[PDF] Fearing the Black Body PDF by Sabrina Strings in English

This book argues that fatphobia towards black women is rooted in racist Enlightenment beliefs that fatness indicated “savagery” and inferiority. The modern valorization of thinness has similar racist origins. The medical crusade against obesity only began when such attitudes were already entrenched. The book convincingly shows fat phobia is not about health but validates prejudice regarding race, class, and gender.

Fearing the Black Body PDF in English

About PDF

• The book argues that fatphobia towards black women has existed for over 200 years, since the Enlightenment era.
• In the 18th and 19th centuries, fatness in black women’s bodies was seen as evidence of “savagery” and racial inferiority.
• The modern ideal of thinness is racialized and racist at its core, with roots in these old attitudes.
• The medical establishment only began its anti-obesity crusade in the 20th century, when fatphobia was already widespread.
• The book convincingly argues that fatphobia is not actually about health, but rather uses body size to validate prejudice based on race, class, and gender.