Media Monday: You Are an Individual

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer
 

The media is something with which we are constantly confronted, whether realizing its company consciously or subconsciously. By design, this ever-looming presence automatically becomes a part of our lives the instant we are welcomed onto planet Earth.

So, from the first day, we are provoked by images that command a specific, one-dimensional physical appearance; inability to conform threatens non-acceptance and the belief that we are less than whole. The vulnerability of naivety is the ripest of blank canvases on which to impose a senseless devotion to these unrealistic bodily standards, for as youth, we do not necessarily recognize the power this influence has, as it leads us to develop opinions about how we should look, feel, and act.

For these reasons, I have come to believe that fashion magazines are nothing more than distorted depictions of the human form. I harbor a steady, boiling anger, when I flip through the pages, seeing models that appear alien, looking like overgrown 8-year olds, or adults that completely skipped the hormonal dawn of puberty. Their spindly extremeties and gaunt faces sharply contrast with their large heads, making it sadly obvious that the present state of their bodies is forced, unnatural, and most of all, unhealthy.

I am angry because I know that countless people have looked, and will look, at these pictures, and start comparing themselves to these alien creatures, forming sizable mental notes of all the ways in which their own bodies are unacceptable. No one is immune to this. In doing so, we choose to blanket ourselves in anguish, as we magically forget all of the wonderful, amazing qualities that make us unique and beautiful, all of our talents and inherent capabilities. All of this instantly becomes worthless, because we don’t look like that.

What kind of world what it be if we were all carbon-copies of one another? Pretty boring.  And impossible. Everybody is different. Every body is different. Celebrating our differences gives life meaning, verve, and, most of all, identity. The greatest gift of all is that you are inimitably you. Matchless, outstanding, distinctive. You are an individual. The only way to honor this incredible gift is to allow yourself to be yourself. Nourish your physical, emotional, and mental bodies with a balance of food, love, and meaningful experiences and you will thrive in health.

Only you have the authority to choose this path of self-love, nurturing, and acceptance. You have the power to confront negative messages, and recognize that they do not serve your highest, truest purposes. By no means is this easy, but it is entirely possible.

Media Monday: The Impact of Weight Stigma on Our Youth

Submitted by a TEPF Volunteer
 

This fall, Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels announced she would be back on the show this January. But this time her contestants won’t just be adults – each team will also include three children between the ages of 13-17.

On the Today show, Michaels explained the show’s intent to bring awareness to childhood obesity and promote healthy living. She also notes that they plan to be more sensitive in their coaching methods, given the controversial issue. Yet, while the effort may be well intended, it still has the potential to send harmful messages to young people about body image and acceptance. In addition, it could reinforce the stigmas about heavier individuals.

According to research on anti-fat prejudice in children, weight stigma and prejudice begins as early as five years of age¹. This trend has become present in younger age groups over recent years, yet the prevalence of childhood obesity has risen. An article by the American Psychological Association analyzed existing research on weight stigma in children and adolescents and concludes with the thought, “[W]e have often been asked the question, ‘Isn’t stigma helpful in motivating weight loss?’ If it were, then the increase in stigmatization of obese children over the past 40 years should have been accompanied by a decrease in childhood obesity rather than by the recent alarming increase.”² University of Minnesota researcher Dianne Neumark-Sztainer also asks, “Can we foster the development of physical and social environments that promote healthy eating and physical activity and promote the acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes? This is a crucial question because we clearly need to modify our environment to make it easier to engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors. Yet, we certainly do not want to create a situation that further stigmatizes overweight persons.”³

Is this a situation that could further stigmatize overweight youth, or will it genuinely promote their long-term health? I fully agree that it is essential we address the health of our youth and work to come up with real solutions. Yet, I’m not convinced that putting them on the national weight loss stage will provide them positive motivation for health and lasting feelings of well-being for the future.

What do you think about this new series development and its impact on childhood obesity?

