Taking it personally

I admire those who use humour to deflect and defuse a situation. I admire those who are able to speak out about their beliefs, passionately and articulately. I admire those, who, even if they’re extremely nervous, are able to talk in public, give interviews and discuss their viewpoints.

This confidence is something I really hope to achieve someday. Right now, it’s a struggle for me to even go to the shops alone, let alone talk to anyone at these shops. And I freaking love shopping, love talking clothes and actually PREFER to shop on my own.

Another website I’ve written for, Axis of Fat (although I haven’t in a very long time) often gets media requests sent to the email form. Usually Nick at Nicholosophy takes these requests, as he’s good at the media stuff and is extremely well spoken. Sometimes, however, he’s too busy or doesn’t have the time to do so. I’d like to step in during these times, but every time I think I say I will, I get utterly paralysed by fear. What if I sound stupid? What if I stumble on my words? What if my words get twisted? How will I look on TV (if it’s a TV interview)? Why would anyone want to hear what I have to say?

Recently, Frances from Corpulent did an interview on Triple J about fat acceptance and the obesity “crisis”. It was sparked because of a combined study between the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation. The study and the findings can be found here. I was pretty much in awe, listening to her speak and discuss her viewpoints, especially in the face of some questions from listeners that weren’t exactly nice or unbiased. Finding out about some of the comments some people made on the Triple J Facebook page about her and about fat people in general was something that would have upset me immensely, but she dealt with it admirably – she wrote a post and set up a Twitter page. Humour. Biting, hilarious humour.

I definitely don’t think there’s anything wrong with taking it personally – comments on a person’s body ARE personal, nor is there anything wrong with having an emotional reaction to a pretty upsetting topic. I’m not going to be unbiased on the issue because it is one that involves me and my friends. I just sometimes wish I could be more … articulate, I guess. More able to use my words when I’m put on the spot or when it’s related to a personal topic instead of floundering or spluttering in impotent fury or sadness. It’s something I want to work on and these people have inspired me to do so.

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