Pro-Ana Reconsidered

Posted on March 6, 2006 in Gender Stigma

Yet another of my critiques of insensitive leftist sacred cows. Not all leftists are insensitive and most insensitive people are not leftists. And I eat cows.

Great wails went up when it was discovered that anorexics were using the web to exchange methods for keeping weight off. This author witnessed pretty much what I have seen over the Internet: a lot of cruel attacks on sick women and men. When you think of it, why the outcry against these sites when we remain silent about the fatty recipes posted throughout the InterNet?

Eating disorders are symptoms of a disease. We’re not going to get places by posting horrid photos and making wise cracks every time a thin woman makes a pass in a fashion show. We’re not attacking the fashion industry: we’re attacking the women on the gangway.

The abuse-them-until-they-change model just doesn’t heal. On the contrary, virulence encourages defensiveness and promotes stigma. As a sufferer of mental illness, I feel I must make a stand for sanity and effective treatment. We should look to this model for guidance.

For the record: I am six foot four inches tall and weigh about 280. I am not happy with my weight, but neither do I intend to starve myself to a skeleton.