The Gist Inside a Fat Camp named Shame
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Aug 27, 2025 Kelsey Snelling, creator and reporter of the Camp Shame podcast, discusses the intense reality of weight loss retreats like Camp Shane. She reveals how these camps, founded on false promises, can deeply impact children's self-worth and body image. The conversation unpacks societal misconceptions about obesity and the ethical concerns surrounding fat camps. Snelling argues for a more nuanced understanding of health beyond appearance, revealing the distressing truths campers face and challenging conventional dieting ideologies.
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Institutional Erosion Matters Independent Of Labels
- Mike Pesca warns that using state power against opponents erodes rule of law even if it doesn't become full dictatorship.
- He argues harms to institutions and legitimacy matter regardless of whether 'dictatorship' label fits.
Labels Can Distract From Concrete Harms
- Pesca cautions that calling current abuses a dictatorship invites semantic fights that can numb voters.
- He urges focusing on concrete erosion of protections rather than speculative labels to mobilize concern.
Flashy Ads Hid A Longstanding Camp Industry
- Camp Shane ran flashy ads showing kids' dramatic summer weight loss and attracted generations of repeat campers.
- That visible short-term success masked deeper problems Kelsey Snelling later uncovered in Camp Shame.