S04.E14: The Skinny

[Dot]

59 minutes ago, Ketzel said:

Oh, she already tried. How could we forget the whole "When He's Tryna Play, But You Have Receipts" Facebook posting of Whitney holding up her phone and dragging the texts that Roy and she exchanged?  Of course, you couldn't see what the texts said - for all any of her fans knew, they were arguing over her schedule of appearances and exchanging cat videos. But that didn't stop them from coming down hard on Roy, who showed up in the thread and tried to make a joke out of it. THAT didn't go over well . . .

The sexual harassment issue is an interesting one. A lot depends on the contracts involved. It may be that the contracts are between Beasley Group and TLC, with Maney, Roy, LauRen, Riley and Victoria doing the show as employees of Beasley, with no direct contract with TLC.  But I think it would be possible for an employee to sue his employer for creating a hostile work environment, if his employer put him in a situation where he was being sexually harassed, he had no power to stop it on his own authority (unlike if Whitney had been a real intern, where presumably Victoria, as the show's producer, could fire her for inappropriate and unprofessional conduct, and would do so at Roy's request) and his employer ignored his complaints or threatened him with some penalty for complaining. 

An employee agreeing in advance to waive any claims of sexual harassment against the employer wouldn't protect the employer. It would probably make things worse, as requiring an employee to waive his protection against harassment, discrimination, retaliation, is considered contrary to public policy and unenforceable, and  all it would do is raise the question of the bona fides of the employer who asks for such a thing. 

Your first paragraph indicates enough sexual harrassment on Twit's part to go forward with a lawsuit. And Maney, if you're reading this as @mamadrama believes: tell Roy!

Edited April 27, 2017 by Dot

[princelina]

1 hour ago, ClareWalks said:

That's a good point and it relates to something we saw at the reunion. Whitney said Roy was "fat" more than once (generally in an "us fat folks" sort of way) and Roy clearly didn't like it. It's interesting how Whitney feels so comfortable calling herself fat, or calling other obese people fat, but when some rando calls her fat (like at Pride), her feelings are so tremendously hurt. She really needs to figure out how she feels about that word. Or at least put together that, maybe for Roy, Whitney calling him "fat" feels like that rando at Pride calling Whitney "fat."

And don't forget that when she first started "working" at the radio station and they went to that first lunch, Roy said then that he did not like being fat and was wanting/trying to make a change.  At the time she "shamed" him for having "body shame" - and clearly she  continues to have no respect for his own feelings about his own self.  For shame, Whit!

[Complexity]

7 minutes ago, John M said:

What about like hardcore pornography?

Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks.

Usually, the sexual advances in a porn film are wanted. Therefore, no sexual harassment occurred.

Moreover, the porn stars are acting. Whether they are a method actor or not is up for grabs. ?

[Cherrio]

1 hour ago, Tosia said:

 

I noticed on the reunion show and a few other times that Twit is one of those super-fucking annoying people who can never agree with someone else,  i.e ., they always have to change the other person's statement to control the narrative, thus  never letting the other persons statement stand as is.

 For example,  when Jiya apologized, Twit contradicted her and did  the fake humble apology to take the upper hand, and not let Jiya be the bigger (ahem) person. Twit also did it to other folks comments,  even changing Shaun's questions to flatter herself.  

Does this make sense?   I thinks it's passive-aggressiveness, due to insecurity, as well as narcissism writ large.  

I hate Twit for her meanness towards others, lack of sensitivity  (Todd and Tal and Buddy),  and immaturity cuz its sickening. 

I totally agree with you about Whitney and it makes perfect sense.   The host was so lame she let her get away with it time after time.

[Bubbles1967]

I'm watching the show.  

Observation ( for now)

Twit and Roy looks like 2 giant blobs on the couch. Jaba the Hutt x2.

that is all for now.  Still watching.  Stay tuned

[nutella fitzgerald]

On 4/26/2017 at 3:37 PM, M.F. Luder said:

When Whitney comforted her dad by saying "I'm not Todd level gay", I was offended on his behalf. There are a lot of instances in which I think Whitney treats Todd with casual disrespect, but he doesn't seem to mind it most of the time.

I was pleasantly surprised by Todd snapping back a little when Whitney said that - I had expected everyone to react with amusement. Get it, Todd!!!

On 4/26/2017 at 3:56 PM, saratothej said:

He and Heather didn't even acknowledge each other during the show. I get the feeling that relationship is done but they just don't want to say it.

Heather also seemed quite invested in learning whether or not Buddy is current with his rent payments. The fact that all of this seemed to be new information to her made me wonder if I had missed a breakup storyline.

On 4/26/2017 at 7:03 PM, Honey said:

Oh yeah and I hate the term "Ratchet"

It was seriously depressing how all of the hate Jiya mentioned on the show was either dog whistle racist or openly racist. 

20 hours ago, John M said:

Whit's makeup was terrible, that lipstick and her eyes, she looked like a drag queen clown.

I was getting Grinch vibes.

