Anorexia, the media and role models.

Ok, I'll admit that it's probably wrong to assume that someone so obviously underweight has anorexia. But given a lack of a physical medical condition...

My girls (aged 8 & 10) caught a glimpse of Celeb Big brother and were horrified at how thin Jasmine is, and so a conversation ensued between us.

My question is that given how unhealthy she looks, how responsible should the producers of Big brother feel about letting her (a) in the house in the first place and (b) to wander round in a bikini.

Irrespective if she anorexic or not, as a role model I think she looks shit. Aren't kids and teenagers and people vulnerable to eating disorders going to look at her and, well the cogs will turn in not a healthy way.

Thoughts?

Dave The Ex- Spartan wrote (see)

Why were you bothering to watch celeb big brother ?

I wasn't and usually actively avoid such things, but my neighbour has got me hooked, bit like the friend that gives you the first meth crystal.

Is Adele a better role model for children?  Or Beth Ditto?

Wilkie wrote (see)

Is Adele a better role model for children?  Or Beth Ditto?

I don't know who Beth Ditto is, but generally, oh crikey now it's sticky ground... If I said don't put fat people on TV I'd get shot, but because I've chosen the other end of the spectrum I probably won't. But doesn't that show how skewed Western society thinking has got about weight?

kittenkat wrote (see)

 

oh crikey now it's sticky ground... If I said don't put fat people...

Cos it's not like 99% of your "throw this question out there" threads isn't designed to hit sticky ground within about 10 posts, is it.  Sod it, I'm invoking Godwin's law, 3 pages early...

PhilPub wrote (see)

kittenkat wrote (see)

 

oh crikey now it's sticky ground... If I said don't put fat people...

Cos it's not like 99% of your "throw this question out there" threads isn't designed to hit sticky ground within about 10 posts, is it.  Sod it, I'm invoking Godwin's law, 3 pages early...

My cat does not look like Hitler, hell I don't even have a cat any more!

Hmmm - I'm obviously underweight although not for lack of eating. I have 3 teenage daughters who have all seen me in swimming trunks and boxer shorts (although never in a bikini??, perhaps this is bikini specific??).

Are you saying as a role model I look shit to my kids??

Are my kids all going to become anorexic????

You've got me worried now - I'll cover up more in future round the house - thanks I never realised what harm I was doing to my daughters! I'll stop exercising and start eating more unhealthily - where's the pies, where's McDs - I need to get fatter quick, my daughters health depends on it!

kittenkat wrote (see)

Ok, I'll admit that it's probably wrong to assume that someone so obviously underweight has anorexia. But given a lack of a physical medical condition...

My girls (aged 8 & 10) caught a glimpse of Celeb Big brother and were horrified at how thin Jasmine is, and so a conversation ensued between us.

My question is that given how unhealthy she looks, how responsible should the producers of Big brother feel about letting her (a) in the house in the first place and (b) to wander round in a bikini.

Irrespective if she anorexic or not, as a role model I think she looks shit. Aren't kids and teenagers and people vulnerable to eating disorders going to look at her and, well the cogs will turn in not a healthy way.

Thoughts?

Back to your question. The media, in every shape or form must take responsibility. Just queue at Marks or somewhere and there are trash mags, highlighting z lists half a cm of fat, and how great it is to be thin. Then you have your McDonalds generation who dont give a fuck. A fag in one hand, a pushchair, and a tank top two sizes to small for them.

This is why i am pleased i had a boy i guess. His role model is Luke Skywalker..

Skinny Fetish Fan wrote (see)

Hmmm - I'm obviously underweight although not for lack of eating. I have 3 teenage daughters who have all seen me in swimming trunks and boxer shorts (although never in a bikini??, perhaps this is bikini specific??).

Are you saying as a role model I look shit to my kids??

Are my kids all going to become anorexic????

You've got me worried now - I'll cover up more in future round the house - thanks I never realised what harm I was doing to my daughters! I'll stop exercising and start eating more unhealthily - where's the pies, where's McDs - I need to get fatter quick, my daughters health depends on it!

Whoah... Unhinged radar going off.

And calling yourself 'skinny fetish' isn't bright really is it?

If you haven't got a problem that is... *whistles sideways and rolls eyes*

Some people are just naturally rake thin. Depends on other things I think. If she nibbles on lettuce and whines about being fat then she's got a problem. But if she's seen on TV eating relatively normally and not running off to the bog to vomit it back up, I reckon she's okay. Maybe not exactly a top role model for young girls, but do you really expect to see that on celeb BB anyway?

runs-with-dogs wrote (see)

Some people are just naturally rake thin. Depends on other things I think. If she nibbles on lettuce and whines about being fat then she's got a problem. But if she's seen on TV eating relatively normally and not running off to the bog to vomit it back up, I reckon she's okay. Maybe not exactly a top role model for young girls, but do you really expect to see that on celeb BB anyway?

I've had years dealing with this stuff in teenagers back in the time I was teaching. Basically my rule of thumb is that you can look at someone and their body frame, if the bones show overly, that's not natural unless they're ill. I've got a very slight frame and weight, but no extruding bones or shark spine.

I wonder why you let kids just watch this stuff. I really wouldn't!

mtbrDot wrote (see)

I wonder why you let kids just watch this stuff. I really wouldn't!

I think this is an important debate parents should have with kids. Surely more potential damage to hide this sort of TV and debate from your children.

I make it simple: I don't have a TV, nine years by now.

Iron Muffin wrote (see)

I think this is an important debate parents should have with kids.

And does this includes porn and Antichrist-like flicks, just to watch together and discuss afterwards, kinda make it educational? Probably yes, but not at this age.

I don't think the producers of Big Brother would have even considered the issue you've raised. Nor do I think they'd accept any responsibility for anything other than ratings!

mtbrDot wrote (see)

I wonder why you let kids just watch this stuff. I really wouldn't!

There was nothing in the slice of the program yesterday afternoon that was unsuitable for children of that age.

I guess you've never watched it...