Posted on Jul 30, 2015
"A drill sergeant posted a video calling overweight people 'repulsive and disgusting'. He says he’s saving lives."
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Fitness Motivator's Controversial Rant About Fat People
Fitness Motivator's Controversial Rant About 'Disgusting' Overweight People John Burk—an Internet fitness instructor, motivational speake and former Army vet...
From: ABC News
Fitness Enthusiast John Burk said despite the media's negative portrayal of his online video rant on obesity and healthy living, the public has been singing his praises for his brutal honesty and motivation.
"It's been 95 percent positive and these other news agencies are saying I'm under fire," Burk of Hinesville, Georgia told ABC News. "I have so much overwhelming support for what I said. I see a comment here, a comment there, but mostly I hear 'Thank you for saying that.'
"I've changed thousands of lives daily from people saying that 'This is the blunt-force trauma I needed for me to quit making excuses and lying to myself, and get up and do something.'"
Burk, 31, a former drill sergeant in the United States Army Infantry, said some viewers are portraying his speech as negative, however, he said he posted it on Facebook to encourage people to choose a healthier lifestyle.
"First and foremost, I will not apologize," he said. "I will not retract what I said regardless of what society thinks. There is a difference between anger and passion. That was passion. People are so quick to say 'Oh, he's so angry.'"
Burk uploaded the profanity-laced video on July 5, where it has since received over 3 million views and upwards of 31,000 shares.
In addition, the comments came rolling in — some calling Burk a "mouthy bully" and others saying he's "inspirational."
"What really aggravates me is how society views it that it's perfectly OK to be overweight, as long as you're happy," Burk said. "People keep saying it's not my business and you're right, it's not. I think the blunt truth of it is either making an excuse, or you're going after it. Essentially, that’s what this video was about."
Burk, a father of two, said he feels it's important for adults to adopt positive eating habits for the sake of their children.
"My overall goal, quite honestly, is to start a revolution to stop living so unhealthily," he said. "We can do so much for our lives. For me, it starts with good health and fitness and a good, healthy, mind. The people that work had and go to the gym, they're called obsessed with their body, gym rats, meat heads — but if someone is eating too much or degrading their health and you say one negative thing, you are 'fat shaming.' It’s the hypocrisy that I can't understand.
"Their personality might be beautiful, but your body, in my opinion, is not," Burk added. "Since when did it become beautiful for someone to be obese? It's not. It's unhealthy. People automatically assume that’s fat shaming."
Burk said that he will continue making more videos for Facebook and his site gruntstyle.com, in hopes to coach viewers on nutrition and basic workout tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXDEe_bg9lM
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/georgia-fitness-enthusiasts-profanity-laced-video-draws-support/story?id=32620720
Fitness Enthusiast John Burk said despite the media's negative portrayal of his online video rant on obesity and healthy living, the public has been singing his praises for his brutal honesty and motivation.
"It's been 95 percent positive and these other news agencies are saying I'm under fire," Burk of Hinesville, Georgia told ABC News. "I have so much overwhelming support for what I said. I see a comment here, a comment there, but mostly I hear 'Thank you for saying that.'
"I've changed thousands of lives daily from people saying that 'This is the blunt-force trauma I needed for me to quit making excuses and lying to myself, and get up and do something.'"
Burk, 31, a former drill sergeant in the United States Army Infantry, said some viewers are portraying his speech as negative, however, he said he posted it on Facebook to encourage people to choose a healthier lifestyle.
"First and foremost, I will not apologize," he said. "I will not retract what I said regardless of what society thinks. There is a difference between anger and passion. That was passion. People are so quick to say 'Oh, he's so angry.'"
Burk uploaded the profanity-laced video on July 5, where it has since received over 3 million views and upwards of 31,000 shares.
In addition, the comments came rolling in — some calling Burk a "mouthy bully" and others saying he's "inspirational."
"What really aggravates me is how society views it that it's perfectly OK to be overweight, as long as you're happy," Burk said. "People keep saying it's not my business and you're right, it's not. I think the blunt truth of it is either making an excuse, or you're going after it. Essentially, that’s what this video was about."
Burk, a father of two, said he feels it's important for adults to adopt positive eating habits for the sake of their children.
"My overall goal, quite honestly, is to start a revolution to stop living so unhealthily," he said. "We can do so much for our lives. For me, it starts with good health and fitness and a good, healthy, mind. The people that work had and go to the gym, they're called obsessed with their body, gym rats, meat heads — but if someone is eating too much or degrading their health and you say one negative thing, you are 'fat shaming.' It’s the hypocrisy that I can't understand.
"Their personality might be beautiful, but your body, in my opinion, is not," Burk added. "Since when did it become beautiful for someone to be obese? It's not. It's unhealthy. People automatically assume that’s fat shaming."