[Tipsymcstagger]

Here's the issue though. Manny, Victoria and Lauren actually encouraged a lot of that "Twit has a crush. Look at how Roy's embarrassed. He doesn't really have a girlfriend...blah blah blah". Granted she took it to another level and didn't "get" the joke (or so it seems). But Roy's coworkers moved that dialogue along and perpetuated a lot of the 'harassment'. It's not all on Twit.

ETA - I still think Whitney took it to another level and made a joke in to something that it wasn't. She's certifiable. But Manny and Lauren (refuse to spell it with a capital A) were super annoying about it as well. Trying desperately to be shock jocks when they're way more "schlock jocks". The show is painfully unfunny.

Edited April 28, 2017 by Tipsymcstagger

[Cherrio]

This show really needs a new title.

Maybe next season Whitney finds herself on a heteroflexible farm?   New title.......Dance Cattle.

[Ocean Chick]

4 hours ago, Cherrio said:

The host was so lame she let her get away with it time after time.

The host is paid by TLC.  'Nuff said.

[auntjess]

Next season, hmm.
Dr.Now makes house calls.  Wouldn't you love to plant him in the audience of one of her talks, or on the cruise, yes, have him on the cruise!

[scoopski potata]

7 hours ago, M.F. Luder said:

This reminds me of how my mom taught me how to not get offended by names that people call you. She said notice how only fat people get offended when people call them fat. Name calling only hurts when it points out the truth. 

Now, obviously that's not really 100% correct, but it did help me as a kid to give non-responses to people (mostly my siblings honestly, lol) who would try to hurt my feelings. It really takes the fun out of name calling when the target doesn't get upset.

Haha that kinda reminds me of how I used to (and still do randomly every so often though not with any great frequency any more) get called a certain racial slur as a young adult. You see, I have a fairly olive complexion and if I spend a lot of time outside, I get very dark very quickly. My hair is also naturally very very dark (it's dark red actually but it looks dark brown until the sun hits it). So, my ethnicity has been questioned my entire life and even to the point that people thought it would be appropriate to use a slur often used for black people. Thing is, I'm white. My grandfather had the same dark features but everyone else is blonde or red headed. My eyes are very green. So when it would happen I was a little dumbfounded like...who, me? But...I'm white you numbskull. Like. Not only are you an insensitive racist piece of shit, you can't even pick out someone of the correct race to insult. Talk about the height of ignorance. 

Anyway. I really feel for poor Roy. He's catching so much shit for being friendly and professional. I'm sorry but even if I believed a guy made up a girlfriend to avoid dating me, I'd have enough shame and humility to think, jeez, he's willing to risk being caught in such an insane lie just to avoid going out with me. Holy shit he must REALLY not wanna go out with me. Maybe to save us both some embarrassment (and in case I'm wrong and will look like a fucking narcissistic asshole), I'd better just drop this whole thing and preserve my professional relationship with him. ESPECIALLY since I'd like to work with him one day. 

But I'm not fucking insane.

[TaylorTalk]

4 hours ago, scoopski potata said:

He's catching so much shit for being friendly and professional.

I can see him as being the guy that's super friendly and nice and professional, but when he gets home he's exhausted and super depressed and just eats like crazy.

 

Basically a mature version of Whitney.

 

He's a show I'd actually watch as he gets better should he want it.

 

Maybe he'd do it if the MRL show wasn't renewed.

 

Edited April 28, 2017 by qqererer

[LocalGovt]

On 4/26/2017 at 3:52 PM, Dot said:

Not to mention LUGs.

What..............is a LUG?

[Tinfoil Hat]

Lesbian Until Graduation.

Basically, primarily heterosexual college girls who date other girls while in college, and thereafter their romantic attachments are to guys.

[Nancypants]

I'm trying to remember why this Useless waste of A Lot of Space is getting any of our attention!

[Alapaki]

17 hours ago, mamadrama said:

In a lot of these TLC shows, we eventually start seeing signs of the cashflow: cast starts dressing better, houses get bigger, cars get more expensive, everyone starts vacationing together in exotic locales, etc. We've seen almost none of that with Whitney. If anything, she now dresses worse and has at least one roommate. What's up with that?

I haven't gotten around to subjecting myself to this reunion yet, but I would like to comment on some of these general observations about Whitney.

I totally agree with @mamadrama that it is completely unapparent where any of the income from this show is going.  Whitney seems to be the type to not let found money burn a hole in her pocket.  And yet we've seen no evidence of that.  On the contrary, we've seen several scenes that at least purport to show penny-pinching.  It's odd.

16 hours ago, ClareWalks said:

Whitney said Roy was "fat" more than once (generally in an "us fat folks" sort of way) and Roy clearly didn't like it. It's interesting how Whitney feels so comfortable calling herself fat, or calling other obese people fat, but when some rando calls her fat (like at Pride), her feelings are so tremendously hurt. She really needs to figure out how she feels about that word. Or at least put together that, maybe for Roy, Whitney calling him "fat" feels like that rando at Pride calling Whitney "fat."

I'm sure Whitney could fill a chapter in a abnormal psych text book.  But I wonder if what's going on here is that Whitney's barely suppressed self-loathing leads her to want to drag other people down to her level so she doesn't feel alone.  