To read more:

http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2012/09/04/13657455-jillian-michaels-returning-to-biggest-loser-to-tackle-childhood-obesity?lite

References

1. Penny H, Haddock J. Anti-fat prejudice among children: The “mere proximity” effect in 5–10 year olds. J Exper Soc Psych 2007; 43:4, 678-683.

2. Puhl R, Latner J. Stigma, Obesity, and the Health of the Nation’s Children. Psychological Bulletin, American Psychological Association.

2007, Vol. 133, No. 4, 557–580

 

3. Neumark Sztainer, D. Can we Simultaneously Work toward the Prevention of Obesity and Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents? Int J Eat Disord 2005; 38:220–227

Media Monday: Body Image: Not just a Woman’s Issue

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

            When looking over recent topics dealing with body image, most of the search results only relate to women. Although women count for the majority of body image issues, the effects on men are all the same. I was recently looking at a male fitness magazine and could not get over what I saw. The men in these magazines were far from realistic with muscles the size of watermelons and every muscle was chiseled to “perfection”. What is the message that the men reading this magazine are receiving? In order to be fit I must have extremely large muscles and a perfect set of abs? When it comes down to it, men and women have a similar experience when reading these magazine. They may not feel good enough or in order to be considered pretty they have to be stick thin or work out 24/7. I can see how men would have negative body image about themselves after reading the magazine.

            All in all, mens body image has been unrepresented and they can feel the same negativity that a woman would. It would be nice to see fitness magazines with regular people who have an active and healthy lifestyle in them. The muscle men pictured give regular men an unrealistic image of what they “should” be like. Body image is not just a woman’s issue. Positive body image should be spread through all kinds of people. 

Media Monday: Healthy Surgery

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

At the age of 24 years old, Miss America contestant Allyn Rose has decided to have a double mastectomy after the pageant. She has a mutation in her genes that leave her more susceptible to developing breast cancer. When she was 16, she lost her mother to breast cancer.

Allyn Rose is a great role model for positive body image by showing that health is more important than image. In an interview with Good Morning America she says, “A lot of people are confused when I say I’m choosing life over beauty, but it’s beauty as a stereotype, the Hollywood idea of beauty, the physical attributes. I’m not going to let my desire to achieve those goals distract me from my own health.”

While most “beauty queens” are quick to enhance their body, it is reassuring to see another point of view. Being so young and in the prime of her life, it is very impressive that Allyn has the knowledge and sense to prevent this life threatening disease.

She is a great advocate for women because she proves that a woman's identity and beauty is not defined by her physical attributes.  There is no doubt that she is a beautiful person on the inside and out.

To read more click here.

Media Monday: Curvation

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

Whenever I see media that portrays natural body shapes and sizes, it’s a relief. There are so many ads that include emaciated models or models whose features have been computer-enhanced. The worst part is that many of the people viewing the ads have no idea that the images being portrayed aren’t even real. Young adults, who come across such ads in a magazine or on television, may naturally have the desire to look like that, which is unfortunate, because “that” isn’t reality.

I am thankful for ads that attribute similar positive characteristics to heavy and thin people of diverse identity groups, including age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and ability. Ads that incorporate images of people eating balanced meals, including desserts, to fuel one’s body as a part of a healthy lifestyle, are ads that give me hope. Ads that include women and men in situations, which imply equal social power and understanding that women are more than objects of beauty, are ads that give me hope.

Curvation lingerie was created for the countless curvaceous women who made it known that they couldn’t find intimate apparel that was both beautiful and functional. Real women with real curves were heard. For the first time, curvaceous women in America have an intimate apparel solution that is sensual, livable, and affordably priced. The goal of Curvation is to translate design expertise into a wardrobe of intimate apparel that offers women figure-enhancing options to celebrate their curves. The lingerie has created a new language to convey a very positive message of confidence and femininity.

