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Did She 'fat-Shame' Women?


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#1 Steve Heard

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 06:42 PM

mariakang_whatsyourexcuse_zpsd4086560.jp

 

A fitness enthusiast and mother of three is being accused of fat-shaming women after posting a controversial photo of herself on her Facebook page .

 

In the photo, Maria Kang reveals her toned figure in a workout bra and shorts while posing with her three young sons. Above her head, a question asks, "What's your excuse?"

 

With more than 2,000 likes on the original picture and more than 160,000 likes on the reposted picture, Kang certainly has a group of supporters, but her comment sections are sprinkled with negative responses from Facebook critics.

 

Some wrote that the photo makes Kang seem egotistical while others felt that it bullied overweight mothers.

In response to the negative remarks, Kang reposted the photo with an apology.

Kang wrote, "I'm sorry you took an image and resonated with it in such a negative way... What you interpret is not MY fault. It's Yours.The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head... With that said, obesity and those who struggle with health-related diseases is literally a 'bigger' issue than this photo."

 

To read the full apology, check out Kang's Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/1cUAkNt).


Read more: http://www.kjrh.com/...n#ixzz2hwWmydYJ

 


What do you think? Bully? Deserving of praise and admiration? Egotist? Much ado about nothing? 


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#2 nomad

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 07:29 PM

Fat and lazy people's excuse? Being fat and lazy. 

 

Good for her all day!



#3 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 08:58 PM

Marketing. She is a trainer marketing her service. Plus she is blessed genetically.
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#4 Steve Heard

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 09:05 PM

Fat and lazy people's excuse? Being fat and lazy. 

 

Good for her all day!

 

I know plenty of women who work out every day and don't look like her. 

 

It struck a chord with me because I have a wife, 2 daughters, 3 sisters, and have countless female friends who are bombarded with nearly impossible images to live up to, and now are asked what their excuse is. 

 

The woman is a professional fitness expert and model. Her full-time job is working to look like that. 

 

Most women don't have the time, means, money or genes to look like that. 

 

I remember being at a huge hotel resort/water park with my kids years ago. After a couple of days, my then 11 year-old said, 'Daddy, I feel better about myself today'. 

 

I told her it was great that she was feeling better, and asked why she had been feeling bad.

 

She said, 'Because I don't have a nice body, but I see a lot of girls here who don't have nice bodies.'.

 

I was saddened to know that my 11 year old had been suffering from body-image issues based on the images she saw on tv, magazines, billboards, and everywhere else she turned. 

 

'With proper diet and exercise, you can look like this, too', would be a better marketing and motivating message than 'what's your excuse for not looking like me?'


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#5 nomad

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 09:22 PM

 

I know plenty of women who work out every day and don't look like her. 

 

It struck a chord with me because I have a wife, 2 daughters, 3 sisters, and have countless female friends who are bombarded with nearly impossible images to live up to, and now are asked what their excuse is. 

 

The woman is a professional fitness expert and model. Her full-time job is working to look like that. 

 

Most women don't have the time, means, money or genes to look like that. 

 

I remember being at a huge hotel resort/water park with my kids years ago. After a couple of days, my then 11 year-old said, 'Daddy, I feel better about myself today'. 

 

I told her it was great that she was feeling better, and asked why she had been feeling bad.

 

She said, 'Because I don't have a nice body, but I see a lot of girls here who don't have nice bodies.'.

 

I was saddened to know that my 11 year old had been suffering from body-image issues based on the images she saw on tv, magazines, billboards, and everywhere else she turned. 

 

'With proper diet and exercise, you can look like this, too', would be a better marketing and motivating message than 'what's your excuse for not looking like me?'

 

You completely missed her point. it's not "why don't you look like me" it's "what's your excuse for not trying to improve yourself."

 

And for a woman who has 3 kids under 4 yrs old she finds the time so to think that all she does to work out is yet another excuse. So you're saying she's a bad mom? Neglects her kids? Being a Dad YOU should know that 3 kids under 4 IS a full time job and I'm quite disappointed that you give he no credit for that at all.

 

And genetically blessed? Really? Is she a leftover from Hitler's dream? Please. 

