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[Audioboxer]

If Google are serious about finding some way of using Maps to encourage people to walk/exercise, which I think is actually a good idea, there are countless better ways they could do it than a basic as fuck calorie counter with condescending cupcake bullshit around it.

Here’s one way - one of the daily goals on the Apple Watch is half an hour of exercise. Maybe they just let you opt in to showing how much each route would contribute to that goal, or if you don’t have an Apple Watch just have that as a goal tracked in the app.

As I asked above care to explain that feeling? Is it because a cupcake is associated with junk food? If so, would fruit be okay? Or would fruit be a passive aggressive swipe that some people do not eat enough fruit? Calories are widely associated with food, so what kind of food icon would be okay? Steak? Or would that suggest anyone vegetarian isn't included? Cheese? What about lactose intolerant individuals? You can see how this list could be endless if enough people make noise.

Sometimes things in life are you yourself self-projecting. That is fine, we all do that, but the world can't always be based around what you want or feel. Sometimes things seem to be a result of who can shout the loudest and act the angriest. At times that gets a bit of stick or pushback as it's not always a very productive way to handle things. People being angry on behalf of other people is sometimes quite a condescending stance to take. It infantilizes groups of people so that you can act as a gatekeeper for what they can or can't experience or view in life.

 

[Wrestlemania]

As I asked above care to explain that feeling? Is it because a cupcake is associated with junk food? If so, would fruit be okay? Or would fruit be a passive aggressive swipe that some people do not eat enough fruit?

Sometimes things in life are you yourself self-projecting. That is fine, we all do that, but the world can't always be based around what you want or feel. Sometimes things seem to be a result of who can shout the loudest and act the angriest. At times that gets a bit of stick or pushback as it's not always a very productive way to handle things.

No it wouldn’t be better because it’s still linked to a calorie number which is likely to be incorrect.

 

[mid83]

Make it an option to turn off and call it a day. Instead, now nobody can use this feature. I find that sad.

 

[Audioboxer]

No it wouldn't be better because it's still linked to a calorie number which is likely to be incorrect.

Calories may not be an exact science but they are the widely accepted way of indicating food intake versus how to burn off that intake. Wherever you look in life from restaurant menus to food packets there will be an indication of how many calories you are consuming.

What is it about the cupcake specifically though? I've seen people claim things from its feminine and therefore sexist, to it's a passive-aggressive mockery of people addicted to junk food.

This article is quite an interesting quick read ~ https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/10/who-is-competent-to-decide-what-offends/542523/

As the ranks of college administrators have swelled in higher education, one task they've undertaken is more aggressively training students—and at times, faculty members— in what is variously called ”cultural competence" or ”diversity and inclusion."

The aims of these efforts are laudable.

College ought to be as welcoming to students from historically marginalized groups as it is to anyone else; and it ought to prepare all students for civic life in a hugely diverse society.

But when training faculty members or educating students so that they are ”culturally competent," a process that should involve telling them pertinent facts, is instead used as a pretext to indoctrinate them into a contested ideology, the laudable becomes objectionable.

It could be worthy of a topic on GAF, but I'd fear how that topic would go down. Either way, yes, many people in life are struggling both physically and mentally. They may need help/extra concern. However, constantly infantilizing people and using them as political bargaining chips for others to say "I'm offended on behalf of this group I've identified, which means I'm righteous and simply protecting them", isn't always helpful/healthy for said group. Just seeing them as victims needing gatekeeper activism is an awfully selfish way to view such people. Plus, ironically, it may simply keep them feeling like they have to be victims to whatever condition/illness/problem they are suffering from, rather than people who can recover, and can get out of the situation they are in to face many things in the world others can with ease.

I'm pretty certain a form of a pedometer mixed with calorie burning estimation is one of those things anyone in categories above should be tried to help normalize as not a threat, but a thing that can be viewed as acceptable to see without an instant negative/personal reaction. It's not there to speak to you directly, but a generic piece of data for anyone who wants to pay attention to it. Of course, shouting and screaming in an aggressive manner that people are simply unable to see a pedometer/calorie counter, does do a good job of reinforcing to the groups you've identified they should never be able to progress on their journeys to reach a stage where they can see such a thing and be able to handle it. Keep them infantilized/victims and that means you can get offended on their behalf and feel good about yourself (you being used neturally here, not aimed at you Wrestlemania).

