Episode 204 - Part 2: NYT “Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer”: What It Gets Wrong
In part 2 of this analysis of the NYT opinion video “Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer,” we look at the tension between individual weight loss choices and the political goals of fat liberation. We talk about how formerly fat influencers sometimes become the loudest critics of fatness, and why it feels so painful for fans and followers of so-called “body positive” influencers who seemingly collude with systems of oppression and turn their backs on a marginalized community.
Links
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Baker, J. (2017). “LISA FRANK BOPO” AND WHY IT’S JUST NOT ENOUGH. http://www.themilitantbaker.com/2017/07/lisa-frank-bopo-and-why-its-just-not_11.html
Breaking Down Patriarchy. (2026, January 16). What Exactly Is “Choice Feminism”? [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW2r0gFTmFo
Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer. (2026, February 16). [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrGrsvR3wo
Ferguson, M. L. (2010). Choice Feminism and the Fear of Politics. Perspectives on Politics, 8(1), 247–253. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1537592709992830
Opinion | ‘Choice feminism’ ignores institutional issues, prevents change: https://dailyillini.com/opinions-stories/2023/01/29/opinion-choice-feminism-ignores-institutional-issues-prevents-change/
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