But I don't think anyone would lump Roy in with Whitney's category of obesity.  In other words, Roy would've been justified in saying "Us fat folks?!?  I'm not fat like Whitney".

Which brings me to the "I'm not gay like Todd" line.  How unbelievably offensive.  Isn't she pretty much signing-on to same-sex-attraction being a "lifestyle choice", which is the fundamental rationalization for discrimination against the LGBTQ community?  And I agree that the "flexibility" that Whitney is describing is nothing more than the way many college-age young women try to paint their drunken make-out sessions with other women as their being "enlightened".  It's a fun goof.  But it's a late-teen/early-20's thing.  WHITNEY. IS. IN. HER. MID. THIRTIES.  Just another example of how emotionally and psychologically stunted she is.  

[SunnyBeBe]

Obesity is a medical condition and all people have value.  I don't consider it a morality issue.   If we aren't able to see the humanity in people as people, I don't think that reducing them to animals or inanimate objects is helpful.  While it's perfectly reasonable to hold people accountable for their refusal to seek treatment, accept medical advice, invest in their health, etc.  devaluing them as human beings is just an easy way to make ourselves somehow feel superior.  In the long run, it stunts our development of knowledge and limits our appreciation of other's pain.  Maybe, that's why it's popular. 

Edited April 28, 2017 by SunnyBeBe

[TurtlePower]

10 hours ago, scoopski potata said:

Haha that kinda reminds me of how I used to (and still do randomly every so often though not with any great frequency any more) get called a certain racial slur as a young adult. You see, I have a fairly olive complexion and if I spend a lot of time outside, I get very dark very quickly. My hair is also naturally very very dark (it's dark red actually but it looks dark brown until the sun hits it). So, my ethnicity has been questioned my entire life and even to the point that people thought it would be appropriate to use a slur often used for black people. Thing is, I'm white. My grandfather had the same dark features but everyone else is blonde or red headed. My eyes are very green. So when it would happen I was a little dumbfounded like...who, me? But...I'm white you numbskull. Like. Not only are you an insensitive racist piece of shit, you can't even pick out someone of the correct race to insult. Talk about the height of ignorance. 

Anyway. I really feel for poor Roy. He's catching so much shit for being friendly and professional. I'm sorry but even if I believed a guy made up a girlfriend to avoid dating me, I'd have enough shame and humility to think, jeez, he's willing to risk being caught in such an insane lie just to avoid going out with me. Holy shit he must REALLY not wanna go out with me. Maybe to save us both some embarrassment (and in case I'm wrong and will look like a fucking narcissistic asshole), I'd better just drop this whole thing and preserve my professional relationship with him. ESPECIALLY since I'd like to work with him one day. 

But I'm not fucking insane.

I'm also olive (sometimes brown) skinned with very dark, almost raven hair and am sometimes mistaken for tribal/asian. Luckily I live in an area that is very diverse so I kind of blend in with everyone else. I did have someone from southern MO call me a "dumb Mexican". What an idiot. I'm like 6 inches taller than most Hispanics.

As far as Whitney goes, I'm simply over her BS. This show has veered so far off course from season one, it's heading for another universe. Instead of "No Body Shame" how about "No Bull Shit", Whitney? She was so much nicer and likable before and I think it was genuine. It's astounding how personality/behavior change affects how other feel about a person. 

Edited April 28, 2017 by TurtlePower

[Complexity]

9 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Obesity is a medical condition and all people have value.  I don't consider it a morality issue.   If we aren't able to see the humanity in people as people, I don't think that reducing them to animals or inanimate objects is helpful.  While it's perfectly reasonable to hold people accountable for their refusal to seek treatment, accept medical advice, invest in their health, etc.  devaluing them as human beings is just an easy way to make ourselves somehow feel superior.  In the long run, it stunts our development of knowledge and limits our appreciation of other's pain.  Maybe, that's why it's popular. 

There is a psychological reason to explain why people will sometimes throw stones at other people. It's normally used to blame someone's situation by suggesting that they did something to cause it. One of the most common examples is where people blame a woman for being raped because of her behavior (e.g., alone at a bar late at night, walking alone in a bad area of town, was a prostitute).

The reason behind this is for self-protection. If the other person somehow caused their situation, then that means she had control over it. And if that person had control over it, that means we have control over the same thing happening to us. However, if the other person had no control over the situation, if the situation was completely random, then we are vulnerable to the same thing. We must find something to separate ourselves from the other person to explain why that other person is to blame for their situation and how we can avoid it. We must have control in order to protect ourselves; therefore, the other person must also have control so their situation is their fault. They are to blame.

Or as Psychology Today (not necessarily the best source, but one that's easy to read and understand) puts it:

• Victim blaming is not just about avoiding culpability—it's also about avoiding vulnerability. The more innocent a victim, the more threatening they are. Victims threaten our sense that the world is a safe and moral place, where good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. When bad things happen to good people, it implies that no one is safe, that no matter how good we are, we too could be vulnerable. The idea that misfortune can be random, striking anyone at any time, is a terrifying thought, and yet we are faced every day with evidence that it may be true. Source

So when we see someone throwing stones at another person, keep in mind that they are likely just unknowingly trying to protect themselves. It's not so much that they think they're better than the other person. It's more likely they are trying to say it won't happen to them.

