Ricarda Lang talks about her weight loss in an interview with Zeit. That's why the interview is paradoxical
The former Green Party leaderhas decreased. Clearly. And it was planned. Something like that has been said in the many headlines that have emerged since thenTime-Interviewon Wednesday, January 22nd. And yes, I am aware of this - if I bring up the topic here, another headline will emerge.
But this time with a different focus. This is not about the fact that Ricarda Lang lost weight, how much and whether it was planned. Because let's be honest: Anyone who really thought it could have happened unplanned has never had to struggle with their own weight. But that doesn't matter either. In this opinion piece, the focus is on what was problematic about the interview - and what againis. Because yes, from my perspective it was both. I'll explain to you why.
Ricarda Lang: Why it is problematic that everyone is talking about the politician's weight loss
One thing first: I personally don't care whether Ricarda Lang has lost weight. Because it's simply none of our business. As honest and emotional as the interview may have been, I can't help but feel annoyed by it. In my opinion, it is always problematic when people are reduced to their bodies. This happens all the time with politicians. Just because they are considered public figures does not give anyone the right to do so. Especially since one would think that there are always, but especially now before the elections, more important topics than discussing the bodies of politicians. For example, Ricarda Lang will run again in the upcoming federal election.
By the way, the fact that politicians are reduced to their bodies happens to men just as much as it does to women. And in both cases I find it inappropriate. But since women are already underrepresented in politics, it is even more unfortunate. I find the fact that an interview took place whose sole content was a politician's weight loss to be a shame. And that when many people have so many other big worries and fears with regard to world politics.
Aside from the problem that the Green politician probably wouldn't have been invited to the interview if she hadn't picked up the phone, what Ricarda Lang says in it is incredibly empowering.
That's why Ricarda Lang is a role model for body positivity
It takes a lot of strength to speak so honestly about such an intimate, sensitive topic. In an interview with theTimesays Ricarda Lang herself: “My presence as a fat, young woman attracted a lot of malice.” Daring to speak publicly about your weight and your body after years of body shaming is brave. Especially because she doesn't have to do it.
According to a YouGov study, a quarter of Germans have been insulted because of their own body. Ricarda Lang is one of them and in the interview she talks about her experiences with body shaming and that these tended to prevent her from paying attention to her health. “I believe that the hostile atmosphere that we have towards fat people in our society exacerbates the problem of obesity,” says Ricarda Lang. Even though she reflects in the conversation that she is no longer the “fat young woman” who was certainly a role model for many women, in the same breath she is setting an example for.
That's why the interview about her weight loss is paradoxical
“If it were just a bit normal not to comment on other people's bodies and not to talk people into it, I think more people would deal with the topic of health,” says Ricarda Lang in an interview.
With her statements, she publicly advocates for all people who have everhave experienced. The fact that she is using this platform to draw attention to exactly this is paradoxical in itself, but also very clever.
That's probably exactly why I'm so conflicted about this interview. The initial situation, where she is reduced to her body for these headlines, is problematic. The message behind it and for which Ricarda Lang stands up is all the more empowering.
