The only thing I have to contribute is that I've noticed that making fun of people is often assumed to have a hateful undercurrent that isn't necessarily there. I mean, the two often go hand in hand, I'm not denying that, but it's really not necessary to hate someone or have contempt for them in order to find their appearance humorous. I feel like that assumption is a little bit too automatic, on both sides.
And if you are chiding others for their cruelty, do you not ever laugh at the appearance of another? Really, never? We are all human, and it would be good for each side of this issue to come to understand the other a bit better.
"Why do you think that's funny?" is a good question for someone who laughs at fat people out of hatred and self-superiority. For someone who is just laughing, though, there is no answer. The effect of explaining a joke is well-understood.
And if you are chiding others for their cruelty, do you not ever laugh at the appearance of another? Really, never? We are all human, and it would be good for each side of this issue to come to understand the other a bit better.
"Why do you think that's funny?" is a good question for someone who laughs at fat people out of hatred and self-superiority. For someone who is just laughing, though, there is no answer. The effect of explaining a joke is well-understood.