When it might be time to consider a bigger bike…

[dr_bar]

oh cr@p! history... i concede! i give up!

Too bad, I was looking forward to kicking your a$$ on this one...

[FlyerPhil]

We make fun of fat people all the time, but it isn't funny to them. How about we start slamming all the south pacific peoples, or asians or south africans... Oh I forgot, people already do that but it's actually not acceptable is it??? How can it be any different for someone to be ridiculed because of their size?

Because people THAT fat (like in the pics) have done it to themselves by sloth, laziness, ignorance of nutrition, and disregard. There are people who have trouble with their weight, make an effort, exercise, diet, and can't reach where they want to be; that's sad and they shouldn't be made fun of.

But for people like in the pics 200# overweight? Yeah, make fun of them all you want, it isn't comparable to some one's skin color, people that fat have made CHOICES that led to them being like that.

[MakeCarsStandSTill]

FlyerPhil is actually right...

[dr_bar]

people that fat have made CHOICES that led to them being like that.

Not all people that weight have made the choice to be like that. Some people suffer from hormonal issues as well as several other medical problems that bring on that kind of weight gain. And of course you're right, I guess that the amount of skin isn't comparable to the colour of it...

That's kind narrow minded thinking...

I have a friend that was always upset when someone harassed her friends about their weight, their race, etc. Nobody could figure out why she was so sensitive to it, after all, she was a fairly well off, fit, good looking white woman. Or was she? I guess the fact that she was Japanese and didn't look it could have been a reason no-one clued in, but that's all the more reason we should be careful and respect others as we would hope they respect us. Being sensitive is a two way street.

[MakeCarsStandSTill]

You guys are both right, everyone stop fighting Please ,, lets keep this peaceful!

[The Grinch]

Not all people that weight have made the choice to be like that. Some people suffer from hormonal issues as well as several other medical problems that bring on that kind of weight gain.

The number of fat people who fall into this category is very low. The vast majority of fat people do it to themselves and can't blame genetics or hormones.

[kellanv]

Now while I think total bashing of severely overweight people isnt a totally moral thing to do...

MOST PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR WEIGHT

And those influenced by a hormonal or disabling condition, they are a large minority. There are plenty of medications and treatments that cover most of the hormonal influences, not to mention surgery. But I'm sorry, "I have a low metabolism" doesnt friggin cut it for me.

In about 4 years I've lost 45ish lbs, around 15-20 of which were in the last year. I had a bodyfat composition of around 25-28 percent, and now I'm right around 12%(5'11" and 182lbs, athletic). What did it take? A LOT of hard work, self dicipline among other things. It takes a life change in order to make progress on something like that, and the truth is many just choose to blame their genetics instead of putting in that work. Yes, you have an "equilibrium" weight that you will hang around, but it is NOT 200lbs above your average. You ever watch the shows on TV about gastric bypass surgery candidates? Most choose that option because its easier than self-deciplining themselves to change their horrific eating habits. To me its pretty disgusting.

I'm sorry and maybe I'm wrong for this outlook, but I find the people that are horribly overweight(excluding legitimate medical reasons) have NO EXCUSE for their condition but laziness and eating junk food 24/7.

And what's worse: The US is so worried about making sure no one gets their feelings hurt that the culture of the US EMBRACES being overweight as something totally normal and completely fine. The standard size for chairs in auditoriums has increased, meal sizes have increased even more, plus-size models. To me it just telling people that its ok to not take care of your body, after all, Medium tshirts are now the size that XL shirts used to be....

-Kellan

[dieziege]

Being tolerant you must also respect people who are small, people who are disabled, even people who are overweight. You must learn to be tolerant of their differences as well. If they choose to eat fatty foods, that's their life choice. And we shouldn't belittle them for eating lots of cookies and cakes and pies.

-- With apologies to SP...


Seriously though... how many of us are laughed at, criticised, and belittled for choosing to ride motorcycles? And how is that different? Both overeating and riding are done for pleasure. Both overeating and riding can lead to serious health issues. Both overeating and riding cause people to judge you without knowing you. "He's a stunter on a crotch rocket", "he's got no self control", "organ donor", "no regard for life", "he's trying to commit suicide but lacks the intestinal fortitude to put a gun in his mouth", "he's trying to compensate for something", "he has no self esteem", "he is ..." I could go on... both behaviors cause a certain level of social stigma for basically the same reason; people say, "I don't want to do that so it is morally wrong."

But is it morally wrong? At the end of the day a fat person is hurting nobody but themself and maybe a few EMTs who have to lift them. And they get some pleasure or comfort from the eating (otherwise they'd stop). A motorcyclist is more likely to hurt innocent bystanders but the same is basically true... our choice to ride doesn't hurt anyone but ourselves. Don't we have the moral right to choose that? Don't they? The more I think about it, the less difference I see.

[kellanv]

I'm not saying its right to outwardly belittle anyone. I'm not the type to walk into a place, see an extremely overweight person, and tell them that they are trash.

I wont agree however that being extremely overweight and being a motorcyclist are the same type of situation(i.e. being fat is dangerous, riding motorcycles is dangerous). To me they might have similarities, but not as you stated....here is the only parallel I can really agree with

Becoming obese is a matter of lack of self control and decipline. Period. Riding motorcycles wrecklessly is also a matter of lack of self control and decipline. Both can get you killed.

BUT as this site so frequently pursues....

Motorcycling CAN be a SAFE activity if the proper precautions are taken. MSF courses, not having squids ride literbikes etc etc. We push for safe use of our abilities so that we do not intentionally harm us. I dont think any motorcyclist goes out every morning knowing some day he's going to end his life by getting on the motorcycle.

thing is....EVERY obese and morbidly obese person is WITHOUT A DOUBT decreasing their life expectancy and overall quality of life and health by leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

....I'll take my chances with the motorcycle....

I'll repeat tho, I am not necessarily bashing obese people nor do I think it is moral to. It is their body not mine. HOWEVER I cannot agree that it is on par with race, age, or gender. Those are things which cannot be changed. Your fitness however is almost always determined by you.

Kellan

[roscowgo]

I'm surprised you skinny people don't get blown off your bikes!

Thats cause the lil suckers bounce around so much. I need me a net and some skinny people bait.



I hear that why are you riding a skinny guys bike thing alot. I tell em its a deep tissue crotch massage.