After watching Miss Representation, many of the facts I thought I knew were only partially true, with the main points being left out just because 'that's the way it is'. For example, I knew eating disorders were a problem in America, sure, but what I didn't know was that about 65% (over half!) of women between 25-45 have some symptoms of an eating disorder. This is shocking to say the least, that we as a society have grown into people who take our looks and appearance into consideration so heavily. The statistic on http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/11702-65-of-women-in-u-s-have-eating-disorders states that with the additional Anorexia group, the actual number of women who don't see themselves as 'skinny' or 'pretty' enough is closer to 75%. 3 out of every 4 women. Now, this article was posted in 2008, so things might have changed since then, hopefully for the better. But either way it is ridiculous to me that in our society that praises doing things on your own and chasing your dreams, being your own self, that we also put so much thought into what other people think. A little backwards, if you ask me.
This all comes from the media in our country; it's everywhere you look. On TV, in a supermarket, sides of busses, the freeway signs advertising the 'lap band' or some cheezy weight loss product, ANY gossip magazine, media is so saturated in our daily lives that we don't even notice anymore. Or do we? We spend over $40 BILLION every year on things that actually work for maybe 2% of people (http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2008/01/the_diet_indust.html). We literally throw money away just for that small glimmer of hope that we might look better in the public's eye. I don't see this changing anytime soon, either, because magazines like Us Weekly, People, Star, Etc and shows like TMZ, Extra will always have something to say about what's right and what's 'pretty'. This goes the same for any of the E! shows (except the Soup) that show the lives of people that do nothing all day: Kardashians, real housewives, the list goes on.
'Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.' -Eleanor Roosevelt
Your blog is very interesting and yes as well as Miss Representation opening my eyes, the quantitative research about how 3 in 4 women don't see themselves as "skinny" or "pretty" is does just the same. I must admit, me being a female, also cares a little too much about my appearance. And yes, these many advertisements for weight loss are getting a little out of hand seeing as its everywhere you look.
ReplyDeleteI definately enjoyed reading your blog post Mr. Petz.
I agree with everything you're saying. When you said, "A little backwards if you ask me," I think you should go more in depth as to why it is backwards. Then, provide solutions for how we can improve. Everything else is great so far!
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