The Just Thought I'd Share Thread

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by Zombie

When she put on weight, the record execs were awful to her......

It's a damn shame when someone with a voice as phenomenal as Ann Wilson's has to be "hidden" because other people may not "approve" of her looks. It's nobody's business but her own. She's a class act and she can SING. My gawd, can she SING.
I love Ann Wilson. She's an amazing gift, and she can wear a shower curtain for all I care.

I agree many were awful to her. And I also agree that woman can sing.
But I'm not sure about it being anyone's business but her own. I know
it's totally unfair, and I believe most women are given a much harder
time about gaining weight. But don't you think with the money she and
other stars with the same fame have - couldn't they at least have a dietician
or someone make sure they have the right food to eat.

I don't know if drugs had anything to do with Ann's weight gain. But it sure did
with Elvis' and Stevie Nicks. Too many "yes" people around. No one to tell them
the truth. All the way down to the fans. And by fans, I mean the ones that will
accept anything the artist does, even if it's unhealthy to the very artist they care
about.

Buttercookie was right that I shouldn't have mentioned her weight, even though
I did so as carefully as I could without coming right out and saying she's ____.
As I don't know enough details about her personal struggle with weight. But for
her health's sake I wish she could lose some weight.

And I agree Zombie, Ann's voice is great.

[ButterCookie]

As far as I know Ann and Nancy are and have always been completely clean but I may be wrong there so don't quote me on that.

[BTFLCHLD]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

As I don't know enough details about her personal struggle with weight. But for her health's sake I wish she could lose some weight.

Not long ago, I attended a concert by Jimmy Webb. He brought up all the amazing artists he has written for. He then began to tell us about Linda Ronstadt, and how her health was failing....how she had began to struggle with her weight and, being ripped in the press, made the decision to have some sort of gastric bypass, which then lead to the many health issues she has struggled with and continues to endure to this day. He was about in tears as he relayed the phone call he received the night prior with the disturbing news that she might not make it through the recent issues. Just before he began to stroke the keys and sing one of the many songs he had written for her, he asked us all to pray and send good thoughts her way.

My point being, some have personal struggles with weight, either being over or under weight, and until you are in that person's shoes, one should not spout off how they 'wish they'd lose weight so they'd be healthy' etc etc... it doesn't always work that way and there usually are all sorts of reasons behind weight issues. Take a look around, and be thankful if you yourself are healthy and right on target for your weight range. JTIS my opinion.

enjoy

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by BTFLCHLD

Not long ago, I attended a concert by Jimmy Webb. He brought up all the amazing artists he has written for. He then began to tell us about Linda Ronstadt, and how her health was failing....how she had began to struggle with her weight and, being ripped in the press, made the decision to have some sort of gastric bypass, which then lead to the many health issues she has struggled with and continues to endure to this day. He was about in tears as he relayed the phone call he received the night prior with the disturbing news that she might not make it through the recent issues.

That's stinking sad news. I haven't really kept up with Linda, even though
I'm a big fan of her late 70's and early 80's work.

[BTFLCHLD]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

That's stinking sad news. I haven't really kept up with Linda, even though
I'm a big fan of her late 70's and early 80's work.

she seems to be doing better; having done some recent public work here http://sanjosemariachifestival.com/index.php

let's hope this continues.

she is a very private artist; no personal website, little news, etc. This fansite is where one can find news... http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by BTFLCHLD

she is a very private artist; no personal website, little news, etc. This fansite is where one can find news... http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/

Thanks BTFCHLD.

[Zombie]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

I agree many were awful to her. And I also agree that woman can sing.
But I'm not sure about it being anyone's business but her own. I know
it's totally unfair, and I believe most women are given a much harder
time about gaining weight. But don't you think with the money she and
other stars with the same fame have - couldn't they at least have a dietician
or someone make sure they have the right food to eat.

Saying "couldn't they at least have a dietician or someone make sure they have the right food to eat" is incredibly offensive. It implies that fat people are fat because they somehow don't "know any better," and therefore need someone to tell them what to do with their own bodies. It neglects to account for the wide variety of other reasons that could cause weight gain, and while it's true that not everyone is overweight due to a medical condition they can't control, you don't KNOW for sure that the person you are looking at doesn't have one of them.

Besides, if you know it's totally unfair, why would you participate in perpetuating that unfairness?

I don't know if drugs had anything to do with Ann's weight gain. But it sure did
with Elvis' and Stevie Nicks. Too many "yes" people around. No one to tell them
the truth. All the way down to the fans. And by fans, I mean the ones that will
accept anything the artist does, even if it's unhealthy to the very artist they care
about.

Buttercookie was right that I shouldn't have mentioned her weight, even though
I did so as carefully as I could without coming right out and saying she's ____.
As I don't know enough details about her personal struggle with weight. But for
her health's sake I wish she could lose some weight.

What "truth"? Do you think fat people don't know they're fat or something? Like, "Hey, Zombie, uh...dunno how to break it to you, but you're kinda fat..." and then I'm going to be all, "WAIT. WHAT? I'M FAT? OMG, NO WAY. I HAD NO IDEA. Thank you, kind observer, for pointing out I have a huge ass, or I might never have noticed it on my own - good thing I had someone to let me in on the truth."