Is Whitney a victim? Yes and no. She does have a medical condition which is beyond her control that affects her weight. However, she does has control over how she responds to that medical condition. She may have a psychological condition that affects her behavior; however, she also has the ability to seek help for any possible psychological condition she may have. So she is partly to blame. The question is whether we can see the part of her that is a human being trying to make her way in this world or do we cast her off as subhuman and undeserving of any understanding or compassion. Interestingly, we have control over that.

[scoopski potata]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Obesity is a medical condition and all people have value.  I don't consider it a morality issue.   If we aren't able to see the humanity in people as people, I don't think that reducing them to animals or inanimate objects is helpful.  While it's perfectly reasonable to hold people accountable for their refusal to seek treatment, accept medical advice, invest in their health, etc.  devaluing them as human beings is just an easy way to make ourselves somehow feel superior.  In the long run, it stunts our development of knowledge and limits our appreciation of other's pain.  Maybe, that's why it's popular. 

I'm not sure exactly what prompted this post but it made me want to be super crystal clear about something. Precisely zero of my issues with Whitney have anything at all to do with her weight per se. At the end of the day, her body is hers and hers alone to deal with and that doesn't affect me in the slightest. What I don't like and what does piss me off and why I'd rather this not be popular is, in fact, her victim attitude and this idea she presents that either 1. her size is normal/healthy (that does NOT mean she can't love herself at all sizes) OR 2. she can't do anything about her size because of some medical/mental/societal condition.

Whatever medical condition may be present, whatever mental state may exist, whatever society may say, no human body will defy the laws of thermodynamics. She is not a victim to PCOS. She is not a victim to society hating her and not "letting her" lose weight somehow. It's all a bunch of excuses designed to allow her to continue to exist in a way where she doesn't have to change in ways that are too hard for her. And anyone who points that out or suggests that her family and friends enable this lifestyle is branded an enemy and body shamer. And it's obnoxious. Everything those people do revolves around maintaining her comfort in a lifestyle that is unhealthy and will ultimately lead to a very poor quality of life for her. If that's her choice, so be it. Not my circus, not my monkeys. But DO NOT play the victim card and DO NOT stand in a public role as a role model for young (and older) women (and men) and tell them this is ok. That this is a healthy way to live. My comments about Whitney's size are observable. They are not morality judgments. My feelings about her message are.

I am all on board with no body shame to the point that it allows someone to accept and love themselves where they are at all times. That's a GREAT message. You should never be ashamed of who you are. But loving yourself should also include taking care of yourself. I've been 200 pounds at 5'3". I'm a very healthy weight now. I've been a drug addict. Sober now for many years with a Master's, Doctorate, and Medical degree. I know what shame is and I know what coming through it is. 

Now, I'll get off my soapbox and back on topic but I had to make that point. ...sorry. Carry on! 

[Cherrio]

BRAVO Scoopski !

[TurtlePower]

35 minutes ago, scoopski potata said:

I'm not sure exactly what prompted this post but it made me want to be super crystal clear about something. Precisely zero of my issues with Whitney have anything at all to do with her weight per se. At the end of the day, her body is hers and hers alone to deal with and that doesn't affect me in the slightest. What I don't like and what does piss me off and why I'd rather this not be popular is, in fact, her victim attitude and this idea she presents that either 1. her size is normal/healthy (that does NOT mean she can't love herself at all sizes) OR 2. she can't do anything about her size because of some medical/mental/societal condition.

Whatever medical condition may be present, whatever mental state may exist, whatever society may say, no human body will defy the laws of thermodynamics. She is not a victim to PCOS. She is not a victim to society hating her and not "letting her" lose weight somehow. It's all a bunch of excuses designed to allow her to continue to exist in a way where she doesn't have to change in ways that are too hard for her. And anyone who points that out or suggests that her family and friends enable this lifestyle is branded an enemy and body shamer. And it's obnoxious. Everything those people do revolves around maintaining her comfort in a lifestyle that is unhealthy and will ultimately lead to a very poor quality of life for her. If that's her choice, so be it. Not my circus, not my monkeys. But DO NOT play the victim card and DO NOT stand in a public role as a role model for young (and older) women (and men) and tell them this is ok. That this is a healthy way to live. My comments about Whitney's size are observable. They are not morality judgments. My feelings about her message are.

I am all on board with no body shame to the point that it allows someone to accept and love themselves where they are at all times. That's a GREAT message. You should never be ashamed of who you are. But loving yourself should also include taking care of yourself. I've been 200 pounds at 5'3". I'm a very healthy weight now. I've been a drug addict. Sober now for many years with a Master's, Doctorate, and Medical degree. I know what shame is and I know what coming through it is. 

Now, I'll get off my soapbox and back on topic but I had to make that point. ...sorry. Carry on! 