 

People hate on those who work hard and challenge others. It's just too easy to sit back, eat, and hate.

 

That's what's wrong with society today, nobody want's to earn anything (money, health, happiness) they all just want it handed to them and they say people who have it are either bullies or just didn't earn it "fairly" according to a certain leader we have these days.

 

Quite sad actually. I also read that her husband came back from Afghanistan with a brain injury but I'm sure that they are able to afford nannies and private day care while she works out all day from his military "pension."



#6 Steve Heard

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 11:09 PM

 

You completely missed her point. it's not "why don't you look like me" it's "what's your excuse for not trying to improve yourself."

 

And for a woman who has 3 kids under 4 yrs old she finds the time so to think that all she does to work out is yet another excuse. So you're saying she's a bad mom? Neglects her kids? Being a Dad YOU should know that 3 kids under 4 IS a full time job and I'm quite disappointed that you give he no credit for that at all.

 

And genetically blessed? Really? Is she a leftover from Hitler's dream? Please. 

 

People hate on those who work hard and challenge others. It's just too easy to sit back, eat, and hate.

 

That's what's wrong with society today, nobody want's to earn anything (money, health, happiness) they all just want it handed to them and they say people who have it are either bullies or just didn't earn it "fairly" according to a certain leader we have these days.

 

Quite sad actually. I also read that her husband came back from Afghanistan with a brain injury but I'm sure that they are able to afford nannies and private day care while she works out all day from his military "pension."

 

 

It doesn't look like you'll be changing your mind any time soon, but I stand behind what I said. 

 

First off, I did NOT say anything about her mothering skills. I don't know where you got that impression.

 

And blessed with good genes? Yes, it happens. Different people have different body types and different body types react to exercise in different ways. Some bodies are built for being wide receivers, some for running backs, some offensive linemen and some for being kickers. No matter how hard they work, few linemen can become kickers and few kickers can become running backs.   

 

Oh, and lest you think I'm one of the fat, lazy ones making excuses, for my being fat and lazy, my wife and I are workout fiends.

 

I've been practicing and teaching Shotokan karate (not so much teaching any more) for about 23 years, I run 3 days a week, and do some lower impact aerobic exercises (to save my joints) 3 days per week. I lift weights, ride a bike and while you were writing your response to me I was on a 2 mile walk with my wife and youngest daughter, since this is our 'rest' day. 

 

My wife is a beautiful lady, but even if she could devote hours a day, she is not built like Ms. Kang. 

 

We work hard. We challenge and inspire others, but we do it through encouragement and example, not shaming.

 

My wife and daughters agree that Ms. Kang has the right to show off the results of her hard work, but also think that she sets unrealistic expectations for the women who see the photo and the caption 'what's your excuse'.

 

Like I said, I probably won't change your mind, but I'll close with 2 things; first, her husband has nothing to do with this discussion, and second, here's part of an article from by a female trainer out of Chicago about the subject:

 

"Fitness is the lifeblood of Kang's career. She works at her body very hard because, well, that's her job. She's committed and to that I say good for you, Maria. She's a lean person, but has a toned, muscular physique. Her body itself should not be construed as anything negative. She's proud of herself, reaping what she sowed and letting us know about it.

The question, "What's your excuse?" makes me roll my eyes a little. Ok, a lot. It's a message that allows people to either relate or detach...and could have been positioned in a much, much better way. 

I've been working in the fitness industry since 1998. Taking care of my body and making sure I eat right are two of my top priorities. When I see a question like "What's your excuse?" it's motivating to me. However, as a personal trainer and fitness coach who has worked with hundreds of other men and women who do not share the same career or personal goals, the question itself is bulls---.

A lot of people have legit excuses. Careers, school, divorce, lack of resources, health problems, etc., are all reasons why someone wouldn't be able to take care of themselves are good as they should, much less workout religiously. I believe we can all take better care of our bodies, but not everyone  can look just like Kang. On the flip side, there are many people who have overcome obstacles and have successfully used fitness as the path to guide them. These people are constantly a source of motivation and inspiration for me and millions of others.

