I need advice about what to say to my professor

[krystalego]

Hello Fatshionista! I am posting here since I have no fat friends to discuss this with, and because you all seem so supportive and have great advice. This morning my persuasive writing class had a discussion that really bothered me. I want to somehow tell my professor about how the discussion made me feel, but I don't know how to approach it.

Comments

[panda_parfait]

If there is a school counselor you could always go talk to them first and the two of you can work out some kind of plan on how to bring this up to your professor in the best way. Or they can even talk to your professor.

[panda_parfait]

To add on- that discussion sounds incredibly inappropriate though and your professor shouldn't have made that comment. I'm sorry it happened. :(

[mapmakerscolors]

Yes, this is a good suggestion. I believe my college (also small, and discussion based) actually has an employee on hand for impartial arbitration. If not that, consider contacting the counseling center or your class dean or even a professor you are close to, someone else who might be able to give some specific guidance/feedback on your approach.

[midnight_lotus]

Compose a letter, and give it to her.

[bonnycate]

This is maybe not helpful (I am awful at talking out my problems and hurts with anyone but myself), but...it sounds like an interesting essay topic. I don't mean "obesity is bad; obese people are a drain on society," like your classmates were framing it (ugh) - flip it on its head for a fat-friendly approach like, the individual's responsibility is to be concerned with hir own damn self/health and not be so freaking obsessed with all the fatties. :P Maybe your prof will get the picture.

[gypsy_kitty]

*Like*

[luscious_words]

*nods* I like this thought.

[emilina23]

i can't believe your professor made that comment. it's completely insensitive and very unprofessional. i always find it helpful to write when i feel upset about something, whether it's in email or actual pen on paper it always makes me feel better. i would write about it first, without thinking about composing it for your professor. just write for yourself and then from that, compose a letter/email to her. i think either a letter or an e-mail would be okay.

[pullthestars]

Gads, that sucks! I definitely think you ought to bring this to your prof's attention, letting him know that yeah, the 'jokes' about sending fat people off to die really aren't funny.

I do think that this would be a prime opportunity to present a view from the other side. Is there a possibility of more group discussion? If so, I think that you ought to speak out and help educate these people on the topic. Maybe you can work with your prof and have a class dedicated to the topic. Saying something like, "This is something that affects my life, all day, every day. Here is what is like.", and include something on how society's view of obese people can be terribly damaging.