Agreed. Whitney's condition may make it more difficult for her, but not impossible. Many people have PCOS or other conditions that make weight loss difficult. I have a relative who had her thyroid removed due to cancer--her weight loss/maintenance struggles are real but she knows she must work harder than most other people do maintain her weight/fitness. She doesn't make excuses. She doesn't cry about how "unfair" it is or give up completely. She works hard and it shows, even if it takes more effort on her part. 

I agree Whitney uses her condition to remain where she is at. She currently does not have the mindset to accept that she's going to need to work harder than many other people, and the journey will take time. People like her want instant results and her journey towards fitness is probably a couple years' consistent work that's never easy for anyone. Making excuses for remaining obese definitely does not set good examples for others--putting up a hard fight does. Many people seem unwilling to work hard for anything nowadays.

[John M]

46 minutes ago, scoopski potata said:

That this is a healthy way to live. My comments about Whitney's size are observable. They are not morality judgments. My feelings about her message are.

I am all on board with no body shame to the point that it allows someone to accept and love themselves where they are at all times. That's a GREAT message. You should never be ashamed of who you are. But loving yourself should also include taking care of yourself.

Well I mean that is the thing with Whit and why her love life is such a disaster/non-existent, she has made it clear that she has basically no desire for personal development. Or even career development, she doesn't regularly teach the BGDC, she doesn't take care of her body even to the level of washing her hair, she only went to the dance class to learn about the fabulous world of stick dancing because will told her too, even TFM was presented as Todd's idea (Although surely TLC was behind it).

Sure, by all means, love yourself but Whit seems happy with the fact that really the only thing about her life different from when her show started is she is fatter. Even when she moved out of her parents house she moved in with two close friends that enable her dependency on them.

 

2 hours ago, Alapaki said:

But I don't think anyone would lump Roy in with Whitney's category of obesity.  In other words, Roy would've been justified in saying "Us fat folks?!?  I'm not fat like Whitney".

Uh, really? Roy is as fat if not fatter than Whit, Roy is taller but I bet he has at least 100 pounds on Whit.

[Alapaki]

28 minutes ago, TurtlePower said:

Agreed. Whitney's condition may make it more difficult for her, but not impossible. Many people have PCOS or other conditions that make weight loss difficult. I have a relative who had her thyroid removed due to cancer--her weight loss/maintenance struggles are real but she knows she must work harder than most other people do maintain her weight/fitness. She doesn't make excuses. She doesn't cry about how "unfair" it is or give up completely. She works hard and it shows, even if it takes more effort on her part.

The confounding thing about Whitney is that, while "fit and fat" may be true to a certain extent, even the proponents of that philosophy exempt from it people who are as big as Whitney.  So she's a terrible spokesperson for it.

And her relationship to her PCOS is confounding as well.  Initially she used it as an explanation for her weight gain (or her inability to lose).  We haven't heard much about it in the last few seasons though.  Frankly, I always thought her emphasis on her PCOS was contrary to her No B.S. pitch because it contained the implicit "I'm fat because of PCOS, what's your excuse?"

And, of course, we never saw or heard anything about what, if anything, Whitney does to try to manage the condition (i.e.: medications, dietary modifications, etc.)  I suspect that's because she isn't doing anything.

From what I can tell based on little details of her background that I've picked up here and there on this forum, Whitney may have simply experienced the standard "freshman 15" around late-high-school/early-college and engaged in some dangerous and ineffective weight-loss techniques that fucked with her metabolism.  That, combined with any metabolic disorder like PCOS that she may have already had (perhaps lying dormant) may have thrown things way out of whack.  Some people turn that around, some don't.  Whitney decided to do nothing, and monetize it.

[momofsquid]

IMO there's a significant difference between "fit and fat" and "not as disabled as you'd expect for a morbidly obese person". Whitney falls into the latter category. She's a hell of a long way from fit.

[spankydoll]

On 4/26/2017 at 2:29 AM, scoopski potata said:

I have to admit I'm a bit of an academic elitist and it kinda pisses me off when people proclaim to have PhDs from places like University of Phoenix or Strayer. I'm sure they worked for their degree but...it almost diminishes my degree that I busted my ass working on campus 11-14 hours a day 5-7 days a week for 6 years to get. And that's not counting the hours I spent teaching to make barely enough money to scrape by. So. I'm with you. But she's doing more than Whit so you gotta give her that. 

It's pretty clear Maney is just so over her bullshit! And that Roy nonsense...let it go already! Good lord! Could she look any more creepy and desperate? Who just accuses someone of making up a girlfriend just to keep from dating them? Hey Twit, Copernicus called. The earth does, in fact, revolve around the sun and not you. Jesus h tap dancing christ on a cracker.

Formal education is the biggest racket going and the advanced degrees don't impress anyone unless you have a medical doctorate.  Between the online programs and the scandals with Greek life I'd just save my money. 

Roy looks very heavy and his sidekick looks like he wants to run out of the building.  

[ClareWalks]

2 hours ago, scoopski potata said:

My comments about Whitney's size are observable. They are not morality judgments. My feelings about her message are.

