#skinny

So I want to take the time to respond to my previous post and elaborate on the negatives of eating disorders, and some other interesting things I have run across. I've done several research projects throughout the past three years over medias impact on body image, as well as anorexia, and bulimia.

Now, I fully recognize anorexia and bulimia as disorders, they are generally paired with anxiety and depression. Those who participate in such behaviors may do so because they feel that this is the only aspect in their life they have control over. 

There are tons of websites that promote these behaviors; the disorders go by Ana and Mia, short for anorexia and bulimia. These site share tips to maintain low weight, how to avoid people discovering your disorder, and they give support to one another as they take their "journeys" with weight loss. 

Obviously I have a problem with these websites, they are unethical, negative, and un healthy for females bodies and minds. (Side note: men and women can both have eating disorders, no discrimination to gender, but it's mainly women. As I refer to females and girls, understand they are not the only ones affected.) According to free speech and free press, there is nothing we can do about these websites. The only way to help our youth is to teach them how to have a good outlook on their body and understand negative effects of eating disorders. 

Now besides reading through psychological journals on this topic, I did some media research on good ole Instagram. The first thing I did was search #skinny. My goal in doing this was to see how many girls in general flaunt their thin bodies, and how many girls were posting "Thinsperation" (posting photos of thin girls that will motivate one to become skinny). So I went to the "explore" tab on my Instagram app and this photo popped up before taking me to my search of #skinny!

Holy freaking cow!!!! This is something Instagram has for such a topic!! I don't often search hashtags, especially ones that may be controversial, but my goodness. Part of me is glad they implement this warning, but I'm shocked that it exists. 

Next I searched a fancy word that has to do with what I'm talking about, "Anorexia." What I saw was very upsetting. There was some girls posting their recovery from anorexia, but the down side was those who were flaunting their disorder. I have a problem with this. This may get me disliked by some, but I have an issue with people who ask for attention for their problems. If you sincerely have an issue, then I will empathize with you, and understand it is a real issue. If you post photos like the ones below, I don't feel bad for you. I think you are seeking attention, and take away from people who honestly struggle with these disorders! 

(It honestly disgusts me how they promote these behaviors and treat them like a fashion trend. They are begging for attention. This is not fair to those who try to hide their struggles and actually need help! These uses are begging for likes and seeking out peoples empathy.)

(I realize I left the users Instagram names, I have no issue doing this because they post these for the world to see. If they have no problem showing these photos I have no problem outing their behaviors. Had it been their real names, or a person I personally know, I would have taken time to save their identity.) 

People actually struggle and have issues! Once you post these things, aside from a past photo saying you're recovering from *insert disorder here*, I do NOT feel bad for you and I assume your photo is just asking for attention from others. People who do this are pathetic; don't advertise your problems in this fashion. 

Please and Thank you. 

I am by NO means saying these disorders are crap or fake, people honestly struggle with these issues; but the unfortunate truth is some people do it for mere attention, and that is what irks me.

The Skinny on being Skinny, and Not-so-Skinny!

I can give you numerous examples of psychological studies conducted on how media affects the female body image, and how skewed societies views are on beauty. Many people recognize this issue, yet it continues. This is not so much an issue on how media portrays body image, that's not news, but how we as contributors on social networks choose to engage this topic. 

I've seen everyone on both sides. Numerous picture of women with curvy figures strutting their stuff in a classy lingerie shoot, or a post saying "is that slice of pizza worth it?" 

What I've noticed is the girls who have small bodies have no problem posting pictures of themselves smashing on awful food, or saying "everything taste better than skinny feels!" With a few curvy girls who show their confidence in other ways. 

I think it's great after all these years of curvy girls feeling like they don't have a place, unable to be in magazines, can't wear the fancy clothes, etcetera... Now we have "plus size" models (which is a joke in the idea of what they consider "plus sized"), clothes made on a scale to fit average body types versus stick figures, and more people excepting different body type (Dove soap, Special K, etc.). 

So clearly we don't find it okay to bash other body types.... We should never make fun of someone for being anorexic just as much as we should not make fun of those for having BED (binge eating disorder)/ being overweight. So let me show why this is striking my attention. 

I saw this on my Instagram feed. 

