Blanche Devereaux & Fat Shaming- St. Olaf News #4

Blanche Devereaux has always valued her appearance, and those around her. Her devastating good looks is something she is proud of, while also using her feelings about weight and appearance to judge others. When her daughter Becky comes to visit after 4 years of not speaking, Blanche (and Sophia) waste no time bringing up her weight. And her boyfriend Jeremy doesn't stop it- he does it too!
This St. Olaf News deals with Fat Shaming in The Golden Girls world, particularly Blanche nd her daughter Becky.
Please note, we are only dealing with the topic inside of THIS episode. We know there is a larger conversation about the topic for the overall show.
Blanche's Little Girl (S3 E14)
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We launched in 2015. Stay Golden is the only Golden Girls inspired channel out there. The Golden Girls continues to bring joy, comfort, acceptance, life lessons, laughter, and representation to its fans and audiences. We take those elements of the Girls and mix it with our favorite pop culture politics, reviews, essays, mashups, DIY and more! You can be a mega fan stooped in St. Olaf stories or a gal enjoying Dorothy’s comebacks, all are welcome here! (and we showcase our other loves here too!)
Courtney Antonioli
In 2017 her solo-show, “18 days. 48 girls.” earned NYC’s Off-Broadway Frigid Festival Audience Choice Award for best show and she performs all around New York City. Her storytelling has been featured on The Moth Radio Hour and Podcast and one of Conde Nests stories of the year 2018. She hosts a sold out Golden Girls Bingo at Housing Works Bookstore & Café- the only interactive game of its kind. Her writing can be found in Grok Nation, Gold Comedy, Nerdist and The A.V. Club and more.
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Videos are scripted, edited, and produced by Courtney Antonioli. Videos can use the likeness, sound, and clips and images from copyrighted materials. We transform from their original intended purpose to make new, enjoyable videos.

[@kartavianmacrath7219]

Dorothy's "Not everything, Jeremy" is one of my favorite lines from that episode and a runner for the whole series

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I agree with you on that.

[@ShawnBen]

Dorothy has a low tolerance for bulls**t. I like the fact she wanted to break her foot off in his a**!

[@Fatima502]

Yes, for me it's above even "So is Blanche" and "Rose, play or die"

[@BeeWhistler]

So smooth, too. Even he started to suspect what she meant.

[@Christina-us9gw]

@ fatima502 who the hell days thrice? I liked

[@SNOWQueen87-v1g]

Dorothy is the only one who stood up for Rebecca.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

It is true she is the only one. Rose also had the one comment, when Becky entered the house for the first time, and it was technically a more matter of fact statement and not meant as a dig, though still not okay

[@SNOWQueen87-v1g]

@@StayGoldenGirls I agree. I think Blanche shouldve stood up for Rebecca.

[@KQuinn672]

Ikr even tho just a show it happens! I can't believe the writers had blanche and Sophia being cruel😨

[@ironfromice]

@@KQuinn672 Sophie is cruel to everyone. That's just Sophia, she doesn't mean anything by it.

[@Fatima502]

And the only one who didn't refer to her weight

[@MsMrReason]

I think Dorothy can relate the most and see toxic relationships one because she is a teacher - so you can spot a bully and secondly she is the one teased most about her appearance by the girls, mom, strangers and ex husband. Lots of the jokes thrown at Dorothy do concern her looks but she can give as goodas she gets but Blache's daughter is not fighting back or standing up for herself so it is abuse. Fat jokes are often thrown at Blanche but that is normally banter and shade

[@StayGoldenGirls]

It is true that fat shaming happens a lot throughout the episode in general, they all do it to each other in some fashion at different points. Dorothy often is the recipient, though she gives it out too. Blanche being the most obsessed with physical appearance makes sense that this revolves around her and her ddaughter.

[@jmcs7234]

@@StayGoldenGirls that is the only thing I didn't like about the Golden Girls! The bashing toward oneanother.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

They do bash unfortunately. I hear you. It can get kinda mean, especially Sophia in later seasons.

[@LisaKoffler]

Shaming of ANY kind is toxic! ALL 4 Golden Girls were victims of abuse, and when Rebecca became one, they ALL stood up for her!

[@Moyaiville_Productions]

​​@@StayGoldenGirlsSophia just got worse and worse throughout the show. Dorothy in later seasons became a real target as well of the targeted commentary. Rose's thing was usually because of her being naive and we already know Blanche's thing was being very active in her sexuality/dating.

[@MsMrReason]

I love Dorothy as she is the only one that does not throw shade as an insult, It is either out of love or when someone has proved to be a real jerk and so she comes out fighting

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Yes, like with Rex, Dorothy is the main source of not participating and standing up.

[@MeatisMagic256]

Dorothy has been beaten up about her height her whole life. She can't hurt anyone else for looks.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Well in this episode she doesn't beat up on anyone but I think the whole series each girl has moments of doing weight or looks jokes at another.

[@LisaKoffler]

Dorothy was a victim of abuse herself, and she wanted to beat up Jeremy, but she was held back! As for Rex, she was stunned when he grabbed her arm!

[@bettyjames4155]

We should all strive to be a Dorothy. After all, we all have our flaws and imperfections. Any time is a good time to stand up to bullies.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Anytime indeed! Hear hear.

[@MsMrReason]

however people like Dorothy can often be seem as Kiljoys at the time- it is only on reflection is she seen as a hero

[@LisaKoffler]

Dorothy lived in New York City, so I think part of her toughness came from that experience!

[@bettyjames4155]

@@LisaKoffler Very true

[@TD-sw3kv]

We should all be so lucky to have a DZ in our corner when we need her.

[@nujeru99]

I absolutely DETEST this episode, I always skip over it. It wasn’t just the fat shaming from the butthole Jeremy, but also from Sophia and Rose (for which she never apologized). I LOVE how Dorothy was ready to knock Jeremy’s lights out in the kitchen

[@StayGoldenGirls]

It is a rough episode to watch. Especially many times in a row to make this video. Sophia and Blanche were just as terrible, for sure. The episode tries to make it that we all really our dislike against Jeremy, but they are terrible too. Dorothy also should have stopped her mother. I think it's an episode that can be learned from.

[@funkycrawler619]

In hindsight after rewatching- it shows many things. 1. It shows that going through this kind of emotional abuse makes you think that it is normal and a sign of affection when it isn't. (2) While not right, Sofia being from an older generation viewing this form of language as acceptable is one that needs to be condemended more that age isn't an excuse (3) Rose being more slow on the uptake than others may not realize the harm she is doing and it is important to say that. Basically, fuck Jeremy (wholeheartedly) but be a Dorothy and call out a Sophia/Rose/Blanche.

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

I like the episode. I used to have problems with weight and it had a great impact on my self-esteem. I like how this episode handles the issue: it's not about getting fat, it's about what being fat does to your mind. And it's no help having people around you who superficially say "you're perfect the way you are" but none of them would get involved with you, be it as a friend who tells you the bitter truth risking harming the friendship, be it a romantic involvement...

[@LisaKoffler]

Don't forget that Blanche wanted to pour hot coffee down Jeremy's pants!