THANK YOU. I am a bit tired of the accusations that we are all making moral judgments about overweight people (or saying they're less than human, or whatever) just because we don't like Whitney. Whitney is awful for a lot of reasons, her weight itself not being one of them. As for her "fit and fat" justifications, she is a terrible spokesperson. In my training career I have met a lot of fat people who are legitimately athletic and do marathons on a regular basis. Whitney is not even CLOSE to being athletic or fit by any standard besides "well, her BMI is way over 50, so what do you expect?"

[TurtlePower]

3 minutes ago, spankydoll said:

Formal education is the biggest racket going and the advanced degrees don't impress anyone unless you have a medical doctorate.  Between the online programs and the scandals with Greek life I'd just save my money. 

Roy looks very heavy and his sidekick looks like he wants to run out of the building.  

Racket? I respectfully disagree and loved my formal education, but we also had a lot of required field/lab classes that could not be achieved via anything online (archaeology), and to graduate we had to research and present/defend a thesis. My education was even useful to my job in law enforcement as our duties included cultural resource protection, so I was often used on artifact poaching cases, site assessments and excavations. I couldn't imagine trying to "learn" something in great detail via an online programs, but I'm stubborn old school so to each their own. I'd rather stare at soil samples versus computer screens. 

Ok, I know this is going off track. Sorry, I'll shut up and get back on track before I'm scolded. 

8 minutes ago, ClareWalks said:

THANK YOU. I am a bit tired of the accusations that we are all making moral judgments about overweight people (or saying they're less than human, or whatever) just because we don't like Whitney. Whitney is awful for a lot of reasons, her weight itself not being one of them. As for her "fit and fat" justifications, she is a terrible spokesperson. In my training career I have met a lot of fat people who are legitimately athletic and do marathons on a regular basis. Whitney is not even CLOSE to being athletic or fit by any standard besides "well, her BMI is way over 50, so what do you expect?"

I've seen this too! Good on these folks, Whit is NOT fit by any means. 

[Complexity]

On 4/28/2017 at 0:19 PM, ClareWalks said:

THANK YOU. I am a bit tired of the accusations that we are all making moral judgments about overweight people (or saying they're less than human, or whatever) just because we don't like Whitney.

The comments were not in reference to anyone expressing their dislike for Whitney (hell, I don't like her either). It was in reference to the behavior of calling her an animal in a way to suggest she was less than a human being. Like her or not, agree with her behavior or not, she is still a human being.

Edited May 2, 2017 by Complexity
added emphasis to apparently overlooked important concept

[M.F. Luder]

I don't think calling someone an animal suggests that they're less than human. It suggests that they're a human with less than desirable traits. When people say a man is a pig, I think it's understood that he's a sleazy man, not some sub-human species. I don't think metaphors should be taken literally. You could criticize the use of animal terms for Whitney on the basis that it's making fun of her size, and you can debate whether that's fair or not, but putting literal meaning on something that is obviously meant to be taken metaphorically just seems pointless. 

[Complexity]

1 minute ago, M.F. Luder said:

I don't think calling someone an animal suggests that they're less than human. It suggests that they're a human with less than desirable traits. When people say a man is a pig, I think it's understood that he's a sleazy man, not some sub-human species. I don't think metaphors should be taken literally. You could criticize the use of animal terms for Whitney on the basis that it's making fun of her size, and you can debate whether that's fair or not, but putting literal meaning on something that is obviously meant to be taken metaphorically just seems pointless. 

Good point (no pun intended).

[auntjess]

5 hours ago, Alapaki said:

I totally agree with @mamadrama that it is completely unapparent where any of the income from this show is going.  Whitney seems to be the type to not let found money burn a hole in her pocket.  And yet we've seen no evidence of that.  On the contrary, we've seen several scenes that at least purport to show penny-pinching.  It's odd.

She may have had debts to start, and not being nasty, but food is expensive, and you can spend a lot on delivery pizza, something we discuss on 600 Lb.
 

[Dot]

10 minutes ago, auntjess said:

She may have had debts to start, and not being nasty, but food is expensive, and you can spend a lot on delivery pizza, something we discuss on 600 Lb.
 

Plus guzzling 3-4 extra heavy cream Starbucks beverages throughout the day instead of brewing your own coffee at home. Twit said she doesn't cook way back in (I think) Season One. A take-out or delivery fast food daily diet is a good way to bankrupt both your bank account & your body.

[scoopski potata]

38 minutes ago, M.F. Luder said:

I don't think calling someone an animal suggests that they're less than human. It suggests that they're a human with less than desirable traits. When people say a man is a pig, I think it's understood that he's a sleazy man, not some sub-human species. I don't think metaphors should be taken literally. You could criticize the use of animal terms for Whitney on the basis that it's making fun of her size, and you can debate whether that's fair or not, but putting literal meaning on something that is obviously meant to be taken metaphorically just seems pointless. 

Haha this is slightly pedantic on my part but on the whole an enormous pet peeve of mine. Calling someone an animal cannot at all suggest they are less than human because humans ARE ANIMALS. I don't know why that makes me crazy and my husband can tell you that every time anyone on tv says something about how "oh they're treating us like animals..." I will inevitably launch into a tirade about how it's impossible not to because you are. Yes, I know what you mean but I spent so many damn years having scientifically specific/correct language being beaten into my head that I can't let that one go. That and "she had her whole life ahead of her." Yeah, well, we all do. Every last second of the rest of your life is ahead of you. Even at 97, the whole rest of your life is ahead of you. Where else would the rest of your life be? I digress.

