks for sharing this.
She is right. Kids learn by example. And kindness is better than bullying any day of the week.
The sadness is that the man who wrote the e-mail quite possibly thought he was being kind. People have no clue what the effect of their words can have, nor what is appropriate or their place to say.
The worst part is this implicit reinforcement of what are actually often UNHEALTHY body type preferences that this writer is pushing. That the weather person must have some particular shape in order to be qualified to give the weather.
It *is* important to be healthy. But healthy is not just about the body but about the mind and spirit. This woman seems pretty healthy to me.
I do read all comments and try to respond to them. Unless you're trying to get me to visit your website: Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags. Then you can go pound sand.
This made me cry :( What a great woman! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey Busymee, yeah, it's really painful, as a fat girl to watch someone be belittled and criticized for her size. Size has no bearing on the job she does. She's not a marathon runner, she's not a police officer who has to be in tip top shape to chase criminals. It just burns my ass that she even has to defend her size.
DeleteThanks for reading!
Teri
Right on! I'm so glad you wrote this. The more we spread the word and encourage kind behavior the better we'll make the world. I know that sounds cheesy, but I believe it to be true. Jennifer was never anything but nice to me in high school. I applaud her for taking a strong stand kudos to her and to the station. And to her husband who brought this to the attention of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful she said what she did. If it helps just one person....
Not cheesy at all. I was incredulous when I saw the story last night and thought, who in the hell does that guy think he is??? What is wrong with people??
DeleteI'm with you, Joy, I hope that she got through to at least one person who in turn will stand up to a bully.
Teri
We worry about our children being bullied and it's happening to the role models. This makes me furious. I'm glad she stood up for herself! Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteMe too. That took courage for her to do that, and I applaud her!
DeleteThanks,
Teri
She is right. Kids learn by example. And kindness is better than bullying any day of the week.
ReplyDeleteThe sadness is that the man who wrote the e-mail quite possibly thought he was being kind. People have no clue what the effect of their words can have, nor what is appropriate or their place to say.
The worst part is this implicit reinforcement of what are actually often UNHEALTHY body type preferences that this writer is pushing. That the weather person must have some particular shape in order to be qualified to give the weather.
It *is* important to be healthy. But healthy is not just about the body but about the mind and spirit. This woman seems pretty healthy to me.