I recently watched a video (click me for link) that discribes a book written by Paul Kramer. Basically it's about this young girl (14 if I remember right) that is bullied at school because she is "fat". She is unpopular, and feels depressed--which causes her to eat more food. Maggie ends up becoming motivated to lose weight, and after she loses the weight she becomes popular...and everyone loves her.
Do I even need to explain why this book is just awful? Oh, and before I go any further, Paul Kramer is not exactly slim or even a "little over weight" (to put it nicely). All this book does is perpetuate children's obsession with looks and popularity--neither of which are conductive of good mental health. It's sad to think that many many children will be influenced by this piece of garbage. Paul Kramer should be ashamed of himself. All this book will do is make overweight children even more depressed about their situation. He claims that his book will empower overweight children because they will see that "they are no alone" (which is complete BS). A person's weight is a personal issue--it surely isn't a concern for others (except for maybe a doctor or parent). Weight should only be considered a health issue, it never should be considered a social issue. The bullying nature of this book and of literal bullies is a very harmful force. The logical method is to utilize productive encouragement, not attacking the self-esteem of a child.
Sadly to say, this world is not a good environment to be raising children. I'm hoping that people start to wake up, but as they say: it will get worse before it gets better.
Do I even need to explain why this book is just awful? Oh, and before I go any further, Paul Kramer is not exactly slim or even a "little over weight" (to put it nicely). All this book does is perpetuate children's obsession with looks and popularity--neither of which are conductive of good mental health. It's sad to think that many many children will be influenced by this piece of garbage. Paul Kramer should be ashamed of himself. All this book will do is make overweight children even more depressed about their situation. He claims that his book will empower overweight children because they will see that "they are no alone" (which is complete BS). A person's weight is a personal issue--it surely isn't a concern for others (except for maybe a doctor or parent). Weight should only be considered a health issue, it never should be considered a social issue. The bullying nature of this book and of literal bullies is a very harmful force. The logical method is to utilize productive encouragement, not attacking the self-esteem of a child.
Sadly to say, this world is not a good environment to be raising children. I'm hoping that people start to wake up, but as they say: it will get worse before it gets better.
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