Yeah, on several occasions when "fat" was thrown as an insult, I've responded with similar (but usually much shorter) responses.... like "Wow, you must be a genius to have figured that out by yourself," or the always entertaining (if I really want to make the person uncomfortable) "Yes I am fat, but what's your point?" delivered with a big smile, a friendly tone, and perhaps a slightly condescending posture or facial expression as make direct eye contacy while waiting for a reply.
Usually it strikes them speechless. Some have the decency to apologize or seem embarassed. Others get angry and try to repeat or reword the insult as if I didn't "get it" the first time... and I may say, "yeah I'm fat, I get that, but why am I supposed to be offended? You think I don't know that or that you're the first person to have noticed?" Or even just an eyeroll and a chuckle and maybe someting like "... Wow, like I haven't heard that one before, Geez if you're going to try to insult someone, put some thought into it, use a little creativity..."
For the most part people don't usually hurl the insult directly TO me, they instead talk loudly ABOUT me in a voice loud enough to prove they want me to overhear (or about "us" if I'm with another fat person), in which case I usually talk to my companinion(s) in equally loud tones about the person doing the commentary. I may make a more insulting comment about them, or perhaps they'd never seen fat people before, or that someone so (insert creative insult of my choice regarding their appearance) shouldn't be criticising other people on theirs ...
Recently (an also fat) friend told me a comeback she's used (and one that I've wanted to use ever since) is walking up to the person with direct eye contact and a with avery sympathetic expression and tone of voice saying "Wow you must be having a really shitty day (or life) to find it necessary to try and hurt/humiliate a complete stranger. Sorry I couldn't help you with that. Would it help if I pretended to be offended?
Ironically, now that I have all these great comeback options, I never get the chance to use them anymore. I think part of it is living in central Wisconsin where being fat isn't such a big deal one way or the other. People of all sizes up here are active, and not ashamed of it. I also think part of it, is that people sense confidence and don't try to mess with people who look like they might talk back.
The people who try to hurt others, tend to target those they see as weaker/less confident than themselves. It's a pecking-order kind of thing. If you walk, talk, and make direct eye-contact like an alpha dog, people treat you as if you are.
Last edited by kaplods; 07-06-2012 at 09:11 PM.
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