Burk said that he will continue making more videos for Facebook and his site gruntstyle.com, in hopes to coach viewers on nutrition and basic workout tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXDEe_bg9lM
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/georgia-fitness-enthusiasts-profanity-laced-video-draws-support/story?id=32620720
Soldier
Fitness
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 67
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"It’s also not based on science, she says."
I didn't realize that he was supposed to be giving a scientific opinion on the matter, he's not a scientist. I agree with his standpoint, as hard as this 'fat-shaming' is on people, it's just as difficult to try and accept their unhealthy lifestyle and watch them slowly kill themselves. It's called tough love, and we need more of it because clearly the soft approach isn't working.
I didn't realize that he was supposed to be giving a scientific opinion on the matter, he's not a scientist. I agree with his standpoint, as hard as this 'fat-shaming' is on people, it's just as difficult to try and accept their unhealthy lifestyle and watch them slowly kill themselves. It's called tough love, and we need more of it because clearly the soft approach isn't working.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
PV2 (Join to see) It's one of the many reasons I joined the military, my dad's side of the family are all overweight. I wanted someone to hold me accountable so I would never end up like that until I had the discipline to be accountable for myself. My brother was overweight until he joined the Marine Corps; he lost 50lbs in boot camp. I surround myself with people who are dedicated to a life of health and fitness, so I know they'll motivate me to stay healthy. I'm hoping I can serve as a positive influence for the rest of my family, so they can adapt a healthier lifestyle.
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PV2 (Join to see)
SGT Kristin Wiley - I'm with you on that. I've done the same. I've chosen to surround myself with people who have a healthy lifestyle. Last summer a guy dumped me because I intimidated him because I worked out more than him. You know what, someone better came along who not only worked out himself, encouraged and supported me in my healthy endeavors as well.
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SFC (Join to see)
Nice how someone that claims they like to debate on their profile and that they "tell it like it is" blocks me because she can't handle my opinion. She had to down vote me before blocking not giving me a chance to reciprocate. It turns out Veronica Fulgham is actually a delicate little cupcake.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
SFC (Join to see) Reverting to name-calling and generalizing negative conclusions about your personality is definitely not a 'professional' debating tactic. Unfortunately, in this day and age it is considered acceptable to condone someone else's opinion with this child-like behavior. At least you respectfully stated your opinion as such, whereas her opinion seemed to be stated more as a fact that we should all be forced to accept. You're probably better off with being blocked.
A doctor at Yale said this about categorizing obesity as a disease "But I have never liked the idea of characterizing obesity as a disease, because disease occurs when the body is malfunctioning. Turning surplus calories into a fat reserve is not malfunction; it is normal physiology." To label it a disease, is to tell people they can't prevent it. Most times it can be prevented or 'cured' through proper diet and exercise.
A doctor at Yale said this about categorizing obesity as a disease "But I have never liked the idea of characterizing obesity as a disease, because disease occurs when the body is malfunctioning. Turning surplus calories into a fat reserve is not malfunction; it is normal physiology." To label it a disease, is to tell people they can't prevent it. Most times it can be prevented or 'cured' through proper diet and exercise.
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Someone's Johnson is too small. BAHAHAHAHAHA
But seriously what he doesn't understand, In my honest opinion, is that Anorexia is TOO unhealthy, so instead of focusing on the Obese "group" or ANY other "group" for that matter, why doesn't he focus on the real problems, like eating disorders... PERIOD.
Sorry, HAD to tag you SGT Jeremiah B.
But seriously what he doesn't understand, In my honest opinion, is that Anorexia is TOO unhealthy, so instead of focusing on the Obese "group" or ANY other "group" for that matter, why doesn't he focus on the real problems, like eating disorders... PERIOD.
Sorry, HAD to tag you SGT Jeremiah B.
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Aside from the "I really love me" aspect, I can see his point, but I don't agree. He is only impacting himself, and his Soldiers... Not a lot of fat repulsive and disgusting folks coming from MEPS... I also always question anyone who takes photos of themselves working out... or in the bathroom mirror... What on earth did we do before smart phones and selfies?
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sir, to be fair, here is Gen Colin Powell taking a selfie with a "Dumb Camera."
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Can we imagine how amazing this country would be if people were this passionate about education and intelligence? Sure, it'd be nice if everyone were aesthetically pleasing, but it's brains that this country desperately needs. Six pack abs do nothing for our future...
Side note: this comic strip is what instantly sprung to mind for me when I saw this guy....
Side note: this comic strip is what instantly sprung to mind for me when I saw this guy....
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SGT (Join to see)
I actually follow this guy on fb. He has overwhelming support from people that were severely overweight, that have sent messages and videos of them with amazing weight loss gains and claim that he is what motivated them. I say, whatever works for you, do it. Also he isn't preaching that you need to have wash board abs or and chiseled physique, just get up and do something.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SGT (Join to see) - much like anything else, messages are often lost in the presentation.