I like the picture Kang posted, but if we took the words "What's your excuse?" out of it, it would have been far less inflammatory. Knowing a little bit of her backstory, I look at the picture of Kang and see a woman who made a career in fitness after overcoming an eating disorder. Adding the words "What's your excuse?" completely changes the intent and tone of the message.

Without the words "What's your excuse?", it could be interpreted as "Look how healthy I am today." But with those three words, it's a little more like "Look how great my body is. Why don't you look like me?" Granted, this photo was blown way out of proportion, I'm a little surprised Kang wasn't more sensitive to the struggles of eating disorders that she herself once dealt with. She should be proud of herself for overcoming her disease, but she should also know that millions of other women are struggling with eating disorders right now.

Moving in a better direction
It's no secret that most people would love to have a leaner, healthier body. It's also no secret that people eat too much and don't exercise as much as they should. There are also plenty of the-dog-ate-my-homework style excuses. The job of any professional in the fitness industry is to lift people, lead by example and make people feel good about themselves. The better people feel about themselves, the healthier their bodies will be. The worse people feel about themselves, the less likely it is they'll take care of their body. I have no reason to believe Kang doesn't care about her audience, nor do I think it was her intention to make anyone feel bad or get (incredibly) angry. She just paired a phrase that many found to be cocky, not motivating, with an image that is inconceivable to most. The combination was resulted in this love/hate firestorm."


Steve Heard

Folsom Real Estate Specialist

EXP Realty

BRE#01368503

Owner - MyFolsom.com

916 718 9577 


#7 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 01:14 AM

I still say its genius marketing. Even we are talking about her. I bet her phone is ringing off the hook. She is having her own Miley Cyrus 15 minutes. Getting attention for being controversial is very trending.
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#8 cw68

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 06:29 AM

Honestly, it worked on me. When my daughter was 2 and my son six months I was in awesome shape so I know that my genes allow it. Three years ago I was in the best shape of my life. Now? Not so much. What is my excuse? Ummmmm, laziness. I have no excuses. It stops now.

#9 nomad

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 07:06 AM

 

 

It doesn't look like you'll be changing your mind any time soon, but I stand behind what I said. 

 

First off, I did NOT say anything about her mothering skills. I don't know where you got that impression.

 

And blessed with good genes? Yes, it happens. Different people have different body types and different body types react to exercise in different ways. Some bodies are built for being wide receivers, some for running backs, some offensive linemen and some for being kickers. No matter how hard they work, few linemen can become kickers and few kickers can become running backs.   

 

Oh, and lest you think I'm one of the fat, lazy ones making excuses, for my being fat and lazy, my wife and I are workout fiends.

 

I've been practicing and teaching Shotokan karate (not so much teaching any more) for about 23 years, I run 3 days a week, and do some lower impact aerobic exercises (to save my joints) 3 days per week. I lift weights, ride a bike and while you were writing your response to me I was on a 2 mile walk with my wife and youngest daughter, since this is our 'rest' day. 

 

My wife is a beautiful lady, but even if she could devote hours a day, she is not built like Ms. Kang. 

 

We work hard. We challenge and inspire others, but we do it through encouragement and example, not shaming.

 

My wife and daughters agree that Ms. Kang has the right to show off the results of her hard work, but also think that she sets unrealistic expectations for the women who see the photo and the caption 'what's your excuse'.

 

Like I said, I probably won't change your mind, but I'll close with 2 things; first, her husband has nothing to do with this discussion, and second, here's part of an article from by a female trainer out of Chicago about the subject:

 

"Fitness is the lifeblood of Kang's career. She works at her body very hard because, well, that's her job. She's committed and to that I say good for you, Maria. She's a lean person, but has a toned, muscular physique. Her body itself should not be construed as anything negative. She's proud of herself, reaping what she sowed and letting us know about it.

The question, "What's your excuse?" makes me roll my eyes a little. Ok, a lot. It's a message that allows people to either relate or detach...and could have been positioned in a much, much better way. 

I've been working in the fitness industry since 1998. Taking care of my body and making sure I eat right are two of my top priorities. When I see a question like "What's your excuse?" it's motivating to me. However, as a personal trainer and fitness coach who has worked with hundreds of other men and women who do not share the same career or personal goals, the question itself is bulls---.

