Fuck Yeah Body Positivity

miss157 asked: Hi, I want to start with I love your blog. :) I also wanted to ask a question to you and your followers. There's a place in my town that sells fitness equipment and on the sign they have outside their store, it constantly has fat-shaming, negative statements. It always really offends me and on more than one occasion has made me feel really insecure. Is there something I can do to talk to the store about this?

Thanks! As for this store…

There are 2 things companies fear: profit losses and lawsuits. You don’t have to actually do these things, but you can speak in a way that implies you’re willing to go there. I would start off with saying that while you appreciate that they want people to get healthy, you have some problems with their advertisements. I would point out that millions of women suffer from eating disorders, and the type of language used in their ads contributes to this epidemic. I would say that you personally find the ad triggering. I would say that this type of fat-shaming and body-negativity will keep customers away because many will find it offensive and attacking their bodies. I would say that the body-positive and the fat community in your area is prepared to take a stand against these ads if they are not removed, and that you know others who would boycott their store. If you have any family or family friends who are lawyers, I’d mention that you’ve spoken to them about these ads and the harmful impact they have, especially on young girls struggling with their body image (if you don’t know lawyers, make some up). Finally, if this store has competition in town, mention that their ads are much more appealing and if you did boycott, you’d be moving your business elsewhere. Even if you don’t have support, I find it helps to talk a big game. Getting an adult to come with you will help your case too. Good luck!