Curvation sells their products at various department stores including Sears, Kmart and Walmart. Their products are also available online through Amazon, Beso, Her Room, Hoisery Street, Pronto Style and more. Their ads include pictures of real, confident women who are proud of their curves and natural beauty. These images can be found on their website at http://curvation.com/about.html. The target audience for the products is teens, adults and the elderly as well. The products are for women who have a larger build, so bras come in bigger sizes, as do their other undergarments. The product is very appealing because each item appears comfortable, well-made, and modeled on beautiful women.

The Curvation ads create a feeling of comfort and hope in society. It reminds me that there are many women out there who are proud of their bodies and want others to feel the same. It is a breadth of fresh air and a reminder, that society accepts you for who you are. I am thankful for companies such as Curvation, specifically for the amazing message they portray and vision they stand for

Media Monday: Snake Peel Body Wash

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

Though Axe brand products are no stranger to sexual exploitation, my recent discovering of the Snake Peel Body Wash advertisement was beyond reprehensible. This advertisement, unfortunately found in both magazine print format and commercial, focuses on the premise of partying, drinking, being hung-over, and then scrubbing away the skank from last night. The advertisement is clearly targeted to the young male heterosexual population. The message of not remembering and scrubbing off the skank that the man “accidently” slept with promotes a negative, sexist agenda of how women are to be used for a good time and easily forgotten. I don’t find this message appealing in any way, on the contrary, I feel very offended by the derogative message of negatively characterizing women as skanks being social objects not worthwhile of remembering the next day. Furthermore, the fact is that there is no way a body wash can help a man get girls in the club; remember what had happened the previous night of partying, nor waking up in the morning. The advertisement is unrealistic and socially irresponsible. I would hope that other people would recognize how this advertisement and the corresponding message are not acceptable to promote in our society.

Media Monday: A New Outlook

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

According to a study done by Durham University, the more pictures of plus-sized women shown, the more women preferred that body type. One hundred women participated in the experiment and were shown pictures of very thin models followed by plus-sized models. The exposure to the plus-sized models increased the participants preference towards that body type and lowered their liking towards the thin body type.

This study could significantly alter the way society views body image. If the media increases the variety of body types in their ads, people could start having a new outlook on their own body image and feel less pressure to look a certain way.

According to the article, a couple fashion magazines have already agreed to start using different types of models. Vogue has decided to use models over the age of sixteen who are in healthy shape. Also, Seventeen has made the move to use only unedited photos in their magazine. Although this is a small portion of the fashion world, these first steps could change the outlook on body image for the better. 

To read more visit http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/plus-size-models-boost-body-image-study-article-1.1199412?localLinksEnabled=false

Media Monday: Dressing up gone too far?

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

Dressing up and wearing mommy’s high heels are a favorite pastime for young girls, but when does it cross the line? In the popular T.V. show, Toddlers & Tiaras, dressing up is taken to the next level. Pageants in their best form should be for showing off a girl’s natural beauty, their knowledge, and accomplishments but in today’s world, pageants have been going off course. In the show, these young girls are made up so much; there is hardly anything natural about them left. Not only do they have to wear fancy dresses costing thousands of dollars, but they also are made up with spray tans, false eyelashes, wigs and dentures to cover up their missing teeth. Being that these girls are so young, how will they be able to accept themselves as they grow older? In an article from People Magazine, a social worker describes the effects that this show could have on these girls:

             

"Little girls are supposed to play with dolls, not be dolls," says Mark Sichel, a New York-based licensed clinical social worker, who calls the extreme grooming common at pageants "a form of child abuse." Playing dress-up "is normal and healthy, but when it's demanded, it leaves the child not knowing what they want," he says. Accentuating their appearance with such accoutrements as fake hair, teeth, spray tans and breast padding "causes the children tremendous confusion, wondering why they are not okay without those things."

Knowing this, why aren’t producers taking these kinds of shows off air?  It’s the millions of people tuning into the show that are supporting it to continue. To see a change, we must stop watching these types of shows, write in letters to producers and realize the large effects on the girls. Young girls should be stumbling around in their mom’s high heels with their friends instead of in front of millions of people judging their every move. 

Read more by clicking here.

