Fat-shaming young trick-or-treaters
A Fargo, N.D., woman is apparently planning to hand out mean-spirited letters instead of candy to trick-or-treaters this Halloween.
The woman told a local radio show she plans to give the letters to kids she deems to be “moderately obese.”
Now, the woman didn’t give her full name, so it’s possible this is a Halloween prank – the “trick” in trick-or-treat.
But, according to a Time article, the woman said it’s irresponsible for parents to let their overweight kids collect candy, which will only contribute to their “health problems.”
A copy of the letter this woman is supposedly planning to hand out says, in part:
“You [sic] child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season.”
“My hope is that you will step up as a parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits.”
Jeez. And I thought I was being the Halloween buzzkill.
Marissa Harshman
I'm the health reporter for The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Wash. I started at The Columbian -- my hometown newspaper -- in September 2009. Reach me at marissa.harshman@columbian.com or 360-735-4546.