A lot of people have legit excuses. Careers, school, divorce, lack of resources, health problems, etc., are all reasons why someone wouldn't be able to take care of themselves are good as they should, much less workout religiously. I believe we can all take better care of our bodies, but not everyone  can look just like Kang. On the flip side, there are many people who have overcome obstacles and have successfully used fitness as the path to guide them. These people are constantly a source of motivation and inspiration for me and millions of others.

I like the picture Kang posted, but if we took the words "What's your excuse?" out of it, it would have been far less inflammatory. Knowing a little bit of her backstory, I look at the picture of Kang and see a woman who made a career in fitness after overcoming an eating disorder. Adding the words "What's your excuse?" completely changes the intent and tone of the message.

Without the words "What's your excuse?", it could be interpreted as "Look how healthy I am today." But with those three words, it's a little more like "Look how great my body is. Why don't you look like me?" Granted, this photo was blown way out of proportion, I'm a little surprised Kang wasn't more sensitive to the struggles of eating disorders that she herself once dealt with. She should be proud of herself for overcoming her disease, but she should also know that millions of other women are struggling with eating disorders right now.

Moving in a better direction
It's no secret that most people would love to have a leaner, healthier body. It's also no secret that people eat too much and don't exercise as much as they should. There are also plenty of the-dog-ate-my-homework style excuses. The job of any professional in the fitness industry is to lift people, lead by example and make people feel good about themselves. The better people feel about themselves, the healthier their bodies will be. The worse people feel about themselves, the less likely it is they'll take care of their body. I have no reason to believe Kang doesn't care about her audience, nor do I think it was her intention to make anyone feel bad or get (incredibly) angry. She just paired a phrase that many found to be cocky, not motivating, with an image that is inconceivable to most. The combination was resulted in this love/hate firestorm."

 

Now I know why EDF stopped debating with you!



#10 Steve Heard

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 07:30 AM

 

Now I know why EDF stopped debating with you!

Hey, he got to me a few times. I'm not ALWAYS right! 


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#11 Darth Lefty

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 08:45 AM

Gym advertising is full of this stuff, so is any other weight loss marketing.  Any Walmart diet book or checkout line magazine is full of stories about how Pugsley Q. Portly lost eighty pounds and so can you.  Why is this special?  Because it's on Facebook?  Because you can attach a person to the ad copy?


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#12 Steve Heard

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 09:33 AM

Gym advertising is full of this stuff, so is any other weight loss marketing.  Any Walmart diet book or checkout line magazine is full of stories about how Pugsley Q. Portly lost eighty pounds and so can you.  Why is this special?  Because it's on Facebook?  Because you can attach a person to the ad copy?

I think this one is special because it's NOT saying those things.

 

There's no back story. No before and after photos. No bio on her. Just a picture of her looking hot and asking, 'what's your excuse?' 

 

Excuse for what? Not looking like a professional fitness model?

 

It is implying that if you're a woman, you can and should look like that, and if you don't, there must be a reason within your direct control. 

 

BTW, on Facebook, the comments seem to be running about 75/25 in defense/praise of her. 


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#13 cw68

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 09:42 AM

I think this one is special because it's NOT saying those things.
 
There's no back story. No before and after photos. No bio on her. Just a picture of her looking hot and asking, 'what's your excuse?' 
 
Excuse for what? Not looking like a professional fitness model?
 
It is implying that if you're a woman, you can and should look like that, and if you don't, there must be a reason within your direct control. 
 
BTW, on Facebook, the comments seem to be running about 75/25 in defense/praise of her. 


I don't see it as "why don't you look like a fitness model" but rather, "what's the excuse you are leaning on for not doing whatever it is you're not doing?" If we put our minds to something, it can happen.

#14 nomad

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 10:14 AM

I don't see it as "why don't you look like a fitness model" but rather, "what's the excuse you are leaning on for not doing whatever it is you're not doing?" If we put our minds to something, it can happen.

 

Prepare for the Steve multi-page diatribe response in 3...2....1....



#15 Steve Heard

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 10:45 AM

 

Prepare for the Steve multi-page diatribe response in 3...2....1....

 

Nope. She makes her point and it is one shared by many. No need to argue that.  


Steve Heard

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