Vote “NO” on November 6th to protect the rights of those in treatment

By Kitty Westin

Advocacy Director, The Emily Program Foundation

On Tuesday Nov. 6^th each of us have the opportunity to vote in the General Election, and this year there are two proposed Amendments to the Minnesota Constitution on the ballot. As Advocacy Director of The Emily Program Foundation I am writing to urge you to vote “NO” on the “Photo Identification Required for Voting” Amendment. You might be asking why I oppose this seemingly reasonable proposal. On the surface it seems to be a sensible requirement, so how could it possibly hurt anyone?

I am very concerned that the Voter ID Amendment will disenfranchise eligible voters who live in residential treatment facilities, hospitals, or in other out of home placements.  If passed, the voter ID Amendment will require all voters to have an ID with a current address. The proposed amendment will make it very difficult for people who live in residential facilities (like the Anna Westin House) to vote by eliminating vouching. The current rules give residential facility staff the authority to verify the identity (vouch) for people living in the facility so they can register on Election Day.  Many people who live in residential facilities are far from their home and would have a difficult time getting to their district to vote. This is why it is important to have a system in place that allows them to vote in the district that houses the treatment program. It is unjust for people to lose the right to vote because they happen to be in a treatment facility on Election Day.

Another concern is the cost associated with obtaining the required photo identification. While there will be no cost for the ID itself, people will need to pay for the required documents such as a birth certificate. In some areas of the State people will have to travel up to 100 miles to a location where they can get the photo ID card and this could make it difficult for people who do not have access to good transportation.  Many people who are being treated for eating disorders and other mental health issues are either temporally unemployed or strapped financially because insurance has denied to pay for the cost of treatment, the need to make co-pays and other expenses. Adding additional costs and financial burdens is unnecessary and unfair.

 And finally, amending the Constitution is a big deal! When something is in the Constitution it is “written in stone” and extremely difficult to change if, down the road, there are unintended serious consequences like disenfranchising eligible voters in Minnesota. 

I urge you to exercise your right to vote on November 6^th and to consider these arguments as you make your decision on how to vote on the Voter ID Amendment.  Please vote “NO” and protect the right to vote for people with eating disorders and everyone who lives with a mental health disorder.

Media Monday: Gaga Creates a “Body Revolution”

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

In response to media scrutiny over her apparent weight gain, Lady Gaga revealed her own struggle and launched a body revolution. She began her initiative by posting four unedited photos of herself wearing only a bra and underwear with captions reading “anorexia and bulimia since age 15”.  Her goal of the body revolution is to breed compassion and inspire bravery. She also encouraged her fans to embrace their own perceived flaws and post pictures/videos to her website, Little Monsters.

Thousands of fans have responded to Gaga’s initiative by sharing their own stories and offering support for others. This body revolution has created a comfortable, shame-free environment for people to join in on the conversation and stand up against discrimination.

Most celebrities lack credibility when promoting self-love and body acceptance. It is part of their job to look and act a certain way. However, in my opinion Gaga has pulled it off! I applaud her for standing up against the ‘thin ideal’ that is ingrained in our society and promoted endlessly by the media.  I admire her courage and ability to turn negative, hurtful scrutiny into a positive movement aimed at embracing one’s flaws.

Media Monday: A close look

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

Flipping through an issue of Cosmopolitan, I came across an ad for Torrid, a clothing store that advertises “Fashion for Sizes 12 & Up.”  I was thrilled that a popular magazine like Cosmo was considerate enough to post this ad alongside its pages of photo-shopped headshots and sculpted fitness models, yet I still had a bone to pick with the editor of the photo. 

