Jessica Seigel, in her July 9 article on the thong controversy in Round Lake, gave a public forum to Sue Pederson, who said that fat people were more indecent than those who would parade about town in buttocks-baring thongs, and that the fat people are the ones who should be kicked off the beach. Ms. Seigel should have used better judgment than to quote Pederson`s cruelty. The gratuitous slur provided no significant contribution.
I would ask Pederson: If your children developed a thyroid malfunction which caused weight gain, an allergy or rheumatoid arthritis requiring cortisone that bloated them, or a mental illness which required medication resulting in excessive weight, would you be ”grossed out” by them? Would they be less lovable because there was more flesh on their bones? Would you follow your own recommendation and have them kicked off the beaches?
How much personal grief would it take to wake you up? You have no idea how many people`s day you ruined with your mindless bashing of those whose bodies do not fit your ideal.
