Here’s what’s been on my mind the past few days. Is obesity a disability now? So many Americans are obese and maybe the cause is environmental or something else that’s altogether out of anyone’s control. In some instances though, it would appear that the cause is more self induced than anything else. Consider this for example: I read this article earlier in the week about a man who is suing White Castle because he is too large to fit in their booth-style seating. If you haven’t already, check it out for yourself. This distinguished gentleman is suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act claiming that his obesity is in fact a disability, and apparently this is a common occurrence with lawsuits these days.
There are so many things wrong with this that I don’t even know where to begin. According to the article he’s been eating White Castle burgers since 1959 and was first embarrassed in 2009 when he realized his “girth” could no longer fit into the booth. Most people would have taken this as a cue to either (a) stop eating so many White Castle burgers, or (b) start some sort of an exercise program, at least go for an occasional walk or something, or (c) try both? Instead, he files a suit against the chain because he loves those burgers so much he just can’t stop eating them, so he expects them to modify their seating to fit his still growing ass and stomach. And although he was now too embarrassed to dine-in anymore, he wasn’t too embarrassed to stop eating their burgers so he’s been sending his wife to get them for him. He wasn’t embarrassed enough to want to change his growing waistline.
Understand, there are people out there with real disabilities who sadly are discriminated against daily and need the protection the ADA provides. There are also people out there who are overweight for any number of reasons (maybe even with similar stories to his) who themselves are unfairly discriminated against and discrimination of any kind is always wrong. This guy however is an example of why those people with legitimate claims have a hard time getting their real issues addressed and taken seriously. I am not suggesting by any means that it’s okay to discriminate against anyone because you feel as if the reason they’re the target of discrimination is of their own fault. Discrimination of any kind is simply wrong! I just don’t see how what he has experienced amounts to actual discrimination. Let him eat as many burgers as he wants, that’s his choice. Sometimes our choices have consequences though. I imagine they would be happy to sell him as many burgers as he wants at any given time. And since he’s claiming ADA status, I would even bet the store has a handicap ramp so he doesn’t feel forced to climb a single step on his way to the counter.
Maybe there’s more to this story that we simply don’t know yet. Like maybe he plans to show evidence that White Castle is sneaking a secret ingredient into their burgers to make them addictive, sort of like nicotine in cigarettes or crack cocaine. Otherwise, this sounds like a self-induced problem which requires his attention mostly, and not so much theirs. Then again maybe he has the right idea. I mean, America is filled with fat people now, you see them everywhere, so if companies want to do business in America why shouldn’t they adapt to accommodate the growing size of the average American? Maybe his next feat will be to sue Diamler over their Smart car for discrimination because fat ass Americans can’t fit into one. Or he may sue the airlines because they still don’t provide a seat to comfortably cushion oversized posteriors. Sue the toilet paper manufacturers because they don’t make an extra wide version for the new definition of the average American Joe. I could keep going but what’s the point really?
I admire anyone who recognizes they have a problem and want to get the kind of help they need to make it right. I despise when their first reaction is to blame everyone but themselves for something that likely could have been prevented if they had done just a little bit more to try and help themselves. Whatever your affliction it’s no reason for you to be discriminated against, but it also doesn’t make you entitled to special treatment and privileges beyond reason.
I don’t imagine White Castle (or any restaurant chain for that matter) could ever make the booths the right size now. In the end, this will likely be settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, probably a lifetime supply of White Castle burgers. Long term, that has to be a win-win for both parties involved. Don’t you think?
-Konscious Vybz
