Why Is It Considered Okay to Discriminate Against Fat People?

The world can be a harsh and unforgiving place for individuals who do not fit into narrow societal standards of beauty or success. One such group that often faces discrimination is those who are considered overweight or obese. While instances of discrimination against fat people may seem to be on the rise, it's important to understand the underlying reasons and the impact on various sectors, particularly in property management.

Understanding Discrimination in Society

Discrimination against fat individuals is pervasive and often rooted in societal prejudices and cultural norms. Just as wealthy, attractive, and young individuals face criticism and pressure from the world around them, fat people often face unwarranted disdain and discrimination. Whether it’s a fresh Hollywood star under constant scrutiny or a fat Latina businesswoman trying to navigate the corporate world, these individuals encounter barriers to success and acceptance that are unrelated to their true value and character.

The underlying issue is the tendency to judge people based on their physical appearance rather than their character. Many people believe that being fat is a choice or a result of laziness, which is far from the truth. Fat-shaming is a form of cruelty that often stems from a lack of understanding and empathy, and it is damaging to both individuals and communities.

The Role of Property Management in Fair Housing

In the realm of property management, there is a legal and ethical obligation to adhere to fair housing practices. The Fair Housing Act, which is protected under law in the United States, explicitly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. However, despite these protections, there often exists an undercurrent of discrimination that goes beyond these legally defined categories.

The Limits of Fair Housing Protections

One area where the limitations of fair housing protections become evident is in the management of infrastructure and building structures. For instance, the design of buildings is often standardized around a specific body type and mass, which can lead to significant challenges for individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI). This is especially problematic in certain aspects of property management, such as the use of public facilities like elevators, pools, and bathrooms.

Infrastructure Limitations

From a practical standpoint, buildings are constructed with a certain weight capacity in mind. When fat individuals exceed this capacity, it can strain the structure and pose risks to both the individual and others. For example, a toilet being crushed by an extremely overweight person is not within the realm of reasonable expectations for building design. Similarly, the need for substantial air conditioning or pool accommodations to manage body heat can be overwhelming.

Real-World Examples

Case studies from property management underscore the complexities of managing spaces designed for a specific population. For instance, a property manager may encounter a situation where a large alcoholic woman accidentally breaks a balcony rail and falls, landing in court. In another instance, a fat individual may demand a ground floor unit or expect other residents to move to accommodate their physical needs, which is not only unreasonable but also unfair.

The Impact on Public Health

The discrimination against fat individuals often goes beyond property management and extends to public health. The emphasis on designing society around the needs of fat individuals would require significant changes, causing the cost to be prohibitive. Moreover, it may not be optimal for public health reasons. Encouraging the over-dramatization of pool requirements or air conditioning needs can lead to a significant increase in energy consumption, contributing to environmental issues.

Rethinking Public Policies

Instead of restructuring society entirely, public policies can focus on educating the public about the realities of managing weight-related issues in a safe and effective manner. There is a need for dialogue and understanding around the challenges faced by fat individuals, rather than perpetuating stereotypes and unfounded judgments.

Conclusion

Discrimination against fat individuals is not only unethical but also counterproductive. Instead of feeding into societal hatred and prejudice, it is essential to promote empathy, understanding, and compassion. While property management faces challenges in accommodating a diverse range of body types, the onus should be on striking a balance that respects the needs of all individuals while ensuring the safety and functionality of the built environment.

Let's focus on creating a society where every individual, regardless of their body type, is treated with dignity and respect, and where infrastructures are designed to support a wide range of bodies, thus fostering a more inclusive and healthier environment for everyone.