Are Fat TV Shows Empowering or Exploitative?

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I agree with author, why should we all think fat is ok. it isnt healthy. i also agree being big is one thing but fat is another. There are some medical reason some people may be overweight but for the most part it is simple being lazy and enjoying food a little to much, like an alcoholic to booze. It isnt something to think about lightly but we shouldnt think it is ok.

jeff of LA 5:21AM August 27, 2009

They have no meaning. They are of no value.

Todd of PA 9:51AM July 30, 2009

I decided to view Ms. Erbe's archive to see if all of her articles were as poorly reasoned as that disastrous Erin Andrews column, which is being cirulated on Deadspin. Looks like we're 2 for 2...
Anyone noticing a trend here, where this author grabs a hot-button issue, pretends to carry the flag for it, and then completely insults the subject she was trying to defend by revealing her own biases and prejudices?
How was Roseanne a show about BEING fat? Roseanne Barr (Arnold) was the star of that show. She happened to be overweight. There may have a been references to that fact during the course of the show, but it was a comedy show about families, not about "Hey, look at how fat I am." The show ran for 9 years because it was funny, not because people were "fascinated with fat."
Was Oprah only successful because people like to exploit obesity? Good lord.
FAIL.

TheTruth of MN 4:44PM July 29, 2009

Exploitative much like olden day traveling circus shows bearded lady , midget ,

jack of NY 2:28AM July 29, 2009

They're exploitative.
Stupid question.
Now turn off the television and get some exercise.

Bob of VA 5:45PM July 28, 2009

ought to be laughing at something on TV that is supposed to somehow be funny just because of the fat part---unless perhaps it's people only "made-up" to be fat (like "The Wide-Ends" sketches of Saturday Night Live three decades ago. They were so over-the-top pillowed as to be hilarious, because we all knew they were make believe.)
But too many people have too many real struggles with weight. The real ones are not jokes.

Muser of NM 4:26PM July 28, 2009