 

[jono51]

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

 

[NIN90]

The notion that people who excercise too much would be triggered by this is making me chuckle. I strongly believe the opposite is the case but I ain't no science man.

 

[mid83]

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

What’s so grotesque about this?

 

[AllGamer]

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

It's not judging, it just provides some useful information.

 

[Kinyou]

No it wouldn’t be better because it’s still linked to a calorie number which is likely to be incorrect.

A calorie number by itself would be useless to most people. Comparing it to a food puts some perspective to it. There's nothing condescending about it.

 

[TatteredHat]

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

Honestly if someone feels judged by an impartial display of the energy required to walk a certain distance, it's probably time for them to do some self-reflection.

 

[Wrestlemania]

A calorie number by itself would be useless to most people. Comparing it to a food puts some perspective to it. There's nothing condescending about it.

You know what would put it in an even better perspective? “It’s recommended that people get around 30 mins of exercise each day. Here’s how much you’ve done today and here’s how each of these routes would help contribute to that”.
No calories, no cute little measurement devices.

 

[Killer Queen]

Why are people so upset over a calorie counter holy shit

 

[Tapioca]

Why is the largest and most deadly eating disorder in america ignored? food addiction and binge eating..

It's killing and maiming a lot more people than the heroin epidemic....

 

[NeonBlack]

You know what would put it in an even better perspective? “It’s recommended that people get around 30 mins of exercise each day. Here’s how much you’ve done today and here’s how each of these routes would help contribute to that”.
No calories, no cute little measurement devices.

So the issue is the calorie counter?

 

[snail_maze]

You know what would put it in an even better perspective? “It’s recommended that people get around 30 mins of exercise each day. Here’s how much you’ve done today and here’s how each of these routes would help contribute to that”.
No calories, no cute little measurement devices.

I think showing some sort of calorie measurement is good, even if it is only a ballpark figure. People don't realize just how much excercise goes into burning calories. Like that half hours recommended figure is very different for people with different calorie intakes. You can't tell someone who mainly eats junk food that he should walk for half an hour and he'll be fine.

 

[Jezan]

They should use a piece of fruit instead 🍇🍈🍉🍊🍋🍌🍍🍎🍏🍐🍑🍒🍓🥝🍅

Take your pick Google.

Semi-serious question but, I'm assuming the cupcake was a problem for some because it's associated with junk food and junk food is often associated with health concerns? As above, would people get as "mad" to quote that ladies tweet with a piece of fruit?

I was thinking that maybe a doughnut would work. I mean The Simpsons' pink doughnut would have it covered, no?

 

[MaddenNFL64]

Great idea. Just get rid of cupcakes, and show the amount of calories you can burn walking to places.

Keep the idea Google.

 

[Some Nobody]

You know what would put it in an even better perspective? “It’s recommended that people get around 30 mins of exercise each day. Here’s how much you’ve done today and here’s how each of these routes would help contribute to that”.
No calories, no cute little measurement devices.

Fuck that. Our bodies all do CICO. I wouldn't put any stupid cupcake shit there, but there's nothing wrong with having that information available.

 

[Audioboxer]

I was thinking that maybe a doughnut would work. I mean The Simpsons' pink doughnut would have it covered, no?

Possibly, but would we come back to the same conundrum that a doughnut is passive aggressive? 🍩 At least it isn't pink, I guess.

You could use a person walking 🚶🏻 🚶🏿, but then you might face complaints everyone isn't represented by a singular "human". So, you're probably best going back to food, as calories relate to food.

No doubt best just not to have an icon, but you know Google/modern design, it's always concerned with iconography/being quirky/graphics to supplement text.

 

[Kinyou]

You know what would put it in an even better perspective? “It’s recommended that people get around 30 mins of exercise each day. Here’s how much you’ve done today and here’s how each of these routes would help contribute to that”.
No calories, no cute little measurement devices.

So what? It's still not condescending to compare it to a cupcake

 

[kvn]

Wat. Why do people even care.

 

[Kyzer]

You know what would put it in an even better perspective? “It’s recommended that people get around 30 mins of exercise each day. Here’s how much you’ve done today and here’s how each of these routes would help contribute to that”.
No calories, no cute little measurement devices.