[@denntit]

i believe as a loyal GG fan myself, i would like to share my thoughts. we have to remind ourselves that this episode serves up a couple of lessons. 1. just like everyone, blanche's character is far from perfect. she is superficial, judgmental, self-centered but the saving grace is she remains loyal and accommodating to her friends 2. by making the first move to expose how fat-shaming looks like especially during the 80s-90s, this episode reflects the need for everyone to be like dorothy and stand up against bad behavior 3. by watching this again and again would also help in reminding ourselves that jokes aside, we need approach sensitive issues with a lot more grace and understanding

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you taking the time to share. Important observations.

[@ShawnBen]

Everyone with weight problems deserve grace. This could be genetic. Some people have illnesses that cause weight loss or gain. Everyone isn't meant to be big and everyone isn't meant to be thin.

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

It gets deeper. The main problem is not fat shaming, the deeper issue here is that fake body positivity leads nowhere. The girl says "I'm happy the way I am" but when it gets to her engagement, she admits that she believes, nobody except for an abusive jerk would look at her. Her self-esteem is crushed, she sees no value in herself.

[@LisaKoffler]

It doesn't matter WHICH time period you come from, because only times change, people don't!

[@Th3On3Y0uW4nt]

I didn't detest this episode because Golden Girls is a show that lived to call out some of the most taboo subjects of the time, "fat-shaming", immigration, and homophobia being some of the major ones. This was a difficult episode to watch, but it was one that highlighted a norm in society. This is how society treats big people and this episode shows that even those closest to you aren't immune from making tasteless jokes. And this is coming from someone who has been big all of his adulthood thus far.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that. We differ in that I believe this episode was not trying to bring the subject to light in the way other episodes like with Rex and emotional abuse, Brother can You Spare ..., 72 Hours and such. I think this one didn't really take a stand against it all that well. I think it did a little with Dorothy to Jeremy, but not to the other culprits. And I feel this episode can be used to, as you say, show how society is treating this issue and people.

[@Th3On3Y0uW4nt]

@@StayGoldenGirls But if we are going to be honest, Blanche was never really held accountable for any of her misguided views. Yes, she was given advice on it by Dorothy a lot, but overall she has just always been mean and shady to those living outside of her delusions of grandeur. That being said, I absolutely understand where you are coming from!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I agree. I'm dealing with strictly the episode, on a show wide basis absolutely no accountable and each girl does at one point criticize another in a bully way.

[@LisaKoffler]

ALL people have their own ideas on how people should be in society, and they get shamed for ANYTHING that isn't "perfect," and it's absolutely disgusting!

[@lilsept77]

Let us not forget the cases on the opposite, the instances where underweight people suffer the same abuse as overweight people, especially women who are being criticized/bullied for being too thin.

[@Nola5427]

I Love when Dorthy puts him in his place.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Me too!!

[@KQuinn672]

Was mad at blanche for stopping her😡

[@LisaKoffler]

That's one of Dorothy's specialties!

[@MichelleMonet15]

I often wonder why this episode is the only one referenced in regards to fat shaming yet they did the same thing to Blanche's old classmate, Ham, the one who refused to sleep with her lol. They made all kinds of fat jokes about him but I notice fans tend to only remember the fat jokes made about Becky. Just an observation.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I agree about Ham, and also it happens a lot throughout the series with each of the girls towards one another, I think the degree to which is happens to Becky and the number of people doing it is notable

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

There was an episode about blanche trying to fit into her bathing suit and dorothy said I would be surprised if you could cut it off

[@susanc4622]

Yes, fat men are also mocked.

[@55hivealive3]

Because the perceived patriarchy and toxic masculinity (which is a made up term, it doesn't exist) is a myth. Feminist like to play the victim, but it's men who are mostly dumped on.

[@Reshme77]

@@55hivealive3 you are new to earth I guess

[@SNOWQueen87-v1g]

Yes I know this is only a show but if I was Blanche I would've put Sophia in check real quick. Sometimes Sophia talks too much. I also would put Jeremy in check real quick too.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that, but I do think it is important for representation and how pop culture influences our real world. Sadly, Blanche was just as culpable as Sophia and Jeremy in the way she talked about her daughter's weight. It may not have been as cruel, but still damaging.

[@SNOWQueen87-v1g]

@@StayGoldenGirls True. I didn't see any problem with the way she looked. Not everyone is meant to be skinny.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Our bodies are all different for sure. And that's okay

[@santoshuamannn]

@@StayGoldenGirls ,She looked perfectly fine to me, Sophia and rose were in the wrong but Jeremy tho gave me the bad vide since they opened the door for him and when he made fun of her before dinner if I was there that dinner would’ve been all sorts of messed up, if you love someone you don’t treat them like that. Everyone is special and loved in their own way

[@tilly3851]

Its usually normal for older generation to be making comments about weight so its kind of realistic in here

[@SNOWQueen87-v1g]

I didn't like the way they talked about Rebecca. I thought it was harsh. Jeremy was a jerk to Rebecca.

[@MsMrReason]

Because of the high expectations set for her when she fell off the pedestal she just gave up and settled for anybody,

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Jeremy was a jerk to her and he was allowed to get away with it. And sadly too many of the people in the episode made remarks about her weight and we never get to know anything about Rebecca beyond that!

[@SNOWQueen87-v1g]

@@StayGoldenGirls Agreed. They dropped the storyline on the next season.

[@LisaKoffler]

Rebecca didn't think she had a lot of choices because of her weight, and that's extremely common! Many people get married to the first people who ask them, because they don't think they'll get another chance, and she lets her mother know that! Thankfully, she came to her senses on the way to the airport, and she dumped that asshole!

[@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254]

I really find it poetic that Dorothy, who stood up for Rebecca and mentored Blanche's grandson, became their Aunt

[@StayGoldenGirls]

;)

[@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254]

@@StayGoldenGirls I also see this episode as evidence of "Pretty Privilege" and "Thin Privilege"; also to dig into Sophia's clearly disturbing childhood in Sicily for why she can be unkind.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I see

[@mariastewart9820]

​@@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254 I wonder how her childhood was ! Does it ever go into detail about it ?

[@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254]

​@@mariastewart9820Just listen to Sophia talk about Sicily

[@荒巻正男]

It's just a show yes but seeing a sweet girl like Rebecca being treated like this, especially by that creep, God...

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear that.

[@LisaKoffler]

It doesn't matter whether it's real life or make-believe! It's STILL wrong!

[@justmerosie]

Also sad that Dorothy was more ready to stand up for Rebecca than Blanche was. She was about to explode on Jeremy, and Blanche just basically shushed her and left with them. She should have just let Dorothy yell at Jeremy or better yet, yell at him herself.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Absolutely

[@LisaKoffler]

Blanche told Rebecca she held her tongue for 2 whole weeks! I agree that Dorothy should have been allowed to yell at Jeremy, and I'm sure Rebecca did when she dumped him!

