African American Women on Weight Watchers

Hello I am a soon to be 32 year old African American Woman who just starting off on weight watchers. I plan to lose 75 pounds by this time next year. Looking for other African American Women who are serious about losing weight like me who are also on Weight Watchers for support and recipes ideas.

Link

Tue. Jul 3, 11:28am

Why do they have to be African American? This is just kinda stupid...

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 12:40 PM

I am a caucasian american woman looking for other caucasian american women on weight watchers to join my group and swap recipes.

The reverse sounds kind of bad huh? We need to be more sensitive to the kind of racism that comes out on these boards I think. Any race or color can provide support to those other woman on weight watchers and swap recipes regardless of background.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 12:45 PM

Geez, guys-leave her alone. It's no different than "20 something college students looking to lose the freshman 15" or "Christian mom's who want to fight flab with God's help". Sometimes people in your exact situation can relate a little better to your struggle.

People here always complain that they can't find groups that comment back frequently or are supportive in the way they would like. Then other's respond that they should start their own group and be specific with the prerequisites for the group. So then when someone does that, they get called racist. Make up your minds ladies!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 1:58 PM

White American woman on Weight Watchers looking for White American women to join my group! Need only white women and white recipes!

You don't like that do you?

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 2:48 PM

and white people are called the racist ones! how pathetic.

we don't have a NAAWP!!!!!!

why not accept everyone in your WW group!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 3:54 PM

actually, it makes perfect sense that the op is specific about her goals and asks that others like her join her...there are specific health related issues that affect african americans and more precisely, african american women, more than they afftect ethnic groups. (sickle cell anemia being one). as well, african american women have a higher rate of mortality from heart related diseases than any other population. so, why the huge controversy? did you open this thread for the exclusive purpose of bashing the request to find a group with the same ethnicity and other commonalities? i wish the OP all the best!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:07 PM

for instance, please see linked to article from med-line plus.

Link

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:11 PM

Who's the racist one here?

i agree with wanting to achieve your goals and surrounding yourselves with people that can help, but please! we're talking about weight watchers! I work at a clinic and I asked about the risk higher to AA v. whites and with a diet like this, it's not an issue.

i agree COMPLETELY with the 2:48 poster and the 3:54 poster. It's racist to exclude ANYONE based on race and a black women is doing that!

I should i scream to the KKK that i'm white and i can't join a group? SHould they give me special college funds because I'm white? Let's call it the United Cracker Foundation.

PLEASE!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:16 PM

if you want a group of, say, white, metropolitan, career-minded, single mothers-why not say so? or what about, asian-american men who have left their wives for a younger, prettier woman? just because the criteria you have are different than the OP's does not mean the she is a racist (or sexist, or bigot, or anything. it mean she has different criteria.) when you point a finger at someone, three of your fingers are pointing towards yourself...

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:17 PM

what?

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:19 PM

wow. i am a white woman and i am deeply offended by the sentiment expressed in many postings, especially the 4:16 comment!! do you even understand the activities of the KKK? do you know about racial oppression AT ALL? ignorant, intolerant, insensitve, incredible.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:23 PM

read it again so you completely comprehend what they said. that poster wasn't applauding the KKK, they were making reference to race specific organizations.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:30 PM

hold your hand out slightly in front of you. point your pointer-finger, as though pointing at a person. your middle, ring and pinky fingers are "pointing" back at your self. it's an old saying to teach that people accuse others of the faults we see in ourselves, even subconsciously.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:32 PM

citing the KKK at all, in response to a black person, is the equivalent to referring to the nazi party when a member requests other jewish woman join her weight-loss journey.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:34 PM

get over it!!!!! it's a hand gesture.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:34 PM

so it's ok for a black women to single out her race for her group, but it's not ok for white person to even refer to the KKK, NOT what they did, but exactly as the poster meant it, that it's a group of whites opposed to other races? Are you in politics by any chance?

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:36 PM

are you seriously equating a request for ethnically similar group members with a "race specific organization" ? and, FYI, the KKK is actually a hate group, not a "race specific organization".

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:36 PM

this is a simple request for group members!!! my god, the hate comes out strong when people feel excluded. you want to write about the KKK but you want to twist who they are and what they represent in order to make a point about...what, exactly? the fact that someone has just joined weight watchers and wants help from people like herself? i am not in politics, but i am living in reality and you, my fellow member, are ignorant.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 4:41 PM

the 4:41 poster said the OP wants help from people "like herself". Meaning? African american people and Caucasian people are "different"? I think the whole point here is in the world today if a white person would have posted "Caucasian woman looking for caucasian group members" the s#4* would have hit the fan on this thread. Way more so than an african american woman doing it. It's just somehow politically correct for someone who isn't caucasian to single out others who are "different".