C'mon, dude.

This is what's called "concern trolling." A judgment or personal attack disguised as heartfelt worry is still a judgment or personal attack.

It's not your job to police a stranger's health. And you can't judge the relative health of someone based entirely on their outward physical appearance. A thin person is not automatically healthy, just as a fat person is not automatically unhealthy.

And I agree Zombie, Ann's voice is great.

Yes, it is. And it's just as good now as it was when she was starving herself to fit someone else's standard of beauty.

I'm not yelling at you or anything, but I would like to ask that you please consider your motives for saying things like this. Why do you REALLY care so much about what she looks like?

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by Zombie

Saying "couldn't they at least have a dietician or someone make sure they have the right food to eat" is incredibly offensive. It implies that fat people are fat because they somehow don't "know any better," and therefore need someone to tell them what to do with their own bodies.

I'm not yelling at you or anything, but I would like to ask that you please consider your motives for saying things like this. Why do you REALLY care so much about what she looks like?

The reason I mentioned a dietician was because "stars" have the money
(or should have) for someone to take care of them in that way. Of course
over eating is not the only cause, but it usually plays a significant
role.

And to relate to you saying I implied that "fat people are fat because somehow
they don't know any better and need someone to tell them..." Well sometimes
when it comes to stars THEY DO NEED SOMONE TO TELL THEM. The reason I
bring up Elvis in this thread is because he didn't have people around him to tell
him the truth. His people hid the bad reviews he got in the last few years of his
life. Did Elvis know he was in trouble? I'm sure he did, but he seemed obilvious
to just how bad it was (had he a realistic view of himself, he never would have
agreed to the last TV special in '77).

And I do care what you and Buttercookie think. Very few of my post are harsh
on people (stars). And a few of my best friends in real life are overweight. And
one of them can at least blame his love of food for the problem. Sometimes you
just have to back away from the table. Maybe that third helping of pie isn't good
for whomever.

[jannieC]

Ditto to every single thing Zombie said.

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

The reason I mentioned a dietician was because "stars" have the money
(or should have) for someone to take care of them in that way. Of course
over eating is not the only cause, but it usually plays a significant
role.

And to relate to you saying I implied that "fat people are fat because somehow
they don't know any better and need someone to tell them..." Well sometimes
when it comes to stars THEY DO NEED SOMONE TO TELL THEM. The reason I
bring up Elvis in this thread is because he didn't have people around him to tell
him the truth. His people hid the bad reviews he got in the last few years of his
life. Did Elvis know he was in trouble? I'm sure he did, but he seemed obilvious
to just how bad it was (had he a realistic view of himself, he never would have
agreed to the last TV special in '77).

And I do care what you and Buttercookie think. Very few of my post are harsh
on people (stars). And a few of my best friends in real life are overweight. And
one of them can at least blame his love of food for the problem. Sometimes you
just have to back away from the table. Maybe that third helping of pie isn't good
for whomever.

How nice for your overweight best friends to have such a supportive and non judgmental friend. Are you serious when you say this? From where I sit, I see lots of folks struggling with a few lbs (or ten or twenty...). Someone who is significantly overweight is not necessary going to be able to "back away from the table." Life is not black and white and things are not always so simple.

The fact that you mentioned it to begin with and then are trying to back peddle out of the situation is what gets me. When I see an overweight person in a belly shirt, I sometimes wish I could offer my advice, especially if it's a young girl. But then, I kind of feel that way about belly shirts on ANYONE, for that matter. I haven't seen the performance you are referring to, but I am thinking that whatever Ann Wilson was wearing, it was not obscene or inappropriate.

You have every right to have issues with other people's appearance- just be prepared for the backlash and own up to it.

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by jannieC

Ditto to every single thing Zombie said.


How nice for your overweight best friends to have such a supportive and non judgmental friend. Are you serious when you say this? From where I sit, I see lots of folks struggling with a few lbs (or ten or twenty...). Someone who is significantly overweight is not necessary going to be able to "back away from the table." Life is not black and white and things are not always so simple.

The fact that you mentioned it to begin with and then are trying to back peddle out of the situation is what gets me. When I see an overweight person in a belly shirt, I sometimes wish I could offer my advice, especially if it's a young girl. But then, I kind of feel that way about belly shirts on ANYONE, for that matter. I haven't seen the performance you are referring to, but I am thinking that whatever Ann Wilson was wearing, it was not obscene or inappropriate.

You have every right to have issues with other people's appearance- just be prepared for the backlash and own up to it.

First off I haven't said anything to my friends that are very overweight.
I'm about as good as Elvis' friends when it comes to that, a big chicken. And
it would be a lot easier to "feel" for them if they themselves didn't moan about
it. When people talk about losing weight and don't do anything about it, what
do you think is going to happen? And I'm talking about people I know, not
Ms. Wilson. And btw I'm talking about grown ups here not children. I'd never
say anything to a child about their weight. I am not a mean person. Look through
my post.