[@bleehh]

Ugh this hit too close to home. I've struggled with weight my entire life, lost count of how many times I've heard comments about it. People just assume I'm lazy or eat too much and suddenly, they're all doctors. "It's just not healthy, that's the only reason I care." No, it's not. Because if that were true those people would approach smokers, everyone who drinks alcohol and workaholics too, but they don't. It's also none of their business. When I entered my teen-years I was able to lose almost 50 pounds (in a healthy way) and was finally in an appropriate weight range for my height, then I was _forced_ to take antidepressants that messed up my whole metabolism. I gained back the pounds and now I can't lose any, no matter what I try. And yet people think they're in any position to judge me or to call me names - they all just assume, no one asks. So thank you for shedding light on this topic. It gets ignored way too often.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Thank you so much for taking the time out to watch the video and share with us. It can be difficult to share that kind of experience with strangers. I am sorry to hear about your experience with the way people assume and treat you based off things that are none of their business. I hear you also about the medication, they can have a really tough effect on the body and that is no doubt frustrating and upsetting for you.

[@KQuinn672]

So sorry you've been hurt 🥺

[@LisaKoffler]

UGH! I know exactly what you mean! I developed obesity as an adult from overeating, and my thyroid slowed down, along with going through menopause! I've changed my eating habits in more ways than I can remember, and I'm STILL fat! People shouldn't assume anything, because obesity is NOT just caused by overeating!

[@bleehh]

@@LisaKoffler I'm sorry you're struggling! I really hope you'll find something that works for you. People also don't understand that not everything works for everyone. And a little update: I've since been able to lose 35 pounds! Changing my sleeping habits helped and I started eating more often. Meaning 3-5 times a day, but only small portions. For me personally that's what works the best. But I have to admit that I lost the first few pounds by not eating at all out of grief when my mother died. So idk if that kickstarted it. I don't want to promote unhealthy behaviors, but I could imagine that those weeks of barely eating cleansed my body in a way that allowed it to readjust again after the meds destroyed it. I'm sure there are healthy alternatives to this.

[@LisaKoffler]

Feli Smith, thank you! I'm getting therapy, and it helps! I'm also doing research to learn about the different alternatives, and I'll hopefully find one that works for me!

[@MattJr4793]

it surprises me NBC allowed this to air with everything said because I doubt it would today

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I am not a fan of saying the "back then" as an excuse, in this instance I think it's true. The culture of the time wasn't caring or focus on that humor situation as degrading. Should it have been that bad? No. I don't think it was a priority of the time.

[@ShawnBen]

People were allowed to be despicable in the 80's . They were all about image. For example everyone looked like models instead of actual people. Meaning if you didn't fit their beauty standards, you got bullied. I have experienced such as a child and as an adult. If you got included in school without being popular it's because they were made to included you. Nowadays in wokeland you can't excluded anyone for any reason.

[@ShawnBen]

People didn't get canceled for hurting others feelings.

[@LisaKoffler]

It's now the 21st Century, and only times change, people don't!

[@StealthMode3924]

On one hand I understand Blanche wanting her daughter to lose weight and be healthy, but she went about it the wrong way.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I understand

[@LisaKoffler]

She steered her daughter away from the cheesecake, because it's "junk food!" They went for a walk instead!

[@StealthMode3924]

@@LisaKoffler that one was different, it was the “I love every last pound of you! How much am I loving, exactly?” That was a bit insensitive.

[@LisaKoffler]

Stealth Mode, I know what you mean! I still remember when Rebecca complained to Jeremy about not saying anything about her outfit, and that it wasn't very nice! He told her he was being nice, that's why he didn't say anything! I thought that was more cruel than insensitive!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

It was insensitive and not okay

[@ashleyklotz3762]

Mad props for putting in what "fat shaming" and other bullying is and how serious it is right now... that needs to be put out there This one means a lot C, thanks

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch it and share. I agree an important topic and shows do influence, I believe, culture and the way people behave and see things. So let's use it.

[@ashleyklotz3762]

@@StayGoldenGirls especially in America because we really are an obese country, people have always been mean about it but with the cyber bullying now and social media, it's just so bad right now, theres enough hate without adding to the pot

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that

[@LisaKoffler]

Bullying of ANY kind is NEVER right! Rex was worse than Jeremy!

[@Isabella2335.]

I would rather be a Dorothy. She is really the only one who stood up for Rebecca..

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Agreed

[@LisaKoffler]

Dorothy also told Barbara Thorndyke to "Go to Hell!"

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Sure did!!

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

Society has created what people should look like. With rebecca being overweight what is wrong with that? The guy is such an ass when he ridicules and harasses her

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Unfortunately too many people in this episode bully Becky

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

Society didn't create human body. Being morbidly obese is a serious danger and a major factor of several diseases which can lead to premature death. Stop the phrases please, it's not helping anybody. Body positivity doesn't prevent heart attack or diabetes.

[@LisaKoffler]

Rebecca NEVER deserved to be abused, just because of her weight! God Himself decides what people look like, while society itself creates what they think people SHOULD look like, and it's absolutely disgusting! Guys like Jeremy deserve to have their asses kicked in MORE ways than one!

[@kleeamd8274]

Society has NOT created what people should look like. The human body is not meant to be obese. Why do you think so many health problems are associated with being overweight? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country I recommend that you view old home movies of Disneyland from the 50's, 60's and 70's that people post. Then compare them to home videos of Disneyland from recent years. It will become painfully obvious that in the home movies from decades ago, it's practically impossible to find obese people walking around the parks. Then watch the home movies from recent years, almost everyone looks overweight and unhealthy.

[@kleeamd8274]

Is it righr to ridicule people who are overweight? No, of course not. But we shouldn't lie to ourselves by saying society creates what people should look like, because it's obvious that being overweight has very negative effects on the human body

[@toddbeaton1512]

the golden girls are so amazing

[@StayGoldenGirls]

:)

[@LisaKoffler]

I love them, too!

[@vl6468]

Get over yourself, it’s a comedy….laugh….

[@StayGoldenGirls]

You do you

[@LisaKoffler]

I laughed when Blanche said she wanted to pour hot coffee down Jeremy's pants!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Amusing line indeed

[@sheerayb]

Dear Cancel-Generation: The purpose of this episode is to model how NOT to behave and to show warning signs of an abusive relationship. More often than not, Blanche is the one who shows the negative-judgemental side, and Dorothy shows the positive-open minded side. It's a learning opportunity, not something to be called out.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Going to disagree with you that the episodes main intention was to be a model of discouraging fat shaming. It's first intention is to be funny, shows of that era are not the same as now. Yes, it does show terrible behavior, but I don't agree it's a model. And no one said anything about cancelling anything. It was used in this manner to talk about an important issue .. which is the opposite of cancellations

[@sheerayb]

@@StayGoldenGirls was actually talking about the other commenters re the cancelation thing. But actually, a very big part of this show was tackling taboo topics. Even the notion that women in their 50s (not to mention 80s) could be viewed as singles living vibrant social lives and being sexually active, was completely unheard of. They were very careful to pick writers who could get across the messages they were going for in an entertaining way, and Susan Harris was deemed the only one who could create these characters. They were leaps and bounds ahead of their time, so I find it very unfair to judge this show by 2022 standards.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I know that about the show that is true. I don't believe this episode is them tackling a taboo subject. I think it is okay to discuss shortcomings even for a show that did try and have meaningful, representing characters and storylines. And sometimes they got it wrong. Perhaps certain topics always should have been handled better can can be true, we should have always had that standard

[@sheerayb]

@@StayGoldenGirls I guess our disagreement is about whether or not it was intentional, and also whether or not we can judge a show from over 35 years ago by today's standards.