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 6:08 PM

Whites don't have to look for other whites because I am sure the majority of the people on this website are White/Non-Black. African-American women DO face different health issues than non-blacks and we also have a different attitude towards exercise and dieting (it is not something that is talked about frequently in our communities). If you had a GENUINE sensitivity about other cultures/races you would know that. I would join myself but I am not on Weight Watchers.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 7:41 PM

So black women face different health issues? Last time I checked, this was a site for losing weight, meaning we all are overweight and therefore face health issues!! How can you be so ignorant?

I'm pretty sure that nobody on this website even needs to mention nationality or race, because the type of thing we are all trying to accomplish here is not race-specific. You don't lose weight differently if you're black, asian, white, or gay! It's all about control, calories, excercise, and such things.

Look, overweight people face health issues. Bottom line. Some white people have more health issues than others. Skin color does not determine health issues. The reason that African American women tend to have more health issues if you look at the statistics if because in general African American women have a higher rate of poverty. Poverty is associated with health issues and obesity. In fact, statistics tell us that people who are poor have a 60% greater chance of being overweight.

The bottom line is, I would probably get booted off this site if I made a thread called "Looking for white women to join my group". And guess what? I would never do that. Because I don't exclude people based on race and where they come from.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 8:59 PM

Don't create drama where there isn't. And pointing out the poverty issue proved my point Blacks have faced many challenges in the U.S. BECAUSE of our skin color. One of those challenges is having the same opportunities as Whites. Not having access (to good education,health, jobs) is PART of the reason that so many blacks are poor. And as you say, Blacks face different health issues because we are POOR. I want you to re-read this section because you seem a little slow. AND DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT BLACKS DON'T FACE THESE PROBLEMS ANYMORE.

In Addition, OUR CULTURE does not praise stick thin women so most Black women are not obssessed about their weight and therefore do not seek diet advice or support even when it is beneficial to their health.

Blacks are more prone to a lot of diseases that you as a white woman/man don't. This is not my opinion, these are facts told on the news and found in countless magazine articles and studies. If you are really interested in learning the facts, go to www.essence.com and search for articles about health and diet in the Black community.

ANY WAY, Don't bother respondingto this post. MY POOR BLACK ASS IS GOING TO GO GET A JOB!!!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 11:09 PM

it's ironic that the posters who claim racism on the part of the OP are making the most racial comments. in essence , the issue seems to be, "i can't have an all-white group, why can she have an all black group?" the answer is, you can have an all white group. this is the internet, not a place where quotas are met or affirmative action plays a role. set up a group for yourself and request the people you'd like to join you. yeah, you may catch some flak, but in the end, you'll have the support team you are looking for, nasty comments aside. the OP did not express a hate for or intolerance of whites or asians or natives. and you would not have to bash a particular ethnic group either by stating that you are looking for caucasion women to join you. she is looking for women who share cultural, economic, health and life experiences to help her on HER journey. it's not YOUR journey to direct or control. good luck to the OP and i applaud your seeking out those who you feel would most benefit you in reaching your goals.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 11:45 AM

if shedding some light on how helpful non-black women can be to the OP is the point of the many comments, the point has been lost. should i feel discriminated against by the moms who need to lose 20 pounds since i am a mom who needs to lose 40 pounds? who are they to exclude me just because i have more weight to lose? i have to lose the 20 pounds first, so doesn't that mean i can join? and what about those christian groups? why should i be excluded just because i follow islam? my spirituality counts, too! i may pray in a different way at different times, but i should be able to join any group i want regardless of my religion. what?! a group ONLY for gays and lesbians? blatant discrimination.

keep it real, folks.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 11:53 AM

11:09
You are the one creating drama!
Black people do have access to education, health, and jobs. In fact more so than some whites because of new laws that say a certain percentage of a class or a workplace has to be minority. This is 2007. Get over yourself and stop feeling sad and sorry. I do dare say this because it is true. And don't you dare say that it isn't, because its lame and old.

You can go ahead and get your job, and you know what? You will probably get it over a more qualified white person because the employer had a quota to fill.

