1. I think Elaine missed the point with this one, the title “Skinny Bitch” gives away their intentions. There is more than just a little bit of fat shaming, the entire premise of the book is that going vegan will make you a skinny supermodel-esque woman. This only serves to reinforce the disturbing standards for beauty in the United States. Its prominent place in the media also served to obscure the true message of veganism: helping all animals (human and non). Which brings me to…

2. If you search “veganism” or “vegan” in LiveJournal’s interests category, the very first result that turns up is a “pro-ana/pro-mia” community. Hm.

I appreciate that they may have good nutritional information in the book, but is it worth it when it is surrounded by this mantle of body hate? To me, it doesn’t sound like the tiny steps they make in the direction of body acceptance are likely to be really effective in mitigating the larger frame, about fat hatred, that their title & most of their book seems to be putting across.

Also, I still think that the quote about not caring if people are skinny would be more potent if it wasn’t hidden in that epilogue that is itself hidden past the endnotes & index & stuff (which isn’t usual for books).

I don’t get how promoting thinness (because being fat is the big bad ala buffy) and associating it w/ veganism is a good

They definitely made some mistakes and there is some fat shaming, but their hearts are in the right place. For example, here are a few quotes from the book:

“We have been so brainwashed by fad diets, magazine articles, and advertising that we have forgotten how to think for ourselves. Skinny Bitch delivers the truth about food, so that you can make intelligent and educated decisions for yourself.” (from the Introduction)

“We really couldn’t care less about being skinny. [...] our real hope is for you to become healthy.” p224

The good stuff comes in sentences like this:
“The USDA will protect the data confidentiality of farms that are supplying the public with contaminated meat? Why don’t they just give all the ranchers blowjobs, too?” p96

“Vegetarians need not worry [about protein]. Researchers at Harvard found that vegetarians (who don’t live on junk food) get adequate amounts of protein in their diets.” p85

“A simple way to get adequate calcium us by including the following foods in your diet: fortified grains, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, cabbage, kelp, seaweed, watercress, chickpeas, broccoli, red beans, soybeans, tofu, seeds, and raw nuts.” p62

And it’s not just about veganism. They tell readers to avoid sugar and caffeine. They recommend vitamin supplements and exercise.

Even with the dose of fat shaming, they throw other stuff in there like:
“Love yourself and your looks, even if no one else seems to.” p191 and “don’t go anorexic on us.” p184

It’s got a good resources section and a bunch of endnotes. It’s far from perfect the perfect book, but you know what? It’s a good start.

So… I’ve noticed that the book has received a ton of criticism from a lot of people who haven’t even read it. At first I thought it was warranted because of the title, but more and more I think some of it is just an anti-vegan smear campaign. Just look at who has written about Skinny Bitch – a bunch of omnivores who “have nothing against veganism” and many of whom haven’t read the book. The truth is, the book is much more about information about meat, dairy, eggs, sugar, caffeine, etc. than it is about fat shaming. And it’s done in a very accessible way that appeals to a lot of people.

Elaine — I feel like whatever good stuff is in the book will always, of necessity, be subsumed to the title. I mean, it’s the title, y’know? Supposedly representative & all that. And who will find a book that tries to shame women for not being “skinny” a “fun” read, & who won’t? Also, I get frustrated that a lot of people assume that objections about the language are referring to the cursing (you didn’t say that, Elaine, I’m just mentioning that more generally). Most folks who’ve met me know I swear like a sailor & love the snark. My language-based objections are to how they contribute to shame & hatred revolving around weight.

Noemi: yes! As usual I agree w/you.

This is all making me think more about why vegans feel the need to make veganism “fun.” Maybe another post sometime from me pondering that.

If I knew how to neatly link to my post, I would, but I don’t, so oh well.

Anyway, I am so happy your blog exists and that the only other blog I’ve seen with my same theme is such an insanely awesome one!!