[@LisaKoffler]

The purpose of this episode is to teach how NOT to behave in the case of BOTH obesity and dating abuse! They BOTH need to be called out!

[@petrusmya]

This was hard to watch, I love this show but damn ouch!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that. It is a show to love and has absolutely many positive qualities, characters, messages and representation. This episode, however, they got wrong.

[@staceyclark5020]

@@StayGoldenGirls I agree! This episode was always my least favorite, the fat jokes made me cringe. I was heavy growing up so the fat jokes on this episode... just really bothered me how Becky was treated, especially by the other girls.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I am sorry to hear that this show negatively affected you in that way.

[@petrusmya]

I truly wanna know what was the purpose of this episode, it can’t just be entertainment purposes only could it?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I think it was. Like 72 Hours or Ain't It Romantic, as examples of even Brother Can You Spare A Jacket, those were meant as constructive. You could tell the overt purpose of representation and highlighting an issue, taking a stance. This episode does not. It was td you to dislike Jeremy, but it doesn't judge the others for the fat shaming and no one actually really stops it or says no.

[@ds2465]

I personally love this episode, however I think if they would have kept the same Actresses and kept Becky fat, then the episode would have aged better because we could have grown with the character. Or, if they would have made one episode in which Blanche has a fat and proud daughter, and another one in which she has a skinny daughter being abused, then it would be fine. I can understand while for one, the combination of all the fat jokes plus the abuse is a bit much. But, I am not going to lie, I love a good fat joke and this episode does not disappoint.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that. It def could have been approached different and it could have lessened the totality of it

[@LisaKoffler]

There's NO such thing as "a good fat joke!" ALL fat jokes are cruel! Maybe the "fat" actress didn't want to return, so the producers hired a "thin" actress, and the script itself said NOTHING about Rebecca slimming down! I got the idea that Rebecca slimmed down after dumping Jeremy and returning home to Atlanta!

[@waynemasters]

Before the left became hypersensitive about everything in the world, you might find it hard to believe, but this was all in humour. This show touched on sensitive issues, and did so quite well. If you want to watch something stale, stick with Felicity.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Cool

[@LisaKoffler]

It's the 21st Century, and because of "bad apples," we've ALL had to suffer! Even if you try to have a "normal" conversation with someone, they just flip out!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Here here

[@stevenp902]

Everyone addresses fat shaming but noone speaks about how obesity is affecting our health. It might send a wrong message and make people think it's ok to be fat. This episode should have better addressed how being in a bad relationship and low self esteem could affect your weight. Noone should be shamed for being overweight but it should still be addressed. Since this show was about comedy I guess they felt it was ok to go along with this.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Obesity can affect an individual health and also not an absolute that you are unwell due to your weight. Weight is not anyone's business. It is okay for someone to be any weight and not okay for someone else to tell them they are unacceptable or unhealthy or anything else. I think, like the video says, the episode demonstrates that shaming causes devaluing. Not how low self esteem effects your weight. As Becky says, she is happy the way she is. Listen and believe people when they say that. It's the shaming that causes harm more than weight most times.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I understand about the relationships between one and their doctor. However even then often weight is used as the issue when there can be other viable root causes. Losing weight isn't simple and not always the issue. Doctors can bring it up, correctly. Being a doctor doesn't mean you know how to handle the issue well.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Hear you on that. I appreciate you sharing and being invested in the issue, it is really important overall.

[@LisaKoffler]

This episode talked about BOTH obesity and dating abuse! It's true that obesity is unhealthy - I have it myself - but it's MUCH worse when you're dating someone as cruel as Jeremy!

[@fkrgebs6773]

Be a Dorothy or at least a Rose. She said what was in her mind. She just was surprised because she expected a thin model after Blanche‘s stories. But she accepted Becky after that. Blanche was captured in her Southern pride as always and Sophia‘s medical condition because of her stroke came right through. These are no excuses for fat shaming and not acceptable at all. But these points could be the start to work against this mind setting.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that. I think we rely too heavily in the "stroke" that is rarely ever mentioned after the first episode as a shield for Sophia.

[@ShawnBen]

@@StayGoldenGirls I agree with Sophia being dealt with. This crossed the line.

[@LisaKoffler]

I read that after Sophia had her stroke, she lost her filter! They ALL accepted Rebecca after meeting Jeremy, and seeing how cruel he was!

[@fkrgebs6773]

@@LisaKoffler But it’s sad that they needed a bad example to become accepting. What, if Jeremy were a nice and supportive man? Would they have accepted Rebecca?

[@LisaKoffler]

Yes, I think so!

[@zinchel5322]

Gotta love Dorothy:) goooooood on you and well done stay golden for the article on the fat shaming

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Thank you!

[@LisaKoffler]

We need more Dorothys in this world!

[@55hivealive3]

Whilst I agree that fat shaming is cruel, it's been around since the dawn of time and will always be a negative trait of humanity, that being said, our girls were never politically correct and that's one of the reasons we love them. If this episode is triggering to people, DON'T WATCH IT!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

We can like something and still desire it to do better

[@ShawnBen]

I agree with free speech. This crossed the line. Shaming anyone because that's the way we do things is unacceptable.

[@LisaKoffler]

There's freedom of speech, and the freedom to insult, which is NEVER acceptable!

[@life0093]

So it’s not okay to make fun of people on a sitcom. Get over it. By that logic, you shouldn’t enjoy the show.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Is that what was said? Or is it about a specific topic that is harmful?

[@life0093]

@@StayGoldenGirls It can be harmful to make fun of people period. Jokes happen in real life. Whether mean spirited or not. Some people love fat women or men. You can't worry about people who are negative. Whatever you do or however you look, people are gonna poke fun of you. You have to block out the negative people

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I think you can worry about negative people and it's not as simple as block them out. What if it's a family member or say person you have to work with?

[@LisaKoffler]

I don't care whether it's real life or make-believe, because either way, teasing and making fun of people is STILL cruel!

[@justmerosie]

They would NEVER get away with an episode like this today, and let's be grateful for that. Keep in mind that this was over 30 years ago, and times have changed. They would never have the audience laughing at the rude comments made by Sophia and Blanche - in fact, they wouldn't have the characters say crap like this at all, as it would make them unlikeable. Today, they would probably write this episode as Blanche and the others being visibly surprised to see that she's gained weight, but not making derogatory comments. Blanche would ask her daughter if everything is okay in her life, possibly something that could cause compulsive eating going on? Rather than making it all about her appearance with no empathy at all. The fiance would be the obvious jerk, and maybe they would acknowledge that Blanche inadvertently making her feel like she's not good enough her whole life caused her to feel like she needed to settle for someone like that. And deal with THAT, instead of making it all about how people don't see her as attractive. Keep Dorothy's bits in there though. Those were good lol.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@LisaKoffler]

As cruel as everyone was about Rebecca's weight, Jeremy was the worst! Blanche eventually told Rebecca that Jeremy needed her, because she was the only one who would overlook his abusive behavior! Thankfully, Rebecca came to her senses on the way to the airport, and dumped that asshole!

