Fearing the Black Body is a book written by Sabrina Strings, an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Irvine. This book explores the history of fatphobia and its roots in racism, particularly the fear of the black female body. It also sheds light on how medical professionals, the media, and the diet industry have perpetuated this fear and how it affects black women's health and well-being. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, you can download the Fearing the Black Body PDF using the link below.
Book Details
| Title | Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia |
|---|---|
| Author | Sabrina Strings |
| Published | 2019 |
| Pages | 304 |
| Publisher | New York University Press |
Why You Should Read This Book
If you are someone who has struggled with body image, weight, or dieting, Fearing the Black Body is a must-read. This book exposes the racist roots of fatphobia and how it has been used to oppress black women throughout history. It challenges the mainstream narrative that being thin is the ideal and shows how this ideal is not only unattainable but also harmful to our physical and mental health. It is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read that will make you question everything you thought you knew about body size and weight.
Key Takeaways
1. Fatphobia is rooted in racism
The fear of fatness has its roots in the fear of blackness. Sabrina Strings traces the history of fatphobia back to the European colonization of Africa, where the white colonizers saw the black female body as excessive and uncivilized. This fear of the black female body has continued to this day and has been perpetuated by the media, medical professionals, and the diet industry.
2. The diet industry is not your friend
The diet industry has made billions of dollars by perpetuating the myth that being thin is the ideal. Fearing the Black Body shows how diets not only don't work but also harm our physical and mental health. It exposes the lies and manipulations of the diet industry and encourages us to focus on health rather than weight loss.
3. Self-love and acceptance are revolutionary acts
Fearing the Black Body challenges us to rethink our relationship with our bodies. It encourages us to reject the mainstream narrative that we need to be thin to be happy and healthy and instead focus on self-love and acceptance. It shows how loving and accepting our bodies in a world that tells us not to is a revolutionary act that can challenge systems of oppression.
FAQ
1. Where can I download the Fearing the Black Body PDF?
You can download the Fearing the Black Body PDF using the link below this article.
2. Is this book only for black women?
No, this book is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of fatphobia and its roots in racism. While the book focuses on the experiences of black women, it is relevant to anyone who has struggled with body image, weight, or dieting.
3. Is this book only about body size and weight?
No, while the book does focus on the history of fatphobia, it also explores broader themes of racism, sexism, and oppression. It is a thought-provoking and insightful read that will challenge your assumptions about the world we live in.
Conclusion
Fearing the Black Body is an important and timely book that exposes the racist roots of fatphobia and challenges us to rethink our relationship with our bodies. It is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with body image, weight, or dieting and wants to understand the deeper societal forces at play. You can download the Fearing the Black Body PDF using the link below and start your journey towards self-love and acceptance today.
Download the Fearing the Black Body PDF (link goes here)
Reference
Strings, Sabrina. Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia. New York University Press, 2019.
