The new ABC Family show “HUGE” — what do you think?
When I think back to my own junior high / high school (and heck even elementary school) experiences as a chubby chic, nothing positive ever comes to mind. There are a lot of memories of being teased and humiliated. I don’t recall ever being picked *first* in gym class. And I remember constantly comparing myself to my peers (especially in junior high / high school).
I was insecure back then. I had a personality, opinions, talents and the whole shebang but felt inadequate when compared to my peers. I was constantly judged harshly on my appearance. And those judgments seemed to seep over into other areas of my academic career. Not only did I never feel pretty enough… I also never felt smart enough or good enough.
I found drama. It seemed to be the only place where I could let go and be someone else. Because I sure as heck didn’t like being me.
Here I am almost 12 years out of high school and one show has produced a spark within me that has brought a lot of those memories and issues back.
Which show am I referring to?
Well… ABC Family’s “Huge”, starring Nicki Blonsky and Haley Hasselhoff.
Where do I begin? I am almost 30 and I love this show! Having been heavy during my school years, I find that I can relate to most-if-not-all of the characters. This week’s episode touched on the horrors of gym (just slightly).
It is kind of refreshing to see a show on television that kind of mirrors what it is like growing up with body images, unaccepting parents and peers and all of the angsty confusion that goes along with it. These characters *want* acceptance and *want* to like themselves… but find that they can’t because they can’t get past the weight thing. It is really refreshing to get a point of view from the male characters as well. We always hear ad nauseam about the weight issues of girls and women. So in my opinion it is refreshing to have a male perspective as well!
Gawd how I remember those years!
Have you seen the show?
Posted in Weighty matters on television
I’ve got to see this show.
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i haven’t seen it, i will have to catch it on hulu. I will let you know what I think after that! I know I’ve been MIA, I just wanted to say Hi and I hope you are doing great
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I watched episode 1 on abcfamily.com over the weekend and saw last night’s episode. Was that only the 2nd episode or did I miss more?
I love this show.
Although nobody could tell by looking at me now, I was a skinny, scrawny, flat-chested girl in high school. Now I am 275 lbs so it’s difficult for people (including myself most days) to believe it. Mean kids would call me “Anorexia Annie” and “ironing board” and “TW” (titless wonder). I ate plenty. I guess when my metabolism evened out, I didn’t adjust my eating or exercise habits. At least not in the right direction. So, 20+ years later, I’m HUGE. I wonder nowadays if these “mean kids” thought that I had it made because I was thin. I have come to the conclusion that people will find a reason to pick on or victimize others, no matter what. Especially somebody who is sensitive and therefore an easy target. I think of that when I watch HUGE and wonder, if these people got thin and still had crappy family situations, would they realize it wasn’t the fat that made them victims, but there lack of self-respect?
I love the show so far and can’t wait for more. Love Wil and her basketball. Love to find out more about the camp leader and her father. Can’t wait to meet HER mother on the show. Loved the “Dodsons” this week and hope to find out more about Dani. I hope they get more to the root of the binge-eating and send some positive messages out there into the world. I’m excited about this show. Can you tell? lol
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I haven’t watched it but think maybe tomorrow I’ll try to watch and episode online.
What is the point of the show? does it promote obesity as an acceptance thing? or does it address the dangers/risks of it? or is it just about what it’s like to be a heavy kid and shows their feelings? I JUST heard about this show this past weekend and haven’t really looked into it yet.
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I haven’t seen the show… I’ll have to check it out!
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I wanted to love it.
I made it through about FIVE minutes.
I adored the book and for some reason felt the show was … good not great?
I shall try again
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I watched it online after I read this…and it’s my new favorite show.
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I haven’t seen this show yet. But I have set my Tivo now it sounds like it is really good.
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I TIVO this show and I really like it. I think its charming and funny and sad. Its one of my summer faves!
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I haven’t seen it yet. Don’t have cable/sattelite at home anymore so will have to watch online.
I remember the “katie fat” comments of junior high. There was one dude who never referred to me by name but always added “fat” to it. Ugh. I still have nightmares about that.
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Hi Kellie!
This is interesting to me because I was the short kid growing up. Always the last picked for team sports, teased and bullied too. It hurt. I refused to let it stop or define me, nor did I turn on others when I got higher on the food chain. It the way the world is, not a good thing, but we all can be the change we would like to see. If enough people would do that, a lot fewer kids would be crying because of the cruelty from others.
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K Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I agree with you that we shouldn’t let our past “teasings” or “bullyings” define us. However, to some degree we do carry that experience with us on the inside and it can have a lasting effect on how we view ourselves.
As with any hugely negative or mortifying experience in our lives, sometimes it takes a lot of strength, courage, tears, etc. to get over it. Also… I think for some of us the degree of bullying and teasing went beyond just the name calling.
I’m not saying that we should allow those things to shape us in a negative way. For sure we need to “cowboy/cowgirl up” and get over it. I am saying however, that sometimes it takes a lot to get to a better place.
Thank you for the comment!! As always Dr. J, I value your infinite wisdom and insight!!
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