[@tiffaniaporchiazzo3397]

Blanche Deveraux I Love You So 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@StayGoldenGirls]

;)

[@tiffaniaporchiazzo3397]

@@StayGoldenGirls 💖💖💖💖💖💋❤♥️♥️❤💋

[@Smoothy4doctor26]

I think part of it is Dorothy was frequently shamed herself all her life and even throughout the show for her height and her looks so she can spot bullying and shaming miles away and won’t tolerate others being treated as such especially if they don’t deserve it. It’s a good episode for Dorothy perfect in that when the bullying and fat shaming is so obvious and non-subtle she gets furious.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I agree that she was regularly shamed for her body and looks more than anyone else on the show which also could be a bit much at time.

[@christinacooner8518]

I absolutely refuse to watch this episode! Every single line from the girls is making fun of Becky. Every single one! But yet they want to kill Jeremy for making the cracks he does. What they said abt her was a whole lot worse IMO than what he said!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I totally feel you on this.

[@lorimast]

This episode made me angry. I wish they would have at least had a half decent guy for her if her own mother was going to be so judgemental.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that for sure, it is very frustrating.

[@LisaKoffler]

Blanche wasn't judgmental for the wrong reasons, and I was angry, too! I can't remember how many times I've wanted to reach through the TV and punch Jeremy out!

[@AlanSloan88]

Courtney, I just watched "The Heart Attack" episode of GG. Near the end of the episode, Blanche said, "All it takes is one little dessert and my panties cut off my circulation". In almost all the other shows Blanche brags about never wearing underwear. I would love to see you do a entire video on the GG contradictions over the years.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Oh how interesting. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@craigsmith157]

Or how Rose said she was allergic to cats but in the flashback episode when she meets Blanche at a supermarket, she had a cat name Mr. Peepers.

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

Well, the biggest contradiction here is "we all love Sophia for speaking her mind without any boundaries" and "Sophia fat shames Rebecca". Shaming is all what she does in every episode! That's why they put her in, that's why so many people love her (and that's why she's my least favourite character).

[@LisaKoffler]

I thought Blanche "never wore underwear," because she was a sexpot!

[@jamesjames6601]

I think Becky is beautiful especially compared to Sophia, Dorothy, Rose and even Blanche.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

She is beautiful

[@LisaKoffler]

She didn't think she was beautiful, but she was!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

She sure was

[@kevinlongman007]

Sophia's bitchy comments were par for the course! And she was always hilarious.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I'm disagree that Sophia's comments were fine for the situation or bitchy. I stand by they were unnecessary and cruel.

[@kevinlongman007]

@@StayGoldenGirls Sophia was a bitchy character. She called Blanche a slut, Rose a moron and even her "pussycat" Dorothy got told that she was ugly! That was just Sophia. The way she spoke to Blanche's daughter was totally in keeping with her character.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

We disagree on the difference between bitchy and mean.

[@kevinlongman007]

@@StayGoldenGirls Sophia was bitchy and mean.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

She can be, yes. And I do not believe this episode is bitchy. It's mean. I say it in th video. I'm dealing with this episode only right now.

[@shahd986]

I hated this episode so much

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you.

[@lovefromwonderland]

I lost some respect for Blanche in this episode. The fact that she didn’t stand up or at least learned to stand up for her daughter rubbed me the wrong way.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I feel you on that.

[@Benjorunner]

I loved the series, but already at that time and also now, none of these "jokes" were funny.......

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Agreed

[@maileiaoshea8820]

I have been subject to fat shaming for most of my life and it's effected my life in ways that I didn't even know until about 10yrs ago. Never from my mother or my older brother or sister or the younger siblings, they did their own damage in other ways. This episode always makes me feel uncomfortable and angry, how no one stood up for blanche's daughter.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I am very sorry to hear about your experiences and the consequences it has had for you. I appreciate you sharing, it being a vulnerable and upsetting topic. Your feelings towards the episode make total sense, someone should have.

[@Shamonwhitehurst252]

If you will water or juice fast, you will not suffer weight problems. We were created to heal our bodies ourselves we just have to have discipline

[@maileiaoshea8820]

@@Shamonwhitehurst252 I appreciate your belief in fasting and cleansing our body, but understand that ive never been an over eater . And I found out why I was unable to get rid of some of the weight is due to a almost nonfunctioning thyroid problem. If you think before you speak you would know that if your thyroid is not healthy like it should be your metabolism is what you need for your body to burn off calories and other things.

[@LisaKoffler]

I'm SO sorry that you had to go through all that with your own family! Fasting and cleansing doesn't work for everyone, and unlike you, I gained weight from overeating, along with having a slow thyroid, and even going through menopause! Everyone DID stand up for Blanche's daughter after meeting Jeremy and seeing what an abusive asshole he REALLY was!

[@adamwatson2914]

They don’t mean it in a nasty way like Jeremy does, they care about her wellbeing with being in a relationship with such an asshole and Blanche does come through for her by the end

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I disagree. Those comments aren't harmless and Blanche puts pressure and judges her daughter. How much does she really come through though, steering ber daughter away from food at the end?

[@adamwatson2914]

@@StayGoldenGirls Because Jeremy`s the real kind of bully in the story, everything else is just the more casually mean attitudes to bigger people in the eighties

[@LisaKoffler]

They DID care about Rebecca's wellbeing, and Blanche came through for her, and she only steered Rebecca away from "junk food!" Jeremy himself was a total asshole!

[@prototypesoup1685]

Jeremy is just terrible

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Absolutely

[@LisaKoffler]

Rex was worse!

[@zackc.8015]

In 2022 America, she's of normal weight.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

In any year her weight is not an acceptable topic. Becky was fine just the way she was for sure.

[@zackc.8015]

@@StayGoldenGirls I don't agree with the way Becky was teased, ignoring the obesity epidemic isn't good either.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Correct. That's the whole purpose of the video

[@LisaKoffler]

After she jumped Jeremy, she returned to Atlanta, slimmed down, and had her daughter, Aurora through artificial insemination!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

She sure did have a change

[@prine234]

I love exercising and miss going to the gym. Not to impress others, but because I enjoy the challenges of physical and mental strength and being my best self. And as much as I love The Golden Girls, there’s nothing funny about fat or body shaming. Becky didn’t say or do anything to deserve this kind of treatment. Sad people thought this was comedic. Maybe we should learn from Will Smith’s latest Instagram posts right now.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that. I also enjoy physical activity and go 5-6 times a week and enjoy obstacle course races and such too. I will have to seek out this will smith thing you are referring to.

[@prine234]

@@StayGoldenGirls Well thanks. Appreciate your response. Also, Will Smith only posted pics of himself displaying how much weight he’d gained during the pandemic.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Ah thank you for the update. I'll go find it. How timely

[@LisaKoffler]

The pandemic has made life more difficult for all of us! I have exercise accessories at home if I'm unable to go to the gym or the swimming pool! NO ONE deserved to be fat shamed - it's like "punishing" someone for a crime they didn't commit!

