Fetishism in America: the story of Donna Simpson

In a world fueled by a more interconnected media, where one can become a superstar overnight just by sitting in their bedroom, we must remember how much influence the individual truly does have. Over the past several years, people have grown in notoriety for doing things which nobody would have cared about 20 years ago. This constant fetishism attributed to the Internet runs the gamut from celebrity gossip mongers, to sports fanatics, to cat lovers, to the more unconventional.


Take the recent story of Donna Simpson. The New Jersey mother is currently 600 pounds, and holds the world record for being the largest woman to give birth. Now she says that this is not enough, and she wants to break the 1,000 pound mark to become the world’s heaviest woman. She has the same caloric intake of Michael Phelps during Olympic training, as well as a website where people can pay to watch her eat. She also cannot move more than 20 feet without having to rest, and has to use a scooter for mobility outside the home.

Is it irresponsible of Ms. Simpson to be taking on such a high-profile mission? Is she sending the wrong signal to women and children that this behavior is acceptable? Not only does she have the power to influence those in her immediate circle, but in our Internet dominated society also has the power to influence choices for millions. With heart disease now the number one killer of American women, is she aiding in this downward spiral?