A recent New York Times article on a new movement toward fat studies at universities sparked quite a debate in our office today.

The article explains that more academics are studying the political and social ramifications of being fat and are attempting to study disciplines to examine those issues.

However, not everyone agrees the programs are necessary.

“Obviously in the classroom you can look at issues of right and wrong and justice and injustice,” said Stephen H. Balch, president of the National Association of Scholars, a group of university professors and academics who have a more traditional view of higher education. “But if the purpose is to vindicate fatness, to make fatness seem better in the eyes of society, then that purpose begs a fundamental intellectual question.”

One of my co-workers also questioned the programs, pointing out that being fat was not the same as being African-American or a woman. Weight, after all, can be lost.

She also wondered if in trying to make people feel better about themselves, we are not encouraging unhealthy attitudes toward diet and exercise.

As a larger black woman, I am split on the issue. I do think studying the social and political ramifications is worthwhile, especially after reading surveys in which Americans say they would rather be dead than fat.

However, I am wary of deifying fat as a special status, despite the discrimination and judgement larger people face. And I definitely think you should be try to be healthy, no matter what size you are.

Check out the article and let me know what you think.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com