[@AlanSloan88]

Courtney, many of these clips I've never seen before. Were they edited out of this episode? How did you get them?

[@MsMrReason]

Nope they are in the series they were never edited out. I have the dvd box set and the episode is still in there

[@AlanSloan88]

@@MsMrReason I don't have the DVD box set yet since GG is on tv everyday. I guess the tv episodes must be edited.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Hi there, the episode is Blanche's Little Girl. I pull clips right off Hulu, easiest way, so they are in episode.

[@RedMoonSolitary]

Dorothy is always picked on how she looks or dresses in the show. So I think it's pretty evident that she relates to Rebecca in some way, because of that.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Humor towards her is often based on her looks unfortunately

[@RedMoonSolitary]

@@StayGoldenGirls Which I never quite got, because I always thought she was beautiful... 🤷‍♀️

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Totally hear you on this

[@Youknowwhoin2024]

Biggest question is where are they going to watch the Dodgers play in 1987/1989 Miami?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Mystery

[@LisaKoffler]

They'd be playing at one of the Miami stadiums!

[@vanessavargas3687]

This was hilarious

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Interesting take

[@LisaKoffler]

It would have been more hilarious if Blanche LITERALLY poured hot coffee down Jeremy's pants!

[@sonicmoore6196]

Are you people seriously getting sensitive over this show?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Popular culture can influence the way people treat others.

[@chuc5o]

I wonder if the actress is wearing extra padding?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

She did not

[@morganjanelle4282]

Shawn Schepps (the actress who played Blanche's daughter 'Rebecca' in _this_ episode), was in an episode of 'The Brady Bunch' in 1973, when she was 11 years old. It was the episode titled "Law and Disorder", where Bobby was assigned the 'job' as Hall Monitor at school. In the scene that Shawn Schepps appeared in, she saw Bobby walking home and begged him to help her get her cat, 'Pandora', out of a building that was scheduled to be torn down. The clip of the Brady Bunch episode is here on KZbin and the title of the video is "The Brady Bunch - Law and Disorder #4". It's on the Daniel Nnadi & Blake Foster 2" channel.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you sharing. I did not know that

[@morganjanelle4282]

@@StayGoldenGirls You're welcome. :-) Shawn was _also_ in the beginning of "The Terminator" (1984) movie. She played one of the waitresses.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Ohhhhh interesting

[@LisaKoffler]

I had NO idea!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

🌟

[@babyhandgrenade4004]

A lot of people don't realize this but men marry women more for their personalities than their looks. They stay with them for what they bring to the table and also most importantly, how they make them filled. I'm going to teach you ladies a little trick. Keep a man feeling good about himself and he'll want to spend time around you. Pretty soon, he will start to associate feeling good with being around you and it keeps them around. Now, I know that this sounds outdated but it's really just a simple psychology trick. If you guys are happy without a man then more power to you. I've turned 40 and I realize that relationships aren't for me. I'm perfectly happy being by myself. I've never really known what it's like to be alone and I would like to experience that for a while and really get to know myself. This was really just for fun, something that you may not know that you've learned. Put it to good use, don't use it to manipulate him.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you sharing that

[@LisaKoffler]

Blanche told Rebecca that Jeremy only wanted to marry her, because she overlooked his flaws! It's sad that many people do that, but Rebecca thought about what Blanche said on the way to the airport, and she dumped Jeremy before it was too late! MANY people have this outdated attitude that you're "incomplete" without having a man or woman, and that's NOT true at all! I didn't do well with boys and men, either, and I came to believe that I didn't "need" a man to be happy! I CHOSE to stay a lifelong bachelorette, because I felt it was best for me! I'd rather be alone than be with someone who would hurt me in ways I don't deserve!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that.

[@allylondon9579]

Sure. They will feel good and chase pretry, normal sized woman

[@samanthaforette1915]

What gets me is blanche had a bf named rex and she didn't see the same abusive things in her bf like she did her daughters

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you

[@LisaKoffler]

Rebecca knew that Jeremy was abusive, but she overlooked it, just like Blanche did with Rex!

[@dagny8336]

The cringe commentary cracks me up.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

So happy for you

[@HansOlo354]

The episode that features Dorothy's comments about the photo of young Blanche on the horse, always seem more like karma than cruelty.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I see

[@LisaKoffler]

REALLY? I'm sure BOTH Jeremy and Rex experienced karma after they were dumped!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Myyhm

[@KCohere33]

Rebecca was still quite pretty.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

She is lovely.

[@NativeGrid86]

Dorthy is right Blanch is wrong 😠 people that fat shame is wrong is jerks and they should never judge people it pisses me off

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I hear you on that.

[@Yssa_piano]

All golden girls have their flaws . Shaming in any way is not okay. Remember Dorothy also called Blanche’s mom a slut. Slut shaming. Meanwhile rose , Sophia and Blanche teased Becky for being fat . Shaming in general for how you look or where you’re from is never okay

[@LisaKoffler]

ANY kind of shaming is wrong, and Sophia gave Rebecca her worst treatment when she fat shamed her, and she should have been ashamed of herself!

[@kheirfrancis22]

Even though the fat shaming is so wrong but damn sophia roasted her so bad😂😂

[@StayGoldenGirls]

It is wring I agree

[@LisaKoffler]

Sophia gave Rebecca the 3rd - or 4th - degree!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Yea

[@emily7103]

Rebecca is very pretty.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Okay

[@LisaKoffler]

Rebecca herself didn't think she was beautiful, and that's sad!

[@PungiFungi]

Seeing the comments, it is obvious most of them people here do not watch the Golden Girls. The way all four leads reacted to Rebecca were exactly as their characters would. They were so well developed that you knew what they’ll say or how they’ll react before it even happened.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

We are going to agree to disagree that just because it was how characters in a fictional world reacted was in character that the writing was acceptable to begin with

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

I'm overweight and I can tell you: "tough love", "food restricting", clear speech about my problems is what helped me. Unconditional acceptance didn't get me anywhere.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Okay

[@RhaegarTargaryen1st]

Tough love is stern, constructive and most importantly LOVE; it's not cruelty and abuse.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I think some recipients would disagree, it depends on who is giving it and the way they do.

[@LisaKoffler]

REALLY? I thought "tough love" was extra-harsh discipline with punishments to match! "Food restriction" doesn't work, because people often tend to "sneak food!" Maybe unconditional acceptance didn't get you anywhere, but it does with MOST other people, including myself!

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

Really? Unconditional acceptance of obesity helped you to get slim and healthy? @@LisaKoffler

[@lilsept77]

Rebecca didn't want Blanche (her mom) to say anything to Jeremy being verbally abusive and fat-shaming her, which took guts for Blanche NOT to do. When Dorothy is about to let Jeremy have it, Blanche stops her. If I were Blanche, I would have made a deal with Rebecca to give Jeremy the cold shoulder, I wouldn't have acknowledged Jeremy from a hole in the wall. And if Rebecca didn't like that idea, I would have told her she's not having it both ways, I'm sorry. To me, a cold shoulder hurts more than to acknowledge someone on bad terms.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I am going to disagree with you that Blanche did the right thing, especially because she ALSO verbally shamed her own daughter on multiple occasions. Saying nothing, the cold shoulder as you put it, allows Jeremey to persist, he doesn't care if Blanche likes him or not to begin with

[@analinares]

This is shameful.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

The shaming or something else?