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I just have a hard time getting past the fact that he shaved his armpits - I think I will pull his "Man Card"! :-)
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
You will have to pull that card on 78% of Puerto Rican males, including me.
CMSgt Mark Schubert
CMSgt Mark Schubert
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
CMSgt (Join to see) SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" Cpl Toby Dodd
I use myself as an actual example in this instance. Prior to being sent home via a MEB (Medical Evaluation Board), I worked out 5-6 days a week, hiked mountains and was generally a very active guy and in pretty decent shape. As my knees, back and shoulders got progressively worse, I could do less and less physical activity. I can't even do push ups now. As you get older, it takes more work to be able to lose weight. So my point, not all of us are "fat" and "Disgusting" by choice. No matter how much "motivation" provided by some tool who can't walk by a mirror without stopping and admiring himself will not change that. There are tons of fitness experts out there making quite a name for themselves motivating people resorting to name calling and bullying tactics (think Jillian Michaels or Shaun T).
I use myself as an actual example in this instance. Prior to being sent home via a MEB (Medical Evaluation Board), I worked out 5-6 days a week, hiked mountains and was generally a very active guy and in pretty decent shape. As my knees, back and shoulders got progressively worse, I could do less and less physical activity. I can't even do push ups now. As you get older, it takes more work to be able to lose weight. So my point, not all of us are "fat" and "Disgusting" by choice. No matter how much "motivation" provided by some tool who can't walk by a mirror without stopping and admiring himself will not change that. There are tons of fitness experts out there making quite a name for themselves motivating people resorting to name calling and bullying tactics (think Jillian Michaels or Shaun T).
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OK Number 1, I take offense to the headline. Because I have battles that are getting beat up all of the time for the job that they are having to shoulder and that is the job of Drill Sergeant. I told my Drill Sergeant back when I was a Private..."Drill Sergeant...I NEVER want your job." I knew BACK THEN that I never wanted that thankless job. So the headline is CRAP!!!
This dude did his time as a Drill yes, he did his time as a grunt and he is "trying to motivate people" ok. But he is NOT a Drill Sergeant!! HE is a FORMER Drill Sergeant.
Number 2. I agree that there is no place in the military for fat bodies. I have to constantly watch myself and make SURE I am not one, and I have had the unfortunate job of building all KINDS of packets for these kids that I had to FLAG for it. Some of them I had to build the "kick out packets for them." Ok so Burk was a little fired up, and he made the utterly repulsive and disgusting comment when he was talking about his personal view of how he saw overweight people. He should have approached it different maybe. However his message was the EXACT message that we tell all of our Soldiers when we FLAG them. When I sit my Soldiers down and brief them the tons of paperwork that I have to brief them, it is part of the paperwork, when we are going to send them to the Nutritionist.
Number 3. Infantry is one of the most hardcore (minus maybe the Scout Recon 19D Drills) and they are GOING to be that way. I read a lot of the comments and everyone acts as though everything that he is saying is somehow surprising. It isn't, it is something that we either have told our Soldiers (depending on how long you have been in, if you were in before the touchy feely Army) or were told by someone in Basic. I remember going to OSUT and the Drill telling us, "Go Ahead Pri'ates, eat some cake." Man we were dumb, we thought, "WOW, this is cool." So we did. Then we went to the Pit. WE spent forEVER in the pit and we were told how fat and disgusting we were and we were not GOING TO BE by the time we were done, and we were TANKERS. A breed historically KNOWN for being fat. "Fat Assed Tankers. Dumb Ass Tankers etc, etc. This guy, while I am not saying that he is right, (so don't jump me and think that I am defending him) is just going off a combination of how he was brought up in the Army and how perfect he feels that he has made his body. He DOES have good intentions and if you listen, you can hear it. He just is that Grunt SSG (I am guessing a Squad Leader) that has no real people skills other than crush the souls and hope to rebuild them. "Those who can't take it, move out. Those who can, will be as amazing as him."
So, although my main reason for writing this was to bitch that this headline was wrong. The rest of wrant was put together after I listened to the video a couple times.
So right or wrong, his words and heart are in the right place. His words are just not people friendly.
-- Remarks Complete --
This dude did his time as a Drill yes, he did his time as a grunt and he is "trying to motivate people" ok. But he is NOT a Drill Sergeant!! HE is a FORMER Drill Sergeant.