The model in this black and white Torrid ad is kneeling on a couch while wearing a pair of Torrid form-fitting capris.  It is a profile shot where the model is topless yet completely covered by a fur blanket being desperately clutched to her body.  What I find interesting is that despite this ad being geared toward fuller, more natural-looking women, the fur blanket covers a vast majority of the model’s body, giving off the illusion that her thighs and waist are half their size.  If a brand wants to market themselves as catering toward fuller women, wouldn’t you think they would show-off their models with a little more pride?  Let’s pretend the same exact ad was re-created for the brand Guess Jeans.   I’m willing to bet that this ad would have a size-2 model facing the camera with a cold, blank expression.  She’d be in a straddle position, exposing her concave waist and covering her bust delicately with her bare hands.  This is quite a far stretch from the Torrid version that uses camera angles to appear slimmer and a blanket to cover bustier body parts.  Why should the larger model have to hide?  Did she ask for that blanket?  Maybe the size 2 model would prefer to have a fur cloak in her shot as well.  She does look cold with that icy glare…

 Any jean size can be sexy. What matters most is the confidence that’s emanating from the person wearing them.  Quite simply, whether a size 12 or a size 2, models should be made to feel proud about their size and shot through the lens of a camera that will capture their best spirit, not their best side.

Media Monday: Fox Studios’ Hit show Glee pokes fun at body dysmorphia and ipecac use. Wildly inappropriate or a candid look at our society’s issues with body image?

You decide.

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

Airing on September 24^th, Fox Studios GLEE season 4 premier started off with introducing a scathing new character by the name of Cassandra July, a cut throat New York dance instructor. Within the first 60 seconds of the episode, Ms. July openly criticizes her students’ bodies, calling one student “muffin top” instead of her real name and tells her “ It’s only rice cakes and ipecac for you, or cutting off a butt-cheek.”  Watch.

Fox labels itself as a “family network” and GLEE is one of its top viewed shows among every age group. While younger generations may be more impressionable and susceptible to negative messages about our bodies, it is something that affects our entire society.  There is a reason why this character and her scathing persona has hit a nerve. It is difficult to be so blatantly confronted with the types of messages that we are inundated with every single day.  How many times have you heard the phrase “muffin top”? How many times has that phrase come out of your own mouth?  How many times a day do you get the message that you aren’t “good enough?”  How many times a day do you judge others based on the way they look?

The answer is too often.

I stand in solidarity with those who have been victims of our society’s obsession with unrealistic expectations to be thin, to be perfect, to be “good enough.” I encourage you to stand with me and take action. What that action is, is up to you.

If you want to boycott the Fox network and it’s sponsors, here is a link to sign a petition started by a mother her lost her daughter to ipecac abuse.

If you want to let Fox know what you think of the messages they are sending click here.

We can make a difference by continuing the conversation.

Art and Eating Disorders 2013: Call for Artwork!

If you have ever created artwork inspired by eating disorder recovery, please submit to this very unique show!  Themes include, but are not limited to, eating disorders, body image, and recovery.

Don’t wait to take part in this show; space is limited.  Submissions are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis.  Art pieces must be framed and ready to hang on a wire upon submission. Artwork will be displayed anonymously (unless otherwise requested). 

 Please submit the entry with submission form to

Keri Clifton no later than January 7^th, 2013.

Submit works to Keri Clifton, Community Outreach Coordinator

1295 Bandana Blvd. W., Ste. 210, St. Paul, MN 55108

Contact Keri at keri.clifton@emilyprogramfoundation.org or 651-379-6134 with questions or to receive a submission form.

Media Monday: Thank you for standing up to weight-related bullying

An open letter to Jennifer Livingston,

On behalf of the over 10 million people who suffer from eating
disorders in the United States, thank you for publically addressing
the issue of weight stigma and weight bullying.

We are a group of advocates from The Emily Program Foundation and we
have all been deeply affected by eating disorders in one way or
another. Some of us have battled eating disorders and are in recovery,
some of us have supported family and friends fight these devastating
diseases and some of us have had a loved one die as a result of an
eating disorder.

We commend you for not shying away from this issue. Your willingness
to publically address the severe harm that can result from weight
bullying is admirable. Your declaration that we all deserve to love
our bodies makes you a wonderful mentor to the millions of children
and adults who are teased about their appearance. The media attention
surrounding your reply also makes it evident that individuals can help
the public understand weight bullying is not acceptable.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your remarkable work.

