So, I have known about the book Skinny Bitch, by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, and its message of veganism as a way to lose weight for quite awhile now. Yet I have to admit, I hadn’t read the book until now, because I don’t believe in dieting. My own experience has proved time and time again that is counterproductive, counterintuitive, and ultimately self-destructive.
Recommended: Not likely. But be your own judge.
The message, in addition to veganism, is one that wholeheartedly endorses body hate if you are not thin.
Though it is meant to be dramatic, its overall message, inspiring self-loathing, complete with the names to call yourself, was over the top.
Sadly, toward the end of the book, it became evident that despite the author’s self-proclaimed statuses as being skinny bitches, they (at least in part) still hate their bodies. In Chapter 12, they report, “Also, we have some fat, gross body parts, too. We’re women.” Wow. I don’t want to even begin to touch that statement.
Moving on.
Now, I am not against veganism or weight loss. However, I am against the encouragement of body hate. And I am for the creation of a new culture where women are encouraged to feel good as they are, and to view themselves through eyes of acceptance. I cannot wait until society realizes you do not have to hate yourself into losing weight. In some ways, I believe we are getting closer. Clearly, in some ways we are getting further away with books like Skinny Bitch.