So basically this is a skinny female who feels like she is targeted for being skinny. I understand it may be annoying to hear "you need to eat", or "are you anorexic?" That makes sense, but let's look at this as a whole. People who are "skinny" aren't judged negatively; if anything most females envy them. (Any negativity is out of jealousy!) If you think being skinny is a rough life, put on a fat suit for a day and see how life really feels when you draw attention for sticking out in the wrong way. 

I may be extra salty because I'm not a size 2; I don't even think my body would look normal under a size 7! Either way, bigger girls don't post things like "don't judge me for being fat, I can't help it, it's how I'm made, I don't make fun of you for being medias ideal body shape." So please shut your face and quit complaining you're skinny... We all know it's not a stressor on your day for being blessed with a fast metabolism. Skinny girls are mad because bigger girls gained confidence. There is a huge difference between saying "I'm skinny" and "I'm beautiful." We watch you "love your bones" all the time whenever you wear crop tops out and about. Bigger girls don't share that luxury. Another thing, bigger girls do not get (positive) attention for being big, skinny girls get noticed for being tiny. Rarely do you hear anyone say "ew she's skinny, I'm glad I don't look like her!" <---- guess who hears something similar??? Not the skinny girls... 

On a whole side note if you are struggling with an eating disorder, anorexia or bulimia, don't take this negatively. If you get help and want to work on your issue than don't get me wrong and think I'm scolding you. 

I'm not mad at anyone for being skinny; people just need to realize how they portray themselves, and know it's not a pain to be called skinny all the time. We know you secretly love it! Let me know the next time you see a girl (who isn't struggling with an eating disorder) run off crying for being called skinny.... Please. 

My secret wish is all you who complain about being called skinny turn into some fat BITCHES 5 years down the road! 

Celebrities are people too.

It's one thing to have an opinion, it's another thing to be a bully. If you want to disagree with someone, that's fine. If you do not like someone for whatever reason, personal or just because you don't like what they represent/do, cool. 

It's not news that many people fight against those who bully others in the form of harassment, or negative actions. My problem is the idea that we only seem to understand bullying is wrong if it's done towards kids between the ages of 11 to 18.

People create sites that are solely for bashing celebrities, and they take the time to post awful things to these celebritie's Twitters and Instagrams. I'm not sure where people get off treating someone else like garbage, even if they are rich and famous. I've always been especially annoyed with people who talk badly about a celebrity just because they feel like it, or it seems like the cool thing to do. I was appalled the other day when I scrolled through my IMGFave app and saw this photo of a girls phone case. 

If you were unaware, this is a picture of Kim Kardashian CRYING! Some girl made this photo her phone case, not her background on her phone, her PHONE CASE! How down right mean is that. I'm sure that girl would be infuriated if someone she went to school with put a photo of her crying her eyes out on their phone case because of something terrible that happened to her. I find this disgraceful, and something that can be classified as being a BULLY. 

So why do people take time to recognize and attempt to put an end to the bullying of children but not all bullying. I think the problem is people have this stigma that celebrities don't have the same feelings as us normal folk, or that the celebrity asks for what is done/said to/about them. (So many /s) 

I think that people are ignorant to validate their negative hate comments to someone like Snookie, Kim K, Lady Gaga, and whomever else they may not like for whatever reason. I know these celebrities have done things that may not be honorable. Snookie was on Jersey Shore and partied. Kim Kardashian has a sex tape and was married for 72 days. Lady Gaga..... Does nothing questionable because she's amazing and I love her. 

Putting all this into perspective we have to realize not everyone's one time action is a representation of who they are. Nicole Polizzi (Snookie) is the perfect example. She may have had some wild times living up the summers in Seaside Heights, but that doesn't represent her every day life. She's an amazing person, dedicated mom, and she has several books that have done quite well. More than most haters can say! (How many books have you published...? Oh that's right! NONE.) 

These people (Celebrities) are not helpless; but they still shouldn't have to be treated poorly. They have feelings too. Tons of regular females go around doing the same things, sometimes even worse, the difference is they aren't put in a tabloid the day after. 

Don't get me wrong, some celebrities makes huge mistakes, but it's still no reason to send hate mail. The awful things people say and write towards someone, even the rich and famous, only says something about the person saying it... Not the person they are saying it about. 