Now, don't get all riled up over my comment. I am expressing sentiment that is felt by many people.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 12:01 PM

so, just because you are one of many racists, you feel that your comments should not be criticised? it sound like you are aware of bits and pieces of the actual situations that you write about, but not the entire stories. maybe you live in a booming metropolitan area where racial diversity is sought after, but it is not like that everywhere! maybe you live in an area where there are few minorities and that's why you don't see the big picture for the way it really is. black women and white women face different health issues not only because of economic hardship or offered opportunities, but because of genetics, too. the same is true for each race / ethnicity. and culturally speaking, there are different roles that the average black woman holds in her household that are different than the roles that the average white woman holds. do you not know that? focussing on differences may not always be a good idea, but to deny there are differences is ignorant.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 12:23 PM

To 12:01 PM

Yes, minorities have access to health care, education,etc. BUT the free clinic and city colleges are not the same as Mt. Sinai Hospital or Harvard. Minorities DO NOT always have the SAME access everywhere.

And by the way, companies/institutions that have to implement quotas can easily do so WITHOUT hiring someone of color because even White women are considered a Minority. They can just hire a White woman and say there are being Equal Opportunity. In addition, Only a few years ago I learned on 20/20 that White women receive the largest share of welfare in this country. Is that true today? I don't know, but it is something to think about. I am not presenting these facts in a racist manner, these are facts that I have learned and not many people know. So think about that before you get "frustrated" and think that people of color are getting more than their fair share.

I would not want to live anywhere else but the U.S., but racism and prejudices of all kinds continue and will do so no matter how many policies/laws are put into place. There have got to be hundreds of support groups for you to join, even other Weight Watcher's groups so there is no need to feel left out of anything. If those groups had better service, access, graphics, etc. then you can complain. But everyone here has access to everything on this website. And if you don't see it, create it. This is what the OP did.

Have A Great Day!
(By the way, I do have a job and have been continuously employed since I was 17 yrs. old. I have never been on welfare nor the benefactor of Affirmative Action, although I do think they are necessary)

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 2:23 PM

12:01 PM

I think you need to get a new prescription for your glasses. Those rose-colored ones are leaving you blissfully or bitterly ignorant.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 2:26 PM

12:01 pm

Are you aware that there are corporations that discard a resume if the name appears to be that of a Black person? That means, Condoleezza Rice, would have a hard time getting a job.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 2:31 PM

very true. i have a friend named "tamitria" and she goes by sarah on job applications because she didn't used to get call backs. now she gets work all the time. i'll bet the same is true for many ethnic names.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 2:48 PM

Sick and Tired of the hen cacklin...

Dont you all realize that this is about losing weight? If someone wants to confine themselves to a particular gender or ethnicity, that is their desire and you should respect that. there are a gabillion other teams, groups, threads that you can join, why focus on this one? Did you ever think that maybe she is more comfortable soliciting advice from people she has stuff in common with? Stop making mountains out of molehills. If you dont like the song, change the station. Move on and get over it. Find another fight to pick.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 2:54 PM

Hmm...well, Condoleeza DOES have a job, doesn't she?

I can give a specific example where affirmative action is a bad thing. In a high school that my cousin used to go to in an urban area that I am from, you had to take a test to get in. (This was 8 years ago). Only students with above a B- average would get in. This was a fantastic school that was started over a hundred years ago, and is the only one in the country to offer a Bachelor's degree upon graduation to its alumni.

Since affirmative action kicked in, they had to have a percentage of minorities attending or they would be fined. Since then, they have had to remove ALL their grade quotas and entrance exams because they just could not fill the minority quotas.

Now the school is crap. But hey, at least the quota is filled!!!

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 3:14 PM

why don't you people take your opinions to washington, dc or to your state's supreme court? some of you may have legitimate concerns about the issues of racial prejudice in the work force or in completing a student body, but why come down on the OP for asking for the type of people she wants to help her? these issues are not the fault of the OP and if she has a group of only african american women, your local community will not be ill-affected. do something with your anger / viewpoint about the way things seem unfair to you by trying to instill changes in the laws / policies. isn't charlize theron an african american woman?

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 3:22 PM

What does the KKK and the NAACP have to do with weightloss?

This is ridiculous! I'm black, and I say it shouldn't matter if you're black or not to join a group. We all, obviously, need help in reaching our goals, or we wouldn't be here. I'm not going to get into a who is more politically correct argument, especially since the KKK (a history of violence and oppression)
and the NAACP (a more recent history of giving to others who aren't black before living up to their original motto) are both carelessly being thrown around. Let's all just get together and loose some weight. lol... :) That is the purpose of this site, right?

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 3:33 PM

Re: School drops criteria...I'm not sure where this fits into weight loss????

