Cross posted at Heather's Place.
It's interesting how certain posts can really open your eyes. The post, written by Jane Doe is a clear example of this.
I'm sure that Jane's story story has touched alot of us, whether we suffer from eating disorders or not. She put it out there, stripped naked if you will, and layed it on the line. I, for one thank her.
It takes alot of courage to put your problems out there, to share your feelings, in and effort to help people understand. It really brings home the fact (which we are all aware, I'm sure) that things are not always what they seem, in many different ways.
As Jane portrayed, society has a way of putting pressure on us by focusing on what people should look like. For that matter, you could add your education (where did you go to school?), the size and location of your house, your children, your religious beliefs. The list is endless and it seems that no matter which way you turn, you are judged, by all those things, and many more, too numerous and mind numbing to think about.
Whatever happened to the saying, "do not judge a book by its cover?" as much as I hate to coin that phrase. Jane made me realize (again) that it is the person on the inside that you need to discover, not the package that holds it all together. I, for one, will stop trying to judge "how pretty the bows and ribbons are," but enjoy the gift inside.
Thank you Jane.
Let's discuss. What are your feelings? First go over to Heather's and read Jane's post, just below mine. Then, come back and let me know what you think.
Comments
I think it's a sorry, sad state of affairs that a mother would influence a daughter, and friends would encourage a friend to use extreme measures, to attempt to attain beauty and a state of thinness that is the antithesis to good health.
It's too bad that Jane Doe did not seek help sooner in her life. What a sad tale and so indicative of what's going on with today's youth today (some even in grade school). The perils of the princess syndrome.
Posted by: motherkitty at January 6, 2006 06:22 PM
I agree, 100%. It's sad to see little girls doing that kind of thing.
Posted by: Moogie at January 6, 2006 07:06 PM
Image isn't all it's cracked up to be, I saw beyond that at an early age Im sure I did.
Those that are paid to parade should be paid to eat well and show what "normal" people will look like in the designs. It's all driven by image.
Your question has been answered.
Posted by: Gopher at January 7, 2006 03:06 PM
I think the majority of us have issues with the way we look on the outside. It doesn't matter how hard we try, there is always someone who appears more of any of the following: rich, beautiful, thinner, smarter whatever... and it's very hard to keep up.
There are basic truths in life that we should remember to teach our children in these days of high pressure. Never judge a book by it's cover. Look for the good in everyone, because everyone has something special, and do unto others as you would have others do unto you. The basic stuff we learned in kindergarten. Wouldn't it be great if everyone did so?
Posted by: Suzanne at January 8, 2006 12:28 AM