specialK wrote:
] Special K: You're way more tolerant than I could ever be. Many
] aspects of our culture are based on the blame game, everyone
] blames everyone else for their problems and its never their
] fault. Sure, I'm a little overweight too (maybe 10 lbs or so)
] but I blame myself because I'm too lazy to get to the gym. I
] agree with Acidus--lay off the pizzas.

[ I try. For years i've worked to base my fundamental ethics on the principle of respect, and try to apply that as broadly and consistently as I'm able. I'm mainly intolerant of crappy drivers and Ann Coulter.

Not many would argue that people seem predisposed to passing the buck whenever possible, but that's just not what happened here. The man isn't suing McDonalds, the fast food industry, Sara Lee or anyone else for making him fat. For all the article's mention of it, he's probably doing little more than saying, "I've tried to eat less, but had an impossible time, and partially, I think, my genes are a cause of that." I don't doubt it at all. Which isn't to say it doesn't also have a social aspect, an environmental aspect, and so on.

For myself, I have fought low self image since I can remember, and I mean elementary school, and even though i have been able to recognise this, and apply logic and reason and a great deal of genuine support from close friends to it over the course of 15 years, i don't imagine it will ever altogether leave me. It's something inate, in part, and many people have, truthfully, said "Hey, fuck you, you've had a great life, so what gives?" but that's just not the solution. That's the analog to "Quit eating." and as much as it *should* be that simple, it's not always so. So, I try to use the fact that I know this about myself to modify my behavior, and hope that eventually I can train myself to naturally compensate.

Anyway, the point is that we all have our issues, and for the most part, we're probably strong enough to overcome our predispositions, even if we need some help. But assuming that such is always the case, or that it's as easy for everyone as it is for us is not really any better than any other prejudice. -k]

RE: Half-ton man: It was genetics