[@tierefuerimmer9635]

The thing I agree you shouldn't bully someone for their weight but nowadays you sometimes see overweight or obese people going to the doctor who more or less tell them "Lose weight or risk dying early in life" and they get offended. Weight issues are a thing, be it anorexia or obesity and while you never should make fun of people, sweeping health problems under the rug isn't going to help either.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you sharing

[@jessebacon817]

Reading these comments, get over it! They made fun of everyone. This new generation are some crybabies.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

No.

[@sjinzaar]

I just want to give my 10 cents worth as well: I also think that mothers want to look out for their children’s health as rapid weight increase might be the symptom of some underlying problem. Perhaps the character of Blanche also just wanted the best for her daughter and was worried for her. The question I’m asking is: when is it fat shaming and when is it concern masqueraded in clumsy attempts of humour to make light of a more serious issue? Perhaps the question can be answered by asking if these comments originate from a point of mockery or genuine concern. I don’t know. I’m just flapping my jaws.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you taking the time to share. I hear you on concern for health. In going to go by what is just here and say at no point does anyone show concern for an underlying condition. It isn't about health here but physical appearance as it relates to self worth and other issues. These are mocking, in my opinion. Concern would be approached in a different manner. And by her own accord, Blanche only talks about her looks from when Rebecca was a kid. Regardless of health conditions, which can account for weight in some cases, that is much different than calling her outright fat, which Blanche does. Concern for health would be just that, discuss health and not weight. Fat shaming is mocking, name calling, put downs, devaluing. A concern for health would be how are you feeling? How are you sleeping? Have you noticed any changes lately? Not in this but true in the real world is weight is often what medical professionals use as what's wrong, and not going into underlying health issues, resulting in misdiagnosis, no diagnosis, and not listening to the patient

[@sjinzaar]

@@StayGoldenGirls I hear you, and I agree... i was just thinking out loudly. Thank you for making me think about it. Good night and sleep well. And remember: stay golden!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

:)

[@LisaKoffler]

I learned that some overweight people can be healthier than thin people, because of their genetics and their lifestyle choices!

[@danielledumont5492]

The way the world is going, there is nothing on TV since the beginning of TV that can be watched. But the Kardashians and all these stupid reality shows are ok.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you sharing

[@ShawnBen]

The people who create reality TV are not too bright.

[@LisaKoffler]

I just come to KZbin to find whatever it is I'm looking for!

[@PhilipStacey-f9t]

, thanks for posting, v funny, loved it...fat jokes are great....

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Pretty sure the opposite is what the video is about

[@FabianoSeixasFernandes]

The problem with an episode like this is not necessarily how it was written, or how the characters behave. It lies in the very nature of comedy. Talking about fat-shaming in a comedy show provides the opportunity for many fat jokes; our problem is not that the show is making us laugh; our problem is: who is laughing. The Golden Girls is a fascinating show in many respects, but, in episodes like this, they fell prey to easy discriminatory jokes. Perhaps they were not aware at the time that you have to ask yourself: who is going to laugh at this joke? Despite the portrayal of the characters being very good in the episode-after all, they don't have to be seen as paragons of behavior-, maybe some of the jokes were targeting the wrong audience, and that's why the episode feels so weird. As a show about aging, The Golden Girls has aged beautifully, but not homogeneously. Some things about it are less watchable than others. Perhaps this episode, despite trying to tackle a serious issue with good writing, has indeed targeted the wrong audience at times.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate a good deep dive.

[@LisaKoffler]

This episode was NOT just about obesity, but also dating abuse!

[@shawnhall9792]

Lord you guys are overly sensitive it's a damn show ! It was meant to be like this especially since the show tackled so many topics ! Including this episode where everyone is making fun of her daughter it was tended to shed light on the people who go through this ! Stop being so sensitive and enjoy the show for bringing awareness to the woman and men who are bullied for being bigger

[@StayGoldenGirls]

A show had the ability to influence the way people see, speak and think about each other. Representation matters. And I disagree this episode was "all about awareness". Thank you for sharing.

[@LisaKoffler]

MANY people can disregard whether a situation is real or fake and just look at the situation all by itself! This episode talked about fat shaming and dating abuse, which is STILL common in the 21st Century!

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

Is someone reading that text to the left?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Yeah. Plenty of people. That's the point

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

@@StayGoldenGirls Not to me. Why try to make a sermon out of a comedy show?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Why can't it be more than one thing?

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

@@StayGoldenGirls Because it flattens the charm of the original. You're just telling us what to think.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Best of luck to you.

[@tonyajones1463]

Watching this hits hard cause I am overweight I wasn't my whole life. I was very very very skinny as a little girl and then when I entered my teens years I was as peopke said scrawny I 15 to 19 I had a lean body but started putting on a little bit of weight when I was 18 but now age 28 I am now over 200lbs it's been real hard ajd I've been through depression and such peopme say atiff about my weight and it hurts

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I am sorry to hear you experienced that. Thank you for sharing.

[@LisaKoffler]

It DOES hurt, and diet and exercise are NOT enough! Therapy is also needed!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Therapy is always a good choice

[@ZetaReticuli_]

I am really glad that I grew up in a time before political correctness, let alone wokeness, because I see how bland and sterile everything has gotten since then. Because a show like the Golden Girls, even in spite of espousing many liberal values, would have been cancelled by today's standards for pushing the envelope. Let's be clear. It is not cool to pick on someone because they are overweight. I will agree with that. But at the same time, obesity is not healthy either, and should not be encouraged like "body positivity" is doing, which even gets doctors in to trouble for "fat shaming" should they recommend that a patient lose weight if they are a prime candidate for a stroke, heart attack, or diabetes. I have a close friend since childhood who is very much like a little brother to me, and was very overweight as a kid. And I know he was made fun of for it. Long story relating to his troubled home life, but his size was only the secondary reason he was picked on. I will just say he was very awkward when it came to social graces, and that was the primary reason he had issues with other kids. His weight was just fodder for them. When he was about 13 he decided he had enough of being the fat kid, and started getting himself up every morning around 5am, and walking around his neighborhood every day before school. Within a year he had slimmed down to healthy weight. And in doing so, he started making other self-improvements too, and became transformed. Had the body positivity movement of today existed back then, and influenced him the way it influences people now, he most likely never would have lost the weight, and in turn, never made the other self-improvements that actually made his life better because there would have been no incentive to. He also also never would have made lifestyle and diet changes. Again, because there would have been no incentive for him to do so. And he probably would have had diabetes, a stroke, or a heart attack a long time ago. I could be speaking of him in the past tense. If anything, we should be encouraging people who are overweight to be healthy. The operative word here being "encouragement."

[@StayGoldenGirls]

There are countless studies that indict weight is not the defining factor of someone's overall health and longevity.

