09/29/2019
While eating disorders affect every size, shape, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, there is a certain social justice element of eating disorders that often goes unaddressed- particularly with regard to the over-evaluation of weight and shape. We forget or ignore that in developed countries, money and status lead to the ability to alter one’s body to fit with the cultural norm of “beauty.” (the Kardashians/Hollywood). Wealthy people have seemingly limitless resources to alter or beautify their bodies. Beauty itself becomes a status symbol.
Where does this leave us “regular” folk? The people who have limited resources? Those of us who have to grab Taco Bell between carting kids from daycare to home at 6:30pm? It leaves many of us with very little time and resources for attention to our bodies and beauty. It leaves us looking… “average.” In a culture where “beauty” is a status symbol, it leaves many of us feeling “less than” or like we haven’t quite arrived. Our reflection in the mirror becomes a constant reminder of our mediocrity. The ability to adhere to a certain diet, exercise routine, weekly facial, etc. is a luxury that only those of higher socioeconomic status can afford. A $200 monthly set of eyelashes for a person who makes $24,000 a year is unattainable. A $200 monthly set of eyelashes for a person who makes $240,000 a year is a drop in the bucket. A 30-minute daily workout routine for a family who can afford a nanny is feasible. A 30-minute daily workout routine for a single mom of 3 is untenable.
So- what then is left of for us social justice seekers? Those of us who strive to impact fairness and equity in a culture where inequality is prevalent--even glorified in some circles? Addressing the over-evaluation of weight and shape becomes critical. We must stop the moralization of certain types of food. That is, saying to someone “you are being so good!” when they eat a salad or a gluten free dairy free cookie must stop. If your friend loses 20 lbs, do not jump to tell them “how good” they look. We need to stop virtue signaling on social media with regards to weight loss, certain foods, and work out routines. We need to redirect conversations with acquaintances focused on diets and weight loss. We must find other more meaningful ways to connect with people and ourselves unrelated to status seeking. We MUST stop seeing a person “as a body” and start seeing the person “in the body”.