As to what Ann was wearing you're right it wasn't obscene or inappropriate.
Don't try and put words into my mouth. I do a good enough job at getting in
trouble without you adding to it. I just thought she could wear something that
would make her look more appealing. Maybe I'm wrong.

[jannieC]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

First off I haven't said anything to my friends that are very overweight.
I'm about as good as Elvis' friends when it comes to that, a big chicken. And
it would be a lot easier to "feel" for them if they themselves didn't moan about
it. When people talk about losing weight and don't do anything about it, what
do you think is going to happen? And I'm talking about people I know, not
Ms. Wilson. And btw I'm talking about grown ups here not children. I'd never
say anything to a child about their weight. I am not a mean person. Look through
my post.

As to what Ann was wearing you're right it wasn't obscene or inappropriate.
Don't try and put words into my mouth. I do a good enough job at getting in
trouble without you adding to it. I just thought she could wear something that
would make her look more appealing. Maybe I'm wrong.

I didn't say that you were talking about children. I said that *I* struggle when I see a teenager wearing something that is unflattering and sexist. And I also didn't imply that you spoke in any manner to your very overweight friends. What I was implying is that most people wouldn't want their best friends thinking thoughts about them like, "step away from the table."

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by jannieC

I didn't say that you were talking about children. I said that *I* struggle when I see a teenager wearing something that is unflattering and sexist. And I also didn't imply that you spoke in any manner to your very overweight friends. What I was implying is that most people wouldn't want their best friends thinking thoughts about them like, "step away from the table."

Sorry Jannie, I misread your comments in my haist.
I love stirring up stuff, but not this type of topic. But I have
to say if you were in my shoes and had heard about this weight
problem for most of your life, even if wrong you might have thought
the same thing too.

[Zombie]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

The reason I mentioned a dietician was because "stars" have the money
(or should have) for someone to take care of them in that way. Of course
over eating is not the only cause, but it usually plays a significant
role.

And to relate to you saying I implied that "fat people are fat because somehow
they don't know any better and need someone to tell them..." Well sometimes
when it comes to stars THEY DO NEED SOMONE TO TELL THEM. The reason I
bring up Elvis in this thread is because he didn't have people around him to tell
him the truth. His people hid the bad reviews he got in the last few years of his
life. Did Elvis know he was in trouble? I'm sure he did, but he seemed obilvious
to just how bad it was (had he a realistic view of himself, he never would have
agreed to the last TV special in '77).

And I do care what you and Buttercookie think. Very few of my post are harsh
on people (stars). And a few of my best friends in real life are overweight. And
one of them can at least blame his love of food for the problem. Sometimes you
just have to back away from the table. Maybe that third helping of pie isn't good
for whomever.

Okay. Let me try this again.

Just because you have the money for something does not mean you have to spend it on that something. If someone has the money to hire a dietician and wants to do that, then more power to them. If they choose not to spend their money on a dietician, then more power to them on that, as well. It is the person's individual choice.

Fat shaming is not an effective motivator. Making someone feel bad for how they look is not an effective motivator. And just because Elvis may have had issues that left him unable to see things clearly does not mean that all overweight famous people are the same way.

And I don't care if ALL of your friends are fat - having a fat friend does not mean you're not showing bias, like just having a black friend doesn't mean someone's not still capable of being racist.

If your friend's love of food is a "problem," it is HIS "problem," not yours, unless he asks you for help in changing his eating habits. But no one has to back away from the table just because you think they should, and whether or not that third helping of pie is a "good" idea, if I want it, I'm going to eat it - it's my body, it's nothing to do with you.

Do you see what I am saying? Just because you have a problem with what other people weigh does not mean that they have to have that same problem with their own weight. And it doesn't mean you get to make judgments.

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by Zombie

Okay. Let me try this again.

If your friend's love of food is a "problem," it is HIS "problem," not yours, unless he asks you for help in changing his eating habits. But no one has to back away from the table just because you think they should, and whether or not that third helping of pie is a "good" idea, if I want it, I'm going to eat it - it's my body, it's nothing to do with you.

Do you see what I am saying? Just because you have a problem with what other people weigh does not mean that they have to have that same problem with their own weight. And it doesn't mean you get to make judgments.

You say "unless he ask for my help". He's the one who brings his weight up, not
me. We've all got our own problems, I sure have my share. But if you hear a person
you know complaining about this particular problem, and then you see them eating
multiple helpings of food (at one of my parties). And then they wonder why they
can't lose weight???

I do see what you're saying though.

[Zombie]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

You say "unless he ask for my help". He's the one who brings his weight up, not
me. We've all got our own problems, I sure have my share. But if you hear a person
you know complaining about this particular problem, and then you see them eating
multiple helpings of food (at one of my parties). And then they wonder why they
can't lose weight???

I do see what you're saying though.

All I have to go on here are your words - you didn't say anything about your friend's own opinions on his own weight, just that you have friends that are overweight and one of them can blame his love of food for it.

It is frustrating to listen to someone complain about something incessantly and then not do anything to change it, I agree. But that still doesn't give any of us the right to be the fat police for anyone else. We're all entitled to our opinions, be they valid or not - what's important is to try to be aware of our biases and think before we open our mouths. In my opinion, anyway.