April Winchell

Meme Roth, who started a shit storm with her comments about Jordin Sparks’ weight, will be my guest in the 3:00 hour on KTLK this Sunday.

As a former fat ass, much of what she says resonates with me as complete and utter truth. I’m really interested in talking to her.

That said, I agree that some of her tactics are a little sensational. But really, isn’t that what you do when you play this game? Use the media or get used by it? The fact that she’s floated some attention-getting boycotts around doesn’t diminish the merit of her observations, which I find compelling for a variety of reasons.

What really fascinates me is the outrageously hateful response she’s provoked in some people. This woman, whose platform is for the most part, not accepting obesity in yourself or your children, has actually received death threats in her blog. Death threats! That just blows my mind.

I read a thread of comments last night that wished for the death of her children by cancer, because she was so “mean-spirited”. That makes sense, doesn’t it? If you think someone is “mean-spirited”, take the high road and wish for the death of their children.

Other posters went on to say that Ms. Roth must be frigid because she’s thin. Again, a fair response. If someone makes assumptions about you because of your size, show them how wrong that is by doing the same to them.

I am amazed at the hypocrisy people show when when they have righteous indignation on their side. I really find it bizarre that people lose the ability to hear themselves, and yet it’s so common. John points out that it’s something we saw in people who were critical of Imus: “He has no right to say anything about someone because of their color, but he’s just a stupid old white guy anyway.”

I tend to think the reaction to her in certain circles is purely defensive, which is pretty telling. But I personally believe that fat acceptance is a myth, and that the root of all that posturing is denias. I truly believe that no one gets to be several hundred pounds overweight out of joy. That comes from treating food like medication, not nutrition. The committment to putting on that kind of weight is one that must be made every day, day after day, to the exclusion of all else. I know, I’ve been there.

In any case, here’s a clip from an appearance Ms. Roth made on Fox a week or so ago. I think it’s interesting to note that message boards everywhere are slamming Ms. Roth for calling Jordin “obese”, but it’s not a word she ever uses to describe her.

If you’ve got questions you’d like to ask her, email them to me or call in. She’ll be on at 3:00, and I’m hoping to have her for a full hour.