People with eating disorders aren't being triggered because "cupcakes are condescending", and even your simple benevolent health tips could trigger it.


This whole argument is dumb. People with eating disorders have a right to complain but also understand that being triggered by a cupcake calorie counter is not normal nor is society designed around the sensibility

1. Make the calorie counter opt-in only so you have to turn it on to see it
2. Fix it so it's actually accurate

And be done with it.

 

[Hashmal_Bringer_of_Order]

A fat white man on Facebook told me the greatest danger facing the West was Islam.

The epidemic that is Obesity is a ridiculously greater threat to health and safety than every terrorist combined.

 

[Kyzer]

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

You're right I should be able to use a calorie counter on my Google maps if I want without people who have an aversion to seeing cupcakes or calories without feeling judged thinking it is all about them, or judging me as a faux liberal for caring about my own health. This is about people with eating disorders, not people who make alternate "lifestyle and health choices" to knowing what a calorie is or being offended by cupcakes.

 

[Oppo]

It's not useful information - it's inherently incorrect.

It's inherently approximate, which is a big distinction. And they (Google) will readily tell you that. In fact they will say don't rely on GMaps for any critical thing at all.

I also don't think it's appropriate - Google Maps isn't about 'required energy' - it's about how to get from point A to point B.

...which requires energy. And it can come from you, and benefit you potentially, or it can be taken from burning something or using some electricity. I think the discovery aspect of surfacing this type of info is actually sort of important.

I actually think it's more harmful than helpful in its most basic form.

That seems ridiculous to me, that you could come to such a conclusion.

With an opt-in and personalized energy information, sure - but it's still pushing it for me. It's secondary to the app's purpose and makes it more bloated.

everyone's a software designer.

 

[MDSLKTR]

Fatties today need the internet to be accepted so I can understand the trigger (I was fat).

 

[Morrigan Stark]

the sheer amount of terrible hot takes in here is unbelievable

yikes

You mean like yours

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

Or this lol. A number counter is grotesque, judgmental... jesus fucking christ you guys

Why are people so upset over a calorie counter holy shit

Snowflakes. Nah, really this time.

 

[mckmas8808]

I LITERALLY hate this statement from the member

"Firstly it encourages competition, trying to burn more calories each day which could be triggering for some people who have a tendency to over-exercise. Secondly it could make people feel shamed that they have not walked far enough or burned enough calories.

I'm 100% okay with understanding people's triggers. But COME THE FREAK ON! Competition is bad now?

 

[Khalifa Jayy]

I might be a little late on this, but can they at least have it as an option? Would love to know the estimated calories burned.

 

[nitewulf]

In general do you guys think we are getting way too easily triggered by things? I don't mean that whole PC bullshit. Just in general.

 

[Eidan]

People should be able to go from A to B without judgement of their lifestyle and health choices. No surprise a faux liberal company would implement such a grotesque feature.

Calorie counters. Grotesque.

 

[FallingEdge]

They should use a piece of fruit instead ������������������������������

Take your pick Google.

Semi-serious question but, I'm assuming the cupcake was a problem for some because it's associated with junk food and junk food is often associated with health concerns? As above, would people get as "mad" to quote that ladies tweet with a piece of fruit?

Change it to eggplant.

In general do you guys think we are getting way too easily triggered by things? I don't mean that whole PC bullshit. Just in general.

with twitter it is easier than ever

 

[Nowise10]

Why is the largest and most deadly eating disorder in america ignored? food addiction and binge eating..

It's killing and maiming a lot more people than the heroin epidemic....

I found this Twitter thread which was re tweeted from original twitter user who complained about the calorie tracker

https://twitter.com/sarahhollowell/status/918631130944933890

SMH..."just pretend like fat and obesity doesn't exist and isn't a dilemma that has only occurred in the 21st century."

 

[TheLostBigBoss]

You know it's bad when the outrage is so absurd that you can't tell sarcasm from actual anger

I found this Twitter thread which was re tweeted from original twitter user who complained about the calorie tracker

https://twitter.com/sarahhollowell/status/918631130944933890

SMH....