I can't imagine how much all that eating out costs. Before we got together, my husband ate out literally every night of the week. He's now amazed at how much money we're saving by me cooking. And we don't eat nearly as much as I would assume it would require to maintain that weight, as together my husband and I weigh nearly 100 pounds less than Whitney (no exaggeration, he's about 150, I'm about 115-120). Don't get me wrong, we go out once or twice a week still but I cook more often than not. And there are no Starbucks in town. Have we decided whether or not this will be back for another season or not??

[TurtlePower]

32 minutes ago, scoopski potata said:

Haha this is slightly pedantic on my part but on the whole an enormous pet peeve of mine. Calling someone an animal cannot at all suggest they are less than human because humans ARE ANIMALS. I don't know why that makes me crazy and my husband can tell you that every time anyone on tv says something about how "oh they're treating us like animals..." I will inevitably launch into a tirade about how it's impossible not to because you are. Yes, I know what you mean but I spent so many damn years having scientifically specific/correct language being beaten into my head that I can't let that one go. That and "she had her whole life ahead of her." Yeah, well, we all do. Every last second of the rest of your life is ahead of you. Even at 97, the whole rest of your life is ahead of you. Where else would the rest of your life be? I digress.

I can't imagine how much all that eating out costs. Before we got together, my husband ate out literally every night of the week. He's now amazed at how much money we're saving by me cooking. And we don't eat nearly as much as I would assume it would require to maintain that weight, as together my husband and I weigh nearly 100 pounds less than Whitney (no exaggeration, he's about 150, I'm about 115-120). Don't get me wrong, we go out once or twice a week still but I cook more often than not. And there are no Starbucks in town. Have we decided whether or not this will be back for another season or not??

Lol. Same here regarding the use of the word "animal". 

Starbucks alone is stupid expensive........and not that great. Their coffee always tastes over-roasted and burnt. People PAY for that. Yuck. Thank you, French Press, for introducing me to a world of amazing coffee that costs a fraction of the pretentious Starbucks. 

I hope this show does not get renewed. It's hit rock bottom and maybe needs an intervention. 

[Dot]

8 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Obesity is a medical condition and all people have value.  I don't consider it a morality issue.   If we aren't able to see the humanity in people as people, I don't think that reducing them to animals or inanimate objects is helpful.  While it's perfectly reasonable to hold people accountable for their refusal to seek treatment, accept medical advice, invest in their health, etc.  devaluing them as human beings is just an easy way to make ourselves somehow feel superior.  In the long run, it stunts our development of knowledge and limits our appreciation of other's pain.  Maybe, that's why it's popular. 

My motto: if the metaphor fits, use it, Word Police notwithstanding.

[princelina]

7 hours ago, ClareWalks said:

THANK YOU. I am a bit tired of the accusations that we are all making moral judgments about overweight people (or saying they're less than human, or whatever) just because we don't like Whitney. Whitney is awful for a lot of reasons, her weight itself not being one of them. 

Agreed!  And IMO the reason she (and the 600 lb. lifers) get so much negative talk is not the fact that they are so overweight, but the fact that they exhibit the unattractive personality traits (defense mechanisms) of all addicts (lying, blaming "anyone but me", bullying other people into supporting their unhealthy behaviors, unjustified pity-parties, deflection from real issues, spurning genuine offers of help, excuses, excuses, etc. etc.)

[spankydoll]

51 minutes ago, princelina said:

Agreed!  And IMO the reason she (and the 600 lb. lifers) get so much negative talk is not the fact that they are so overweight, but the fact that they exhibit the unattractive personality traits (defense mechanisms) of all addicts (lying, blaming "anyone but me", bullying other people into supporting their unhealthy behaviors, unjustified pity-parties, deflection from real issues, spurning genuine offers of help, excuses, excuses, etc. etc.)

I never really thought of her as being an addict. You are right on the money honey. s there an Intervention for people with eating disorders or just Biggest Loser type of boot camps?

[AZChristian]

We buy whole beans at Costco (their store brand), which are processed by Starbucks.  We grind them fresh every morning for coffee.  During the summer months, we'll brew a fresh pot of decaf, pour in some flavored creamer (also bought at Costco), and sweeten it with Sweet 'n' Low.  Then we put it in the fridge, and one pot lasts several days.  We pour it over crushed ice, and enjoy a delicious cold coffee drink for very few calories and PENNIES in cost.

I'm thinking that between Starbucks and four pizza apps (which she has admitted she rotates between), Twit is spending at least five times more for food than she would if she (1) cooked and ate home-prepared stuff, and (2) cooked and ate as little as she needs, rather than as much as she wants.

[princelina]

42 minutes ago, spankydoll said:

I never really thought of her as being an addict. You are right on the money honey. s there an Intervention for people with eating disorders or just Biggest Loser type of boot camps?