Kitty Westin, M.A., L.P. and Emily Program Foundation Advocates
Advocacy Director
The Emily Program Foundation
5354 Parkdale Drive
St Louis Park, MN 55416

Parity is Personal Advocacy Opportunity

There is currently a push to get our members of Congress to sign-on to a letter asking the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury to issues the final rule so the Mental Health Parity Law can be fully implemented. Please help by asking your member to sign-on to the letter. It is super easy to do! All you have to do is follow the directions below and you will be taken to the site that will ask you for your 9 digit zip code. Then you will fill in a few blanks and you are done. It took me about 4 minutes to do!!

 

For those of you who are on Facebook or other social media please post this message.

 

Thanks!

 

Kitty Westin, MA

Advocacy Director

Dear Advocate:

 

As we approach the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) on October 3, 2008, we are asking for your help to make the purpose of the federal parity law a reality.

 

Although MHPAEA was enacted nearly four years ago, a final rule implementing the law has not yet been issued. Without a final rule from the Administration, many individuals seeking care for mental health and addictive disorders have been unable to access the health care services they need.

 

Please ask your Member of Congress to sign the letter to the Administration asking them to issue a final parity rule and provide an update on progress made thus far in implementing the law. Click here to act now! For more information about parity, please visit www.parityispersonal.org.

 

Members of Congress should contact Melissa Gierach with Rep. Sullivan (R-OK) or Anne Sokolov with Rep. Ryan (D-OH) to sign on to the letter.

 

Thank you for your help to make parity a reality!

 

The Emily Program Foundation

Media Monday - Responses to Media and Marketing

Submitted by an EPF Volunteer

When it comes to cultural and societal values, media and marketing have strong influence.  We’ve all come across advertisements, whether on television, on the Internet, in magazines, or on billboards that covey powerful messages in few words.  After paging through an issue of Elle magazine, I came across one startling ad for a clothing line that omitted words and relied solely on a model’s presence in the clothes. While it appeared that the ad wanted to convey to an audience between 18-24 years of age a sense of self-assurance and confidence (supported by the body language used by the model), I saw everything but that.  The ad was not striking because of the clothing or because of some pronounced sense of strength, but because the model looked sickly skinny, with a paleness that seemed to wash her into the background of the ad. There was no healthy glow to her skin; her hair was dull and disheveled.  There was no smile sweeping across her face and her eyes were dull and empty, suggesting that she was tired and weak.  The clothing she wore might have been appealing if she appeared healthier, full of energy, but in this ad, they contributed to a sense of lifelessness. To a person with greater self-esteem, this ad would not sell.  It is possible, though uncertain, that for a person with lower self-esteem, this model and what she wore might convey some message of confidence or desirability. 

I think the thinness of the model remains a cultural ideal; however, our culture also values happiness and vitality. The latter are not represented in this advertisement. This particular ad is contradictory as it shows a very thin model wearing name brand clothing (mirroring some of our cultural values) who also appears sickly and almost lifeless (counter our cultural values), sending a mixed message. I do believe that this ad is socially irresponsible because it not only gives acceptance to such thinness, it almost glamorizes it as it is modeled in the ad of a fashion magazine. Because of this ad, I think advertisements in media that include sickly thin models should be excluded altogether.  We live in a society that judges us by our body size, promoting thinness even at the cost of our health and vitality.  I find it ironic that ads, whose purpose is to seduce their audience into buying products, often feature severely thin models without any kind of facial expression or evidence of a vibrant spirit or life within them. How do these ads still sell? What’s so appealing? How are these still featured in the media? Maybe as a whole, we’ve lost sight of what’s most important: our well being.  If we, as a whole, invested as much time and effort into nurturing our mental, physical, and spiritual health as we invest in constant self-evaluation against unattainable, unreasonable, and unhealthy standards, would these ads still serve a purpose?  Would they still exist?