Anorexia: A Disorder for the Vain

It wasn't all that long ago that having an eating disorder was something a woman would hide. Nowadays, at least as far as female celebrities are concerned, it seems to be a rite of passage. Frankly, not only is this skeletal-emulating trend ridiculous, the female-inflicted sexism of it is frustrating and annoying.

Everyday, it seems, another female celebrity has been "ousted" for appearing to be afflicted with some form of an eating disorder. Accordingly, each one of these women ferociously denies the rumors, describing in detail, their extravagant diets. With an unwavering smile, these steadily shrinking women, with apparent disregard for the food pyramid, take great measures discussing their predilection for pizza and other types of junk as their main fare, along with their uncommon inability to ever gain an ounce. Occasionally, the boldest of these skeletal superstars will tout an incredible nutritional intake upwards of 3000 calories. Unfortunately for them, however, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to comprehend that a woman who is 5'7" and weighs 105 pounds, is clearly underweight. In fact, one need only understand caloric input and output to realize how unhealthy a frame such as that one really is. As for the colossal consumption of over 3000 calories, you need not be mathematically savvy to realize that figure doesn't exactly add up. If in doubt, one must only look at a picture of one of these cadaverous prima donnas and their visible ribs, which are rarely the result of a diet fueled either by pizza or an excess of calories. Perhaps the craziest component to this nourishment paradox is that not only is this celebrity hobby of blatant starvation unnatural, it also equates to a high degree of unattractiveness. So why do they do it?

It's no secret that the camera can be cruel at times. Surely, we've all taken what I call a "humbling" picture. Some of us, startled by the extra five, be it pounds or years, that the camera has added, toss the picture immediately, then fret over their appearance. Others, those comfortable with how they look, laugh it off and move on. For the image-conscious celebrity, however, moving on is rarely an option. A "bad" picture usually equates to a stricter diet. The competition is fierce in Hollywood and there is little room for so-called imperfection. Those extra pounds, it seems, can make or break the malleable celebrity's career.

Thankfully, not every female in show business conforms. In fact, every now and again you will come across one such unflinching woman. For a fleeting moment, we are free to breathe a sigh of relief as we are reminded by these women that most of the images that bombard us are completely unrealistic. The bravest will confess to the ridiculous nature of the industry, having also recognized how debilitating the fallacy really is. It is during those times, that we smile knowingly, feeling validated in our suspicions about celebrities and their diets. Sadly though, these honest women seem an endangered species, rarely gracing the covers of our most popular media outlets. Instead, it is the nutritionally averse, young, impressionable entertainers who are highlighted in magazines across the country.

While I completely understand that an individual has every right to live their life as they so choose, at least within the confines of our laws, I am irritated nonetheless. Besides, I don't think that I am asking for much. After all, it isn't as though I am suggesting that a celebrity gain the needed 20 pounds or so. Instead, I would simply be happy with some honesty. The farce that is the celebrity diet is ridiculous. If a celebrity chooses to starve themselves for cosmetic purposes, that is completely their choice. Do not, however, lie to the public and pretend that their diminishing waistline spurns from some incredible biological ability. Most of us women are not so stupid as to truly believe that the metabolic process works differently in Beverly Hills and Malibu. For the most part, the absurdity of the celebrity diet is pretty transparent. In fact, most of us are well informed of the many applicable names for this diet, i.e. anorexia and bulimia.

I suppose some might argue that it's really none of my business. At the end of it all, I don't actually have to follow celebrity news. And, of course, in many ways, they would be right. On the other hand, as a woman, it is hard to ignore this dilemma that has somehow taken our country by storm. When women believed men guilty of subjugating them, they were rightfully outraged and reacted accordingly. I see little difference here, yet no one seems to hold these women accountable. These celebrities continue to perpetuate an unhealthy and unrealistic ideal, yet we idolize and emulate them. I have to hold these women accountable. I truly see no one else to blame. They are not victims of a societal stereotype emplaced by men to keep them gaunt. These celebrities have chosen to be in endless competition with one another. They have done it to themselves, by perpetuating the ridiculous competition and refusing to stand fast as a group. By going to immense lengths to outdo one another, they have set themselves back. Ironically, it is not some man that has inspired these women to starve themselves, but their own vanity. Though some might like to believe otherwise, the reality is that many of the magazines that highlight these sick women are female-owned.

If only they could each stand up for themselves and find their own beauty, independent of everyone else's, women across America, might breathe a sigh of relief.