In class today, as part of the discussion, I made the comment that "being overweight doesn't matter," to which Dr. Fisanick responded with allusions to various studies and such that have been done and seem to prove that being overweight DOES invite some unwelcome and unfair treatment by others.
 I, too, have read about those experiments, and don't deny that Yes, indeed there is a valid case for and strong evidence to support the fact that Society as a whole looks down upon its heavier members. The point I was making (or trying to make)was meant more on an individualistic basis, in that the REAL people who come into our lives and become close as friends, peers, co-workers etc. will accept us for WHO we are, not HOW we are. But, again, I do realize that far too many people "steer clear" of others who seem less-than-attractive for whatever reason, weight of course being one of them. And it's a damn shame, because there are some really cool people being unfairly ignored or snubbed.
 Finally, in reading the essays, and during the class discussion today, I was reminded (but not surprised) that all too often, one thoughtless remark can really send someone reeling down a path toward either obesity or anorexia. I just hope that somewhere along the way I have not done so--I mean, I have to 'fess up and say that when I was a child, I mercilessly joined the bandwagon of teasing heavier kids . . . but in all fairness, I suffered my own deluge of torment for other reasons and often wonder if something that was said to or about me still has residual effects of which I'm not consciously aware. I sincerely hope none of my remarks or behaviors still haunts anyone; all I realized at the time was that if I could help keep everyone picking on someone else, I was at least temporarily spared.