And 3:14, you're message is crap. Just in case you didn't know exactly what is crap. Am I, because I'm a minority by birth, dumber than you? You're old High school didn't need to drop their criteria. The officials sound as if they are too stupid to think about one simple word: recruitment. I can assure you, there are those of us out there, like myself, that could pass that test with flying colors and meet any further criteria that's thrown at us. Minority doesn't equal stupid. Sure, we have a few of us that are lazy, and want to appear stupid, if they aren't, but that's true of every race. Majority included. Minority just means we work 10x harder than the average white man to achieve half the things they achieve. Damn, and I'm sure I said earlier that I wasn't going to get angry over racial politics...I just want to lose weight.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 3:52 PM

3:52 -
If you say you can pass the test with flying colors, then I believe you. But too bad none of the minorities in my city could. That's why they had to drop the entrance exams. That's why the whole reputation of the school has been shattered. That's why my sister, who now goes there, has to walk to through a metal detector when she enters every morning and has to worry about being mugged IN CLASS.

And I never said minorities equal stupid. If that's what you got from my post, then you must be stupid.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 3:57 PM

3:57

You're comment was aimed at all minorities. You're weren't being very specific, nor did it seem that was your goal. For someone who went to a high school that used to award a bachelors, you're very obtuse when it comes to the use of words and how they actually work together. Before saying something so drastic as you have, maybe you should take time to narrow your field down of who you want to address so that you won't offend others, if that was your actual intention. Otherwise, don't call me stupid, because I believe I interpreted your message the way you intended to write it. It doesn't take much for racism, no matter how latent, to come out in someone who feels they've been wronged. And clearly you feel as though you have. I can't take that from you, you have every right to feel that way. I'd be pissed too if I went to a school and they got rid of a program that had benefited me. Actually, that has happened to me, in college, fortunately, I didn't get my degree in Communications, just a minor, so the fact the program was phased out didn't impact me that much. I won't hate you for any of your racial issues. Everyone has them. Hatred takes too much energy, and it's a waste of time. Just be aware of what you want to say and how you actually say it in the future. Electronic communication has a way of making things sound more hostile than you may have intended.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 4:17 PM

i do not believe that a high school awards any student a bachelor's degree. there are none found in my google search. none. and the installation of metal detectors may be a result of racists who bring weapons to school to mug or assault the minorities...

if you think your sister has it tough because her school has been dumbed down to accomodate minorities, why don't you take up your beef with the school board? i mean, these minority students that now attend your alma mater came from the school system in your community, right? wouldn't you like to see the next class of "imported" minorities be a bit smarter? do something instead of complaining!! and, without the grade-level statute, there must also be some dumb white kids attending, too?

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 4:26 PM

There are so many holes in 3:14's post, I gotta call BS.

First- Give me a name and a place- "a high school that my cousin used to go to in an urban area that I am from" -is total BS. Name the town and the School.

Second- "This was a fantastic school that was started over a hundred years ago"- so, it's a private school, right? That would indicate that you'd have to pay to attend. As someone who attended a private school, lemme tel you- kids that don't do well don't stay, because mom and dad aren't gonna pay that much for you to fail.

Third- "a Bachelor's degree upon graduation to its alumni"- this is total BS. A bachelor's degree takes 4 years of college level classes to achieve.

Fourth- "Since affirmative action kicked in..." Somehow, affimative action only kicked in at this school 8 years ago? Odd, since the rest of the country switched over before I was born in 1969.

This is total BS.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 4:50 PM

the real BS in this thread

is that you all keep commenting on this nonsense. Where is the encouragement and comeraderie (excuse the spelling) that is supposed to take place in a setting such as this?

If the title of the thread bothers you so much, skip over it. YOU GUYS ARE MISSING THE POINT. Find a thread or group where you can have something fun or positive to say. Grow up, Grow up, Grow up.

Damn, you all make me want to eat...

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 4:59 PM

methinks some of the white folk have gotten their panties in a bunch. This poor woman is looking for support, and she should be free to define whatever she wants. If she wants a group of autistic, kleptomaniac, lesbian, mexicans- then go for it!! Yes, PC is a bitch and the interest groups have gotten out of control, buy man, leave this woman alone. To be totally un-PC, many black people (in my experience) talk a little different. It makes sense that some would want to do their own thing.

Poll: How many of you who are NOT black, talk back to movies in the theater?

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 5:17 PM

4:50

Philadelphia, PA

Central High School

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 8:37 PM

Yup, here it is:

"Central High School of Philadelphia, PA was started in 1838 and was then only the second public high school in the nation. When Central first opened its doors, it admitted four teachers and sixty-three students. From that fledgling beginning, Central has now grown to over 2300 students and 110 teachers.

