Hernandez-Avila, Ines. 1999. "To Other Women Who Were Ugly Once." In Kesselman et al. Women: Images and Realities: A Multicultural Anthology. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Pp. 119.
We chose this poem as our symbol because we like the way she said she wasn't going to be like the other girls. Even though she felt pressure to look perfect and be perfect, she became her own person and was happy with who she is. It shows us that some women don't get sucked into society's ideal of the "perfect woman." We hope that this poem will encourage it's readers to love who themselves, and be happy with who and what they are. Reading something that comes from someone's heart is more effective than reading something out of a textbook or other informational sources.
Many girls and women in the United States turn to eating disorders to try to live up to the beauty standards set by the media. If you think you have a problem, or want more information these links are a good start.
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention
"Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention is supported by educational grants, corporate sponsorships, public donations, and membership dues." This organization is backed by hospitals, health centers, and private institutions. "EDAP is governed by a board of trustees composed of health care professionals and citizen leaders from across the country." This site does a good job of informing about and promoting eating disorder awareness. This site also includes many links that offer additional information about eating disorders.
The Arizona Center for Eating Disorder Recovery
If you think you might be needing information on recovery centers, this site offers information about Mirasol, in Tucson, Arizona. It is a certified Medinex health site that includes information about their philosophy, programs, facilities, and staff. It is a promotional site for their center, but is informative too.
This narrative by Kate Dillon talks about her struggle with the pressures of modeling and her battle with anorexia. The article tells us that women who are seen in the media must be extremely thin in order to be hired for photo shoots, runway shows, and magazine spreads. She uses her story to hopefully make the dangers of starving yourself real enough so that girls that read it will think twice before they do the same thing. After hearing a true story from someone who was a fameous model, girls are more likely to listen to her than to parents, the government, or academic sources who don't give live testimony.