LogFAQs > #971042227

TMOG posted...

Using an analogy implies that you view Subject A as being directly comparable, or "on par", with Subject B.

An analogy requires that two subjects possess elements that are both similar and relevant for the purposes of the analogy (Unless we're using archaic definitions, but let's not discuss the history of philosophy today). Does fat shaming share similarities with... A fish? No, not that I am aware of, although if you can think of one let me know. I can't imagine a situation where one could make an analogy between Fat Shaming and Fish, therefore, it would likely be an incoherent analysis to do so. Does fat shaming share similarities with... Slurs? Sure does. Let me demonstrate:

Both are used for pejorative purposes, with motivations typically being either to reinforce a sense of superiority to another, to cause emotional distress in the target, or both.

Both are derived from societal norms relating to either complex social structures/hierarchies or desirable cultural traits.

Both insults express a perceived quality about a category of people. "Fat Peoples" are a immediately obvious group for which membership is relatively clearly defined as are "(Ethnicity) Peoples". In contrast, the insult "Poopy Head" does not, by itself, clearly define any consistently observable traits. Does a poopy head... Have poop on their head? No? If I told you you had to separate a group of people into two category groups, Poopy Heads and Not Poopy Heads, what information would you need to know about the people to make that distinction? I frankly have no idea. Thus, Poopy Heads are a not a category group for comparison.

Both are dissimilar to more generic insults (Poopy head, for instance) in that generic insults typically affect little collateral change in non-targets of the insult. There is no practical chance of my sense of self-worth being diminished because I heard the word "Poopy head" said to another person. However, if I was fat and I heard someone use a fat insult against someone else, it may reasonably affect my own sense of self-worth. The same can obviously be said for slurs.

Thus, fat shaming and slurs contain a great deal of similarities, and these similarities are expressly related to the idea being portrayed (When is it appropriate to body shame/use a slur) which is what makes them an apt comparison.