Today, that act is still in effect, making Central the only high school in the nation authorized to grant its graduates Bachelor of Arts college degrees instead of ordinary high school diplomas (if the graduates have fulfilled the requirements for a degree- see parent handbook for more details)."

http://www.centralhigh.net/pages/about/history

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 8:42 PM

The fact that those students failed to pass Central High's exam, shows that there was gross inequality in that school system. Whether you are Black or White, if you are not given the right preparations for such a test, then you will fail. The students who were able to enter Central High were better educated NOT necessarily smarter.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 9:39 PM

why were they better educated if they all went to the same middle and elementary schools?

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 10:58 PM

I must echo 4:59pm's comments... STOP THE MADNESS!!!

Don't let someone's boredom, ignorance, bias, and mal-intent denigrate the main objective of this thread. I say boredom because interestingly enough right out of the gate (as though the 12:40 logger were looking for a fight) the OP was pounced on with harassing commentary, never allowing her request for kinship and comaraderie to take root.

Now the OP's request never got off the ground. Might I suggest starting anew with supportive, motivational commentary for those interested in the originating topic of the e-mail thread instead of entertaining the inciter's off-topic, wayward opinions? Don't let this person(s) succeed by continuing to get caught up in the hate being spewed! Going forward, IGNORE IT and focus on the original topic at hand.

To the OP - best of luck in your quest to lose the weight and may you find the authentic support for which you are searching. There are a lot of great groups and teams on PT that are positive in nature. Keep looking. I'm sure you'll find one that works for you.

Thursday, July 5, 2007, 11:13 PM

i would not be surprised if someone started this thread JUST to cause arguments, pretending to be authentic.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 8:40 AM

TO THE OP

I see that you have filled your group! I'm very happy for you. Hopefully you've gotten some people who are in the same situation as you. It's much easier to relate to people who are in the same boat which makes success more likely. Good luck and try not to let the negative posters get you down:)

Friday, July 6, 2007, 9:54 AM

Shocked

I live in the UK and have just joined a couple of days ago. I would just like to say that I am really shocked at the comments regarding this post. I didn't realise the extent that racism still exists in America. Surely the whole point of this web-site is to encourage people in their struggles to lose weight? What's wrong with asking like-minded people to join your group? It makes sense to me to have three other people who can relate to your experience. I could understand the comments if the OP was recruiting for a team, but for a group, no.
I am of Afro-Caribbean extraction and for your information there are differences between the way my race and other races get on with Weight Watchers. I previously went to Weight Watchers with two Caucasian women over a period of several months. During this time, I noticed my hair started to fall out. I didn't worry too much about it because I have very thick hair. On a visit to my hairdresser, he noticed that my hair was shedding and he asked me if I was on a diet. When I told him that I was on Weight Watchers, he told me the diet was the reason why my hair was falling out, because it is low-fat, and I needed to add more fat to my diet, because of the nature of Afro-Caribbean hair. This shedding of hair only occurred while I was on Weight Watchers, it has never happened on diets higher in fat, and my two Caucasian friends were unaffected. So already I could give the OP information on Weight Watchers that directly concerned her race, although I do appreciate that this hair loss problem might possibly happen with other races.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 11:39 AM

hey, i live here in the US and the racism expressed on this thread is far more than i ever encounter in actual life. probably because it's all anonymous and it's not face-to-face. although i've never understood when people harbour their racism. personally, i am proud of my beliefs and stand up for them with conviction when challenged. although i am not a racist, i would appreciate if the topic was not swept under the carpet even though it (obviously) still runs rampant here in the land of opportunity. it's like people are ashamed of their racism or embarrassed by it. or maybe it's just not PC enough?

Friday, July 6, 2007, 11:49 AM

Hello. I am the 11.39 poster. I am glad to see from your comment that this thread is not a true reflection of life in America, because I will confess to you that I found it quite un-nerving. I know that racism exists just about everywhere, unfortunately, but when all is said and done we are all just the same flesh and blood. I just wish that people could learn to get along, but I despair that wish will ever come true in my lifetime.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 12:04 PM

