Stereotypes are always degrading, because they destroy people's individuality and emphasize only the negative qualities. People who are larger than average have to live with stereotypes in everyday life, but the effect is compounded when television reinforces these misconceptions. Fat people on sitcoms are usually shown eating constantly, and are portrayed as lazy and stupid. The worst stereotype of all, and the one that causes the most distress, is the myth that fat people don't mind it when people make fun of them. The message to a fat person in our society is loud and clear: you will be accepted if you allow yourself to be humiliated and don't make a fuss. The damage to young minds is devastating.