This ridiculous non-issue popped up in my social media feed a couple weeks ago: People are offended by "obese" people using the motorized carts at the grocery store, when disabled people could use them. Let me say this: If you are offended by this, you need to find some perspective.
Many disabilities are invisible disabilities. It could be breathing issues, a history of ankle and/or knee injuries, or heart problems. It could be that someone who looks "healthy" is undergoing chemotherapy and has difficulty getting around due to the effects of the drugs. Whether you think it is "fair" or not, obesity itself can certainly be a disability that requires additional help, which is why the stores provide the motorized carts in the first place.
"Well, they could use a little exercise. It would help them." You do not know that, and you are likely wrong. Unless someone is on a comprehensive plan to lose weight and improve conditioning and mobility, forcing them to push a cart is not going to help them. Instead, this "solution" for obese people using the carts is meant to be a punishment and public humiliation. This is shameful behavior no matter who is engaged in it, but when I see "christians" making this argument it is exponentially worse.
I know I say this a lot, but I am going to say it again anyway: This is what a cult looks like. You do not approve of someone's body size, so you want to punish them and exclude them from society. You ultimately want to micromanage every aspect of a total stranger's life to ensure they "deserve" access to something you do not own or pay for. You want to prevent a total stranger who you literally know nothing about from using a service the grocery store provides to customers for free. This is none of your business.
Handicapped parking spaces are a separate issue. The spaces are restricted by law, while the motorized carts are not. If you think a handicapped permit is being abused, call the BMV in your state. Doctors who knowingly certify that someone who does not qualify "needs" a permit can face professional consequences for that as well. So if you know of actual abuse, close your social media app and contact the proper authorities instead.
Here's the bottom line: You have bigger problems than whether someone using the cart "deserves" to be using it. If you don't, find some. It is none of your business whether someone is "legitimately" disabled or "deserves" to use the cart. Grow up, get over yourself, recognize that you do not actually know everything, and mind your own business.
On motorized carts and minding your own business
Is someone else loving your neighbor really that offensive to you?