12:04-- I don't agree that this thread isn't a true reflection. Just because people don't talk about it doesn't mean they don't think it. People are just very careful what they say aloud in mixed company. But there is still a lot of racism in this country, and a lot of heads in the sand who want to ignore it all.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 12:33 PM

honestly, i think the racist comments stem more from a feeling of having created "too much" equality between the races. taking steps to ensure that minorities are represented on school rosters, for example, leaves a bad taste in some folks' mouths. i think those who were not directly touched by slavery or who know nothing of being a refugee do not understand certain policies or allowances with respect to opening up opportunities for those who had none before. some people feel like, "hey! i didn't get a fair shake in life either, where's my scholarship?!" it's more of a selfish movement than a racist one when it plays out in the world. it's too bad that so much ignorance exists, but it's even worse that people hide it. it makes it that much more difficult to combat. this is, of course, just MY perception.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 12:36 PM

I'd challenge the assertion that this thread is racist, or that the tone of some of the comments are racist. People feel that things are not equal, as a result of affirmative action and quotas. Pure objectivity is a two way street. What did MLK say? "judge people by the content of their character not the color of their skin" - something like that.

I'd also argue that most people in this country are not "racist" per se, but that they hold strong biases in the areas of class and culture. It is pretty absurd to pre judge based simply on the color of ones skin. How one is dressed and how one speaks, will however determine what I think about that person- no matter what pigmentation.

I also think there is a lot of held back animosity broadly between black and white people. There is a lot of frustration on each "side" and I think you are seeing that come out on this thread. And that is not a bad thing. It is good to hear what people really think.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 2:28 PM

YOU DO NOT SUMMON THE NAME OF THE kkk TO HELP YOU MAKE A POINT ABOUT EQUALITY.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 2:36 PM

Wow...this thread blows me away. I get what the woman who started the thread was looking for. A sense of cultural understanding as she was making some big changes in her life. Facing the issue of overweight and making the changes to deal with it is big and complex. You need a range of people to support you as you bring about big changes in your life. I am in a variety of groups and teams and I show up differently in those teams based on how I perceive I will be seen and accepted.

I am a lesbian...and in one of the mixed teams I am out because I feel like it is OK...and it seems like there is acceptance as I write about my family life with my partner. I am in a GLBT team where I am very open about my life because I am with people who totally get the territory of my life. In two other teams I don't let it come up...everyone else is heterosexually married and it appears that I am single...I don't say this ...it's by ommision that people assume I am when the reality is I have been partnered for close to 30 years.

As we live out our lives there are cultural things you have to consider...losing weight involves the WHOLE person, all their history and their cultural context for living. Sometimes you have to find that mix. My guess is this woman is doing what many of us do here...we join multiple teams and groups. Sometimes you need that final piece of the puzzle...people who get that part of your story. It can be age, race, sexual orientation, a part of your history, or a passion you share. It can be a political orientation, or religious affiliation. It can be about your nation of origin. It can be about the amount of weight you need to lose....or the plan you wish to follow. The OP listed that information too...lots of groups are set up that way. She also listed her age.

As a caucasian woman, my race is a non-issue because I am part of the majority race in this country. I melt in and walk freely through lots of doors. I am sure there are things I don't understand on some basic gut level about being African American but let me tell you this I completely understand the need someone may have to meet with some African American group members as she faces the big challenge of weight loss.

PT would not be the same for me without the identified GLBT presence.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 6:00 PM

The comments made in this thread are just the tip of the iceberg of what REALLY goes on in America. Laws were put into place to prevent overt forms of discrimination, but that doesn't mean all Americans had a change of heart overnight. It's easier to create laws than it is to change people's beliefs. Many people grow up with these racist views and refuse to change. You may not experience it yourself or see it but it is there.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 6:09 PM

I completely agree with 6:09.
Everyone still has the beliefs, no matter if they show them or not. For instance, one of my best friends is the nicest person you will ever meet. But alone with me, she is the most racist person you could ever meet. Same goes for a lot of other people.

I also do not judge people based on skin or pigmentation. It is the way that people talk, dress, and behave that makes me judge them.

Friday, July 6, 2007, 9:18 PM

I am just disgusted!

A word to the racist (and all the others who share her views) who saw fit to use this forum as an opportunity to bring some of her confederate views from the other kkk websites she frequents: We aren’t members of those sites for a reason. Take your garbage back to the other sites from where you came----oh I’m sorry, your texts suggests that you may not be able to fully comprehend a clever response.

In sum, go back to the abyss (i.e. bottomless pit, hell…) from where you crawled. Leave this site to the people who are trying to lose weight in peace. This is a WEIGHT LOSS support site.

A note to the other members of this forum who are victims in all this: Unfortunately, people like to shoot off at the mouth on these forums because they are essentially anonymous. Our only recourse? Ignore the idiots, but I don’t like this B@t….

