Last week we had some Real Talk on Being Unseen with a special guest Clarkisha Kent Want more from this episode?
Clarkisha Kent is a Nigerian-American writer, culture critic, former columnist, and up-and-coming author. Committed to telling inclusive stories via unique viewpoints from nigh-infancy, she is fascinated with using storytelling and cultural criticism not as a way to “overcome” or “transcend” her unique identities (as a FAT, bisexual, and disabled Black African woman), but as a way to explore them, celebrate them, affirm them, and most importantly, normalize them and make the world safe enough for people who share them to exist.
In a recent interview, Kent bravely opened up about her experiences as a fat black woman and how it has shaped her life. As an internet “shit-talker,” Kent has become a voice for marginalized communities, using her platform to speak out about the stereotypes and discrimination that she and others face every day.
Kent’s story begins with her upbringing, where her parents were her first bullies. She shares that she developed fatphobia and colorism from her family, and her parents never believed in her. Unfortunately, the outside world didn’t believe in her either, and the things that were done and said about her prepared her for the reality of life.
Growing up, Kent experienced oppression in many forms, including colorism, gender essentialism, homophobia, and lesbophobia. She had to find her own path to avoid falling into her parents’ bigoted vices.
One of the issues that Kent spoke about was fatphobia, which is rooted in anti-blackness. She shared that society’s fear of the black body birthed fatphobia, and many of the stereotypes that she faced as a fat black woman were rooted in racism. She also discussed the historical and biblical associations of fatness with gluttony and sloth, which contribute to the negative perception of larger bodies.
Kent also talked about how being unseen and unheard is a common stereotype that many marginalized communities face. She shared how disabled people are often portrayed as evil or disfigured, and darker-skinned individuals are often seen as loud, uncouth, and unintelligent.
Kent also spoke about her personal experiences with eating disorders, which stemmed from her parents’ constant criticism of her weight. She discussed how she turned to dieting, slimming pills, and excessive exercise in a desperate attempt to be seen and accepted by her family. However, she ultimately realized that these destructive behaviors were not the answer and instead embraced her identity as a witch.
One of the most frustrating aspects of being a fat black woman, according to Kent, is the medical industry’s constant pathologization of weight status. She shared how doctors often recommend losing weight as a first course of action, even if weight is not the reason for the visit. This kind of treatment only reinforces the harmful stereotypes and discrimination that many larger individuals face.
Kent’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against discrimination and using our voices to uplift marginalized communities. Her bravery and resilience are an inspiration to us all.
Watch the full episode on our YouTube: (https://youtube.com/live/g0uVhEI4Wlo?feature=share)
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You can reach Clarkisha Kent on these Platforms:
https://clarkishakent.com/
https://www.instagram.com/clarkishakent/
https://twitter.com/IWriteAllDay_
https://www.feministpress.org/books-a-m/fat-off-fat-on
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