Stuff like that twitter thread reads like a parody, I just can't tell anymore

 

[Cagey]

Wat. Why do people even care.

Because the most "progressive" position is to find this feature from a Silicon Valley tech giant unacceptable.

 

[Audioboxer]

In general do you guys think we are getting way too easily triggered by things? I don't mean that whole PC bullshit. Just in general.

Not really. The internet just shines a spotlight on the most extreme examples and then that gives mileage to people losing their shit and saying the world is burning due to mass-outrage.

You'll find the average person doesn't give a shit about internet drama, hence how people live their day to day lives without crumbling under "hyperbole I read on the internet". Social media, if trolls don't use it as a spotlight to dig up extreme examples and retweet them on mass, can also allow some of the loudest to shout over and over to get attention. Still, the average person does not give a shit about internet drama. If people spend quality time offline, they'll grasp that. Your parents, or cousins, or a lot of your offline friends probably won't say a word about a calorie counter, or even know about it. It's inconsequential, it doesn't seriously impact day to day life, education, work, looking after kids, going shopping, doing chores, etc.

Companies can and will respond from time to time as internet drama can escalate into mainstream attention if a company is dragged through the mud. Hence the likes of BBC reporting on Google. That's always the case with a large entity though, everyone wants to report anything on them as people will click/read it. The said entity will then sometimes say we can't take this heat, shut it all down and apologise.

In general, though, it's as I said above, a lot of the time people feigning being offended on behalf of other people, when said "other people" might not even be offended/care themselves. It's the quickest and lowest effort form of activism, to set up your own gatekeeping of others, and then proudly shout about how you are protecting some collective of people from harm/themselves. At times I think that can be quite offensive, as-as I said it can infantilize/victimize others for your own personal/political gain. It's not because you actually care about their well-being, it's because you want to look good and progressive in the public/social sphere.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

I found this Twitter thread which was re tweeted from original twitter user who complained about the calorie tracker

https://twitter.com/sarahhollowell/status/918631130944933890

SMH..."just pretend like fat and obesity doesn't exist and isn't a dilemma that has only occurred in the 21st century."

Some of these are a bit absurd

Stop acting like the fat person on your plane or bus is the blame for squishing into your personal space instead of the people who designed the tiny seats to save and make money

Stop getting weighed at the doctor's office. Ask them to take a different vital. Unless there's some specific medical reason they need your weight, they do not HAVE to take it. Help fat people out and make that request more common.

 

[mckmas8808]

In general do you guys think we are getting way too easily triggered by things? I don't mean that whole PC bullshit. Just in general.

No I don't think so. I think the people how are triggered or could be just have a platform to get their views out.

I'm 100% sure people in the 80s would have hated this too. But without Twitter, it couldn't get retweeted 10,000 times and know by millions.

 

[TheLostBigBoss]

Some of these are a bit absurd

Of corse it's absurd, she clearly is an absurd person who shouldn't be taken seriously.

 

[nitewulf]

In general, though, it's as I said above, a lot of the time people feigning being offended on behalf of other people, when said "other people" might not even be offended/care themselves. It's the quickest and lowest effort form of activism, to set up your own gatekeeping of others, and then proudly shout about how you are protecting some collective of people from harm/themselves. At times I think that can be quite offensive, as-as I said it can infantilize/victimize others for your own personal/political gain. It's not because you actually care about their well-being, it's because you want to look good and progressive in the public/social sphere.

Very well said. This is something I notice on the daily on social media. I was out with a female friend watching an Aasif Mandvi standup routine, and she later commented that she was ready to be triggered by the white people in the audience and their reactions to some of the jokes, and was ready to fight. I was like "oooook...". May be I have a high threshold of tolerance for perceived offenses, but I don't think it benefits anyone to be offended too easily.

In cases as such as this though, as you have alluded to, a beneficial option has been removed. It wouldn't have hurt anyone, and would have benefited some people who are calorie counting. I'm of the opinion the mobile apps based counters aren't very accurate and therefore are useless anyway, but if it made some people walk or run rather than take a cab, that would have had a net beneficial effect, for the people and the environment.