Friday, July 6, 2007, 11:41 PM

There are so many things I could say, but then I would be stooping to the level of some of you neanderthals.

I avoided this thread because I am hispanic, and I don't fit the criteria of what the op wanted in her group. There were so many posts, I was happy that she found support, or so I thought. I read this thread because I read the one about a hispanic group and someone mentioned this thread.

If you want an all white group, make it, what are you afraid of? Hurting the feelings of the people you discriminate against?

If I want to make a group of hispanic women, I can. We come from different places around the world and have different cultures. That being said, feel free to make an all Irish group.
You really need to grow up.

Saturday, July 7, 2007, 10:16 AM

Wow. As a Caucasian woman, I can't believe that so many of you jumped on the OP's attempt to relate to the struggles specific to a particular group. It never occurred to me that the OP had exclusion in mind. Sad, sad, sad.

Saturday, July 7, 2007, 3:52 PM

Just like 10:16, I hadn't opened this thread either until I had read the Hispanic thread and this thread was mentioned, saying there were a bunch of racists posting nonsense on here. Out of curiosity of what possible problems anyone could have with this thread, I read some of these posts.

I guess it just surprises me that so many of you are such assholes. Stupid ones, too, that apparently don't know much about race relations in the US or even some basic American history. Educate yourselves and then maybe you'll realize that the bullshit you're spewing out is completely and totally ridiculous.

To the OP: Good luck finding some ladies on here that aren't argumentative bitches to help you achieve your goals.

Saturday, July 7, 2007, 3:55 PM

Amen to that! I am a white sister saying go for OP!!! I cannot believe the insensitivity that was spewed in some of those comments. I couldn't read much of it. It is too much like every day life ... Let's keep working on supporting each other to have healthy and good lives.

OP... and the rest of you beautiful African American women - You Rock!

Saturday, July 7, 2007, 5:01 PM

While we should be able to post whatever on PT and start groups with people that we have things in common, race, religion, etc. One can expect to offend when you alienate yourself. I will never understand how it is okay for black people to either alienate themselves and/or poke fun at white people, but if roles are reversed all hell breaks loose. I'm glad that many people on PT recognize this and chose to post their grievances and thoughts on this thread.....perhaps by doing so it'll shed light on this hypocritical problem. BTW, I am a multi racial person and have struggled my whole life to fit in.

Sunday, July 8, 2007, 12:29 PM

To 12:29...yes it is difficult to be not mainstream in the US. But there is an important point to recognise that what you describe is not strictly an African American phenomenon. It happens in any subgroup where people have a history of not being respected by the major culture.

For example, at PT, you see groups of people that are organized around level of overweight and obesity. That is because there is a sense of kinship and safety that occurs in groupls who for example may be described as 100 pounds overweight. It is so diffcult to be in that place in the major culture...and I bet if you were a fly on the wall you would hear disparaging remarks made about thinner people who have been cruel (read the threads...loads of stories out there).

The race and culture comparason is not the same as a weight history but if you think about it you may begin to understand where the kind of anger you are describing comes from. The major draw for people who are looking for people with similar histories is a baseline of understanding so you can go on and communicate about other stuff. Basically, you feel understood around whatever has made it rough for you and you can feel some kind of unity and pride as you come together around a particular issue.

Have you ever thought about starting a group here for people to talk about being multi-racial? PT has groups for just about every possibility. You might find some comfort there.

I wish you peace and understanding around this.

Sunday, July 8, 2007, 1:56 PM

Think Like a Canadian

I'm sorry everyone, I don't want to say that Canada is better in any way than the states (its not we have our issues too), but really I don't even consider race any more. I have black friends, native indian friends, I even have a friend who is arabic and lived in Afganistan... and the funny part is, we all get along. Part of that, I think, is the fact that I have been TAUGHT not to see a difference. I know there are alot of people who haven't been taught this but just ignore them and move on. I don't think race, religous background or sex should be taken into consideration when forming a group, especially for something like weightloss. I have an oriental man in my one group and he is hillarious, I love reading his comments and his log! So the next time you see someone forming a group for say... Hispanics or orientals, just move on.

Sunday, July 8, 2007, 2:05 PM

It is natural for people to seek out their own kind. I live in NYC and here you will find areas of the city called "Little Italy", "Chinatown",etc. You will find neighborhoods where a lot of Caribbean, Jewish, Indian, Hispanics, Italians.....the list goes on, dominate. The great thing is people of all kinds shop and play in these neighborhoods with few problems.