Number 2. I agree that there is no place in the military for fat bodies. I have to constantly watch myself and make SURE I am not one, and I have had the unfortunate job of building all KINDS of packets for these kids that I had to FLAG for it. Some of them I had to build the "kick out packets for them." Ok so Burk was a little fired up, and he made the utterly repulsive and disgusting comment when he was talking about his personal view of how he saw overweight people. He should have approached it different maybe. However his message was the EXACT message that we tell all of our Soldiers when we FLAG them. When I sit my Soldiers down and brief them the tons of paperwork that I have to brief them, it is part of the paperwork, when we are going to send them to the Nutritionist.
Number 3. Infantry is one of the most hardcore (minus maybe the Scout Recon 19D Drills) and they are GOING to be that way. I read a lot of the comments and everyone acts as though everything that he is saying is somehow surprising. It isn't, it is something that we either have told our Soldiers (depending on how long you have been in, if you were in before the touchy feely Army) or were told by someone in Basic. I remember going to OSUT and the Drill telling us, "Go Ahead Pri'ates, eat some cake." Man we were dumb, we thought, "WOW, this is cool." So we did. Then we went to the Pit. WE spent forEVER in the pit and we were told how fat and disgusting we were and we were not GOING TO BE by the time we were done, and we were TANKERS. A breed historically KNOWN for being fat. "Fat Assed Tankers. Dumb Ass Tankers etc, etc. This guy, while I am not saying that he is right, (so don't jump me and think that I am defending him) is just going off a combination of how he was brought up in the Army and how perfect he feels that he has made his body. He DOES have good intentions and if you listen, you can hear it. He just is that Grunt SSG (I am guessing a Squad Leader) that has no real people skills other than crush the souls and hope to rebuild them. "Those who can't take it, move out. Those who can, will be as amazing as him."
So, although my main reason for writing this was to bitch that this headline was wrong. The rest of wrant was put together after I listened to the video a couple times.
So right or wrong, his words and heart are in the right place. His words are just not people friendly.
-- Remarks Complete --
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Awesome you stated the obvious now but part of the solution and help others instead of yourself. I have no problem describing problems we as individuals have this on lock. The lending a helping hand or offering assistance is where we lack.
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PV2 (Join to see)
Very well stated. Let's try to motivate one another and help out instead of this bickering and being butt hurt over how he said it.
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I'm not a big fan of body art but I don't go around berating people who have it. We're all entitled to our opinions. Unfortunately some feel they need to dominate people with their opinions instead of keeping them to themselves. So be it.
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Cpl Toby Dodd
body art is not negative to your physical fitness. acting with gluttony, being compulsive, being lazy, lacking self discipline however is. your comment is irrelevant to the topic at hand. people in poor physical condition, not doing anything to correct it and continuing to it's decline are not only hurting themselves but their loved ones as well. in some cases become a burden on society and tax payers not being able to take care of themselves, not being able to maintain employment/income/medical benefits because of very poor physical conditions. having an opinion and expressing it to the world in attempt to inspire, motivate and guide people in the fitness aspect of life in which many people find offensive is something completely different and contrary to having an opinion of tattoos.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Cpl Toby Dodd. I feel my point is relevant because I don't berate people who do things that I may find offensive and do things to their body - tattoos, piercing, etc., that I wouldn't do. Each of us is wired differently so even though basic common sense would dictate being in the military and maintaining one's fitness is a no brainer, it was/is a struggle for a lot of us. Even without the military, healthy food is more expensive then junk food, the billions that are spent on advertising throwing junk food in your face doesn't go to waste for people who are not as strong willed. Health insurers are starting to come on board with charging people not at a healthy weight more on their premiums. I'm not making excuses but there are a lot of forces at work on people's minds and the temptation can be overwhelming on some people. I don't disagree with what you are saying, but berating and humiliating people IMHO is not the way to fix the problem.
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I saw the video and I agree with him. I'm a big person and am in the gym trying to make change. I've gone through the knee pain and the back pain due to the weight that I had on. He alluded to the medical (thyroid) reasons why folks can be big, but he didn't acknowledge there are many on medications that cause rapid and severe weight gains (get on Seroquel and see what happens). I think he does care, but in a rush to "shock", the delivery overtakes the message, so the message comes in broken and barely readable (in commo talk). I believe he could've put the same energy and intensity in the message and gotten the same results if not better with more facts vs. opinions (that are true to an extent), and rely less on the language to shock one into watching it. Overall I'm not offended by it at all, but I would ask if you go out with someone and spend time judging others, are you part of the problem or are you part of the solution? Instead of judging in this case, educate them if possible and offer a hand of education. That can go a long ways.
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Sgt Kelli Mays
Those who judge others and are condescending are the ones with the problem..what ever the reasons are for people that are over weight...it's there business, not anyone elses....and believe it or not...many of them don't give a shit...they are perfectly happy and content in their lives. It's their life...no one else s...and I'm sure many of them are aware that being over weight can give way to medical issues...but there is only one life we get to live and if they choose to live it being over weight, then so be.
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