 

[Audioboxer]

Very well said. This is something I notice on the daily on social media. I was out with a female friend watching an Aasif Mandvi standup routine, and she later commented that she was ready to be triggered by the white people in the audience and their reactions to some of the jokes, and was ready to fight. I was like "oooook...". May be I have a high threshold of tolerance for perceived offenses, but I don't think it benefits anyone to be offended too easily.

In cases as such as this though, as you have alluded to, a beneficial option has been removed. It wouldn't have hurt anyone, and would have benefited some people who are calorie counting. I'm of the opinion the mobile apps based counters aren't very accurate and therefore are useless anyway, but if it made some people walk or run rather than take a cab, that would have had a net beneficial effect, for the people and the environment.

It should come back as an option, so, an on/off switch. I have a feeling with the heat Google took on this they'll just call it a day and not re-add it in any way. They'd still get accused of sexism or ableism no doubt. For some that have now tied themselves up in these knots on social media, to accept it coming back in any way, with them not getting angry again, could be perceived that their initial anger was feigned in some way. Therefore, double down and be prepared to tell Google even as an option, it's still unacceptable. Google just won't want to take the risk in any shape or form now, as having to try and defend their public corporate image against accusations of sexism/ableism isn't worth it.

I mean, damn, there are enough cases of actual sexism in the tech industry without people going loopy over a cupcake because it has the colour pink on its emoji.

 

[jakonovski]

This is the most American thing I've ever seen.

 

[maniac-kun]

This is the most American thing I've ever seen.

I'm clapping as well.

 

[Mael]

It's kinda stupid as an idea if your choice is 20min drive and 3hr walk.
Yeah, you're going to burn whatever calories but you're going to be there in 3hrs too.
Might as well provide the calories you'd burn by doing handstands.
As an opt-in method, it's not bad.

 

[mordecaii83]

I'm fine with making this an opt-in, but with America's increasing problem with obesity I think steps need to be taken to encourage people to do something about it. Hell, I'm currently part of the problem (although I do have a thyroid issue that makes it harder to lose weight and easier to gain it all back if I relax for even a little bit, but I refuse to let that be an excuse).

 

[reckless]

A good idea that should be opt-out.

 

[Battlezone]

I found this Twitter thread which was re tweeted from original twitter user who complained about the calorie tracker

https://twitter.com/sarahhollowell/status/918631130944933890

SMH..."just pretend like fat and obesity doesn't exist and isn't a dilemma that has only occurred in the 21st century."

There is not a single thing on that list that is unreasonable. All she is asking for is empathy.

Which is something this forum usually has in spades, so it's incredibly disappointing to see such a lack of it here.

 

[mordecaii83]

There is not a single thing on that list that is unreasonable. All she is asking for is empathy.

Which is something this forum usually has in spades, so it's incredibly disappointing to see such a lack of it here.

I disagree that everything on her list is reasonable. For example:

Saying not to let the doctor weigh you? Change in body weight can absolutely be an important metric for your overall health.

Boycotting a store because they don't cater to every size? Not every store needs to be for everyone.

The others are pretty reasonable. It's absolutely true that some people have conditions which cause them to be overweight that they cannot help, but does that mean that we shouldn't encourage people who are overweight purely due to over-eating or an overly sedentary lifestyle to become more healthy?

Being overweight is a precursor to quite a few serious and life-threatening health problems and I would think that we would want to minimize the risk for people whenever possible.

Edited to change some wording to fit my intent a little better.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

It's kinda stupid as an idea if your choice is 20min drive and 3hr walk.
Yeah, you're going to burn whatever calories but you're going to be there in 3hrs too.
Might as well provide the calories you'd burn by doing handstands.
As an opt-in method, it's not bad.

Handstands aren't going to get you to your destination. I have no idea what you're talking about

There is not a single thing on that list that is unreasonable. All she is asking for is empathy.

Which is something this forum usually has in spades, so it's incredibly disappointing to see such a lack of it here.

People telling doctors not to weigh them because some overweight people are self conscious or see it as fat shaming (presumably) isn't unreasonable? Are you fucking serious? I'm not going to tell my doctor what to do at the job they've been through intense schooling and are medically certified to perform and know better than I do because of this shit

 

[ivanthebearable]

The fatphobia in this thread (and GAF in general) bothers me.

As many people said, it should be massively overhauled to not be so patronizing/inaccurate and then be opt-in.