[@ZetaReticuli_]

@@StayGoldenGirls There are things that have to be considered when citing studies, because a study can be made to have any conclusion you want. Or whoever is funding it wants. Even though I am no fan of the CDC, there is a reason the BMI chart exists. I would say its biggest fault is that what it deems as "ideal" is a good 20 lbs underweight for your average person, which presents a whole other set of problems.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Warmest Regards

[@feliciajenkins5041]

As a chubbums myself it used to make me cry but now I tell people all about themselves. All four letter reading 📚 the library is open.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Okay

[@LisaKoffler]

REALLY? I'm overweight myself, and I've even told my late mother that she needed to worry less about my weight and more about her own, because she was NO stringbean herself!

[@jennybaker4452]

Fat shaming is wrong

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Absolutely agree

[@LisaKoffler]

Absolutely! Rex was worse calling Blanche "Barrel Butt!"

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Sure was

[@ccgreene1]

This is how it was. It is all of the horrible things, but we were taught that fat = bad. In an era of going to college to get an MRS degree, a woman's look was everything. I am 52, and was raised to be Betty Draper. I couldn't have failed more, in every way. My family let me know I wasn't acceptable. Whatever, I made my own way. However, as a lifelong big girl of a more advanced age, health is a good reason to lose a little. I have a lot of issues due to carrying an extra 80 pounds for so long, which is why I'm finally taking it off. Whatever your size, get up and haul ass. It will make the difference.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you sharing you experience. It sticks out to me that you say you were raised to be Betty Draper and failed to be that- as a stranger I see that and think, maybe you succeeded in being yourself instead. I hope your journey to lose the weight you want goes well for you.

[@ccgreene1]

@@StayGoldenGirls I just saw this, when I was alerted to a nasty comment just posted. Thank you. Yes, life is better and I'm becoming me, with zero Fs.

[@ccgreene1]

@Road Rover That sounds like more of a you problem. I'm sorry you're so limited. Maybe you should work on that...

[@cioccolateriaveneziana]

Fat = bad. I'm fat, that's how I know.

[@LisaKoffler]

I was simply taught that fat was neither attractive nor healthy! When I developed obesity, my late mother looked like she wanted to cry, but she knew it wasn't entirely my fault! I have health issues, too, but I try to eat healthy as much as I can, while moving around as much as I can!

[@brelove5613]

This is funny lol

[@StayGoldenGirls]

K

[@LisaKoffler]

It would be funnier if Blanche LITERALLY poured hot coffee down Jeremy's pants!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Ha

[@janinecox256]

Dorothy was looking at Jeremy as if to say, “give me a reason to knock your block off”

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Mhhm

[@LisaKoffler]

Absolutely! Dorothy was the most vocal about his behavior!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Agreed

[@TD-sw3kv]

Makes me tear up. Reminds me of my Mom, who was the kindest sweetest person in the world. I wish I got to stand up for one time like Dorothy did for Rebecca with Jeremy.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

I appreciate you sharing that with us. It is hard to feel regrets and miss someone.

[@normadesmond6017]

you wouldn't get away with this in 2022

[@StayGoldenGirls]

👍

[@LisaKoffler]

NOT AT ALL!

[@KQuinn672]

I’m not a catch either but I’d rather be alone!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

💓💓💓

[@StayGoldenGirls]

❣️❣️❣️

[@LisaKoffler]

I'm a lifelong bachelorette by choice, and I have NO regrets!

[@KQuinn672]

So hurtful

[@LisaKoffler]

You said it!

[@pearlfernandes6722]

what does dorothy mean by not everything jeremy

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Jeremy is a bigger jerk

[@LisaKoffler]

Rex was worse!

[@ferzach8687]

What happened them?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

To who?

[@ferzach8687]

@@StayGoldenGirls to this violent man and the daughter of blanche

[@StayGoldenGirls]

They break up off screen and he is never seen again

[@rickshawsaeen5411]

Shes not fat shaming- This is love. Calm down folks!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

That is not how you show love.

[@rickshawsaeen5411]

@@StayGoldenGirls Thats how I show love. Thats not how you show love though!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

If putting people down about their body is how you show love, I suggest you rethink that

[@rickshawsaeen5411]

I did-Same answer!@@StayGoldenGirls

[@StayGoldenGirls]

That's unfortunate

[@timfountain1995]

Sophia is hilarious

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Okay

[@LisaKoffler]

I read that she had a stroke, and lost her filter!

[@jonathanhallberg3009]

This really was a bad episode because even if Dorothy called out Jeremy for his BS, she never called out the others. The only message I got from this is that bullying is ok if the bully is a woman. One of the few episodes I honestly hate in this show.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

It is a problematic episode agreed

[@LisaKoffler]

Dorothy lost her temper, but she was held back! Bullying someone for being fat is NEVER okay!

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Never ever

[@justmerosie]

Also, the very end annoys me - Blanche mentions the cheesecake in the kitchen, and when Rebecca says that sounds good, she turns her around - so because she's big, she doesn't have the right to eat anything other than tofu? Like why do the other ladies get to eat cheesecake and Rebecca doesn't?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Exactly. Blanche really hasn't changed

[@LisaKoffler]

Blanche wanted her daughter to lose weight, and she did after she returned home to Atlanta! After that, she had her daughter, Aurora through artificial insemination!

[@charlesrandolph6589]

So this show went to lengths to defend gays but is ok with fat shaming?

[@StayGoldenGirls]

What part of that video is pro fat shaming? Did you actually watch it?

[@LisaKoffler]

Fat shaming is NEVER okay!

[@sluttymctits4496]

I may just be misremembering things, but I don't think I've ever seen the clip at 1:26? Was that line edited out of later airings? I really don't remember Blanche being that upfront about Rebecca's weight. This episode was always awkward and uncomfortable to watch, but I don't think I despised Jeremy as much as others. I always took him to be nothing more than what he is -- the rude jackass meant to set up Dorothy's confrontation. Yes, I hated the character, but in the context of the episode, he was a necessary evil. Plus, his gross punchable insults made the girls' words seem a bit more palatable, but I don't know if that's really a good thing or not.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Not edited out. I pull all clips I use from Hulu and it is in there. Blanche does get pretty blunt about the weight a few times. I would argue that it is not a good thing that Jeremy as the standard for terrible and therefore the others are not as bad is ok. Each of the big there offenders, Blanche Jeremy and Sophia, are pretty bullying and mean in their own way. Even if you took Jeremy out, and granted I hate him, the others reactions and words are not because of Jeremy, they are in addition. It is true the episode is such that we are meant to hate Jeremy, but not the others. When in fact they all are culpable. So is the show making it seem like only men can't fat shame women? Maybe. I think the episode hits in many points about shaming.

[@LisaKoffler]

Jeremy is easy to hate, because he did nothing but insult! You can hate ANYONE who acts the way he does!

[@sweeney60]

Hey Courtney I wanted to send you a great Dorothy meme I made. Can I send it to you on Facebook? If not that’s totally fine.

[@StayGoldenGirls]

Yeah totally go for it. I look forward to seeing it

[@LisaKoffler]

IF all girls and women were like Dorothy, all boys and men like Jeremy wouldn't stand a chance!