Well there are places like weight watchers and overeaters anonymous.  And there are places you can go stay that work on nutrition education and counseling while feeding you healthy meals and offering exercise classes and education.  But as with any addiction, the addict has to be on board :)

[sainte-chapelle]

I can't recall where I read this but studies say that people who eat out or order in consume much more food/calories than those who cook at home.  Twit definitely has no interest in being healthy, paging Dr. Now!

[AZChristian]

1 minute ago, sainte-chapelle said:

I can't recall where I read this but studies say that people who eat out or order in consume much more food/calories than those who cook at home.  Twit definitely has no interest in being healthy, paging Dr. Now!

We're in Texas on vacation, and I told hubby that I HAVE to stop by to see Dr. Now's office when we're in Houston.  LOL.

[auntjess]

15 minutes ago, AZChristian said:

We're in Texas on vacation, and I told hubby that I HAVE to stop by to see Dr. Now's office when we're in Houston.  LOL.

Post pictures! 

[sainte-chapelle]

1 minute ago, auntjess said:

Post pictures! 

Yes pictures please!

[AZChristian]

Just now, auntjess said:

Post pictures! 

I'd be afraid people would think I'm going in for an appointment.  (I'm "fluffy" . . . but nowhere near Dr. Now territory.)  

One funny comment before the mod deservedly jumps in because we're off topic . . . my knee is a tad stiff from riding in the car all day.  So as I was trying to get my leg out from under the blanket, I kept saying, "Ow, my leg.  Ow, my leg."  Mr. AZC says, "Don't fret.  We're going to Houston."  LOL.

[nutella fitzgerald]

13 hours ago, John M said:

Uh, really? Roy is as fat if not fatter than Whit, Roy is taller but I bet he has at least 100 pounds on Whit.

Homeboy's been eating his feelings!

(I thought he was just being whiny about viewers' reactions to his portrayal, but it took barely any digging through Whitney's Instagram to see people being really horrible to him. Then again, I've always gotten skinnier after breakups, so maybe the two should cancel each other out?)

[auntjess]

8 minutes ago, nutella fitzgerald said:

(I thought he was just being whiny about viewers' reactions to his portrayal, but it took barely any digging through Whitney's Instagram to see people being really horrible to him.

Her fan girls, I guess. 

[Ketzel]

On ‎4‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 7:03 PM, Honey said:

Although I'm sorry she's had health problems, Babs is a bitch.  Glen was trying to speak for her, and she completely cut him down.  

I thought Glen was being very overbearing  at that moment.  Why should he feel the need to speak for Babs -- she was sitting right there. The host had directed a question specifically to Babs, and before she could open her mouth, Glen was answering for her. Under the circumstances, I thought her interrupting him to ask 'Is your name Babs?" and then going on to answer the question herself was appropriately self-respectful on her part.

In general, I have very mixed feelings about Glen and Babs and their relationship to their daughter. Are they being willfully blind to the fact that she is eating herself to death. because they can't fact the truth? Are they, like the parents of many other addicts, enabling because of guilt? Have the two of them had any counseling around their relationship with her? It's so clear to me she has the whip hand in that family (except possibly over Hunter who has managed to steer clear of most of the circus around her by getting out of Greensboro and avoiding most of the show.) And like a toddler with real power, she is acting out around everybody, alternating emotional abuse with emotional blackmail (I can't live without you! If you try to leave me, even by dying, I will never survive!).

But it seems to me that if the Thores have any love or even sense of responsibility for this maimed adult that is the product of their raising, they need to do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it makes her angry and it scares them. It  certainly doesn't include buying into her malignant fantasy world where being morbidly obese is somehow a wonderful, beautiful, and above all, healthy form of self-expression.  Have they just given up on her at this point?

[Dot]

3 minutes ago, Ketzel said:

I thought Glen was being very overbearing  at that moment.  Why should he feel the need to speak for Babs -- she was sitting right there. The host had directed a question specifically to Babs, and before she could open her mouth, Glen was answering for her. Under the circumstances, I thought her interrupting him to ask 'Is your name Babs?" and then going on to answer the question herself was appropriately self-respectful on her part.

ITA. I thought  Babs was pretty low-key in her way of telling Glenn to quit mansplaining for her. I suspect he's spent his whole life answering questions for womenfolk before they have a chance to speak for themselves.

[Me from ME]

Quote

But it seems to me that if the Thores have any love or even sense of responsibility for this maimed adult that is the product of their raising, they need to do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it makes her angry and it scares them. It  certainly doesn't include buying into her malignant fantasy world where being morbidly obese is somehow a wonderful, beautiful, and above all, healthy form of self-expression.  Have they just given up on her at this point?

I totally agree with you but I think it might be more similar to a Stockholm Syndrome.  She has them hostage through guilt and they can't get an outside perspective about what she really needs.

My fantasy prescription would be for them to take a long cruise so they can gain some perspective without the day to day pressure of being in contact with her, as well as to arrange for some therapy for Whit in their absence. Then, upon their return enter into family therapy. But not with Tal with a trained therapist who is familiar with systems therapy.