12:29 - What if the roles were reversed and Whites alienated themselves and made fun of Blacks? Unbelievable!!!!!!!!

Darling, I'm making a guess that you have forgotten the tiny bit of info you were taught in Histroy. The roles were reversed for hundreds of years in this country. We were made fun of and degraded in all types of media. Always being portrayed as big lipped, bug eyed, lazy and stupid. Once upon a time we were considered property with NO rights. Sold to the highest bidder. WE were alienated by the rest of America, legally, with Jim Crow laws. So why is it a shock to you or anyone when Blacks want to create things that serve their community.

You say you are multi-racial but you appear to be as naive as someone who has no knowledge of the world and its people.

Sunday, July 8, 2007, 2:44 PM

I just don't understand why people say "I can't make an all-white group because all hell will break loose, but it's ok to make an all-black group", yet obviously it's not ok because all hell HAS broken loose. So, there is obviously no double standard here, since this poor woman's innocent thread has been flamed just like how you all assume yours would be.

We should stop posting on this thread so it goes away and people don't read this racist crap!

Sunday, July 8, 2007, 3:22 PM

All I have to say to 2:44 is TYPICAL.

Sunday, July 8, 2007, 9:10 PM

FYI: people from asian countries are properly referred to as "asian", not "oriental". things are described as oriental.

something that greatly upsets me about this thread is the fact that an open discussion does not seem possible, and a heated debate seems inevitable, when racism is the topic. so, let's just get on with the support we came here for and leave the debating to real life, when we're out in the real world, really living in the shadows of racism. we can make changes out there, but apparently not here.

Monday, July 9, 2007, 9:01 AM

I think everyone here is just really touchy about their own heritage, and some people are touchy about the racism they feel.
Canada is obviously a better place in every sense of the word, not only because people are encouraged to be more accepting, but because there is so much less poverty than here, and because every other system they have including healthcare, public transportation, and schooling is so much better. I think if we had all the good stuff, we wouldn't be so bitter. America Sucks. Everyone hates each other, and 2% of the people here make over 100K a year and assume control over everyone else. YEA, I SAID IT!

Monday, July 9, 2007, 3:42 PM

with that attitude, america can do without you. thanks for sharing.

Monday, July 9, 2007, 4:22 PM

:::part of the elite 2% and LOVING it:::

Monday, July 9, 2007, 9:06 PM

I wish people would stop comparing their country to America. Canada does not have the same history and therefore don't have the same problems or benefits. I'm Black and from another country and even with all it's problems I love it here. The grass is not always greener!

Monday, July 9, 2007, 10:00 PM

4:22:

Good for you, thanks for sharing. Go hire a personal trainer then, and get rid of your weight once and for all. What are you doing here? :)

10:00 - I'm not from America originally either, and I also value it very much, even with its problems. But recognizing those problems is what ultimately leads to their solutions, and that is what America is about - change, opportunity, and democracy. Comparing leads to good ideas and great change.
Coming from a place where democracy is not prevalent, I know what it's like to have no say in what happens in your country.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 12:26 PM

what you have to say is irrelevant anyway, so what difference does it make where you live or come from?

Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 12:33 PM

Play Nice!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 7:59 PM

12:01 and the rest of the idiotic, ignorant, bigoted, absolutely absurd posts on this thread repulse me. I'm not sure why i opened it, but it makes me sick that people are so prejudiced without even realizing it. The recent supreme court decision over segregation in Seattle and kentucky schools is a glaring example of this. Hard not to get demoralized when the majority of our country is filled with morons.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007, 11:21 PM

11:21 -
I don't think that these people don't realize they are racist. I think they know it very well.

Thursday, July 12, 2007, 1:16 PM

they probably think they're guilty of stereotyping...

Thursday, July 12, 2007, 1:20 PM

joining weight watchers

hello ladies, I plan on joining weight watchers on Thursday sept 1st 2011 there is one near my home in Phila. I would like to lose 60 lbs and I am asking for support from anyone on this mission to lose weight like myself I would appreicate if you would share with me any good healthy recipes , along with other health tips on loseing weight, and I sure will do the same, I will come back on here on Friday the day after I join just to share that I joined,
ladies there is no need to fight it don't matter if your black or white, lets all be positive and there for one another lets be encouraging and not fight each another, but be positive and stay focused on the goals we are about to achieve so we can all lose weight and be happy and help others believe : )

Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 1:10 AM

joining weight watchers correction

correction: it ws suppose to say " not fight each other"

Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 1:14 AM

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