Factually! with Adam Conover The Philosophy of Fatness with Kate Manne
May 21, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Kate Manne, a Cornell philosopher and author of 'Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia,' delves into the origins and impacts of anti-fat bias. She discusses how societal attitudes mislink morality and fatness, revealing the psychological mechanisms behind disdain for larger bodies. Manne also explores the historical roots of fatphobia, its intersection with racism, and the importance of body diversity and acceptance. This thought-provoking dialogue encourages listeners to challenge preconceived notions and promotes inclusivity.
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Deep Roots of Fatphobia
- Fatphobia unjustly downranks people with larger bodies across many dimensions: aesthetics, health, intellect, and morality.
- Society views fat people as lazy, unhealthy, unattractive, and less intelligent without basis.
Misjudged Speaker at Lecture
- Kate Manne recounted a lecture where a colleague didn't recognize her as the speaker due to her fat pregnant body.
- This highlighted how fatness challenges expected authority role perceptions, leading to disrespect.
Fatphobia as a Moral Problem
- Fat people are often morally blamed for their size, seen as failing a moral obligation to be thin.
- Most people cannot sustainably control their weight, negating any true moral duty to be thin.