I'm pretty convinced that the majority of people who take the time to spread so much hate towards these celebrities are just jealous, bored, or have their own problems they want to project. 

What really interests me is why people who say they don't like celebs like Snookie will still follow her on Twitter and Instagram. They comment on her photos and tweet awful things to her. They go as far to judge her parenting skills. I'm positive no one can prove ANY poor parenting on Nicole's part. 

If you don't like someone why take all that time and effort... That says quite a bit about who a person is. 

 

I guess the best thing to do is diagnose ignorance and prescribe a horse pill size of karma. 

Playing the victim.

Fact: I love RuPaul's Drag race on LOGO.

Fact: I'm a supporter of Gay/equal rights.

Fact: People like to play the victim.

I'm going to assume most people who read this aren't on the same page with me when it comes to having seen Drag Race, or know much about the show. I'm going to attempt to bring anyone who hasn't heard the recent controversy up to speed. 

RuPaul's Drag Race is on it's 6th season, it's a competition to find the "Next Drag Superstar." Drag Queens compete in a series of challenges to see whose the best of the group, and each week one is eliminated. Like other shows, top model being one example, the challengers get a message that is like a riddle and explains the challenge to come. On America's Next Top Model this mail they receive before a photo shoot is called "Tyra Mail" on Drag Race it's called "She Mail". The title for Drag Race is a play on words, it's Ru dressed in drag and explaining the challenge ahead, but it's also a pun on the idea that he's a man... She-male.... RuPaul shows up on the TV in the work room and says "you've got she mail!" This has been a tradition since the first season of drag race. In addition there was a mini-challenge on this season called "She-male or Female," this is where the queens were shown a close up photo of either a "biological woman, or a psychological woman" -RuPaul. Basically the contestants had to decide whether it was another drag queen or a female celebrity. 

Apparently this has just posed a problem... People have recently complained over the use of the term "she-male" saying it is a slur to the transgendered community. Now I'm all for people who are gay, transgendered, straight, bisexual, pan sexual, what have you.... What I don't like is people who take things so personally and manage to take offense to something that is not intended to offend. It is my personal opinion that people like to play the victim in situations where they are not being targeted. 

This term has been used in six seasons, every episode, and now it's being pulled from any episode that aires because a few people played the victim. Apparently it's the challenge that brought this into everyone's conscious mind for them to all of a sudden be offended. Clearly this show is not attempting to single anybody out! They are gay men dressing in drag, they are just as much a part of the same community as those who are transgendered. If I got offended every time someone made a blonde joke people would call me stuck up, and easily offended.  

I am not the only one annoyed by this controversy, many people have responded to the facebook post of the official apology having a similar response to what I've voiced. I'm not attempting to be insensitive, I just do not see why people feel so hurt by something that was not even intended to be offensive, especially due to the context in which the term was used. Had it been used by a republican politician in opposition to gay rights, then go ahead and be offended; but the context is important to view. 

As I mentioned there was a public apology, the episode with the mini challenge is being pulled from the TV lineup, and from now on the mail segment of the show will not contain the term "she-mail." I find this to have been quite dramatic, and I strongly feel people deem it necessary to take offense to rain if it falls the wrong way. 

People are UNBELIEVABLE.

Here is the public apology on Drag Official 

http://www.dragofficial.com/10/post/2014/04/logo-says-sashay-away-to-she-mail-she-male.html

Entertainment Weekly's take on the situation.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/14/rupauls-drag-race-drop-controversial-shemale-segment/

Love Your Fur-babies!

Today sparked an issue that gets on my LAST nerve, people who have pets they cannot take care of. If you cannot afford pet food, vet visits, or have a good place to keep them when you have to go away for more than a day, DO NOT GET A PET! 

Today I was sitting in my living room with my roommate and we looked out the window to the street and saw some girl open her car door, put a cat on the ground, then drove off. My roommate and I went outside, put the cat in my cats carrier, and had him taken to the shelter. 

It annoys me that people have the nerve to do this to a precious, innocent animal. Although animals are somewhat independent, they cannot do well outdoors if they've been taken care of in a home by humans. I treat my cat like my child. I would never abandon my baby...If I wasn't allowed to have him in my home I would move to a place that would allow him.... Animals are not disposable. 

I am also not a fan of people who take on more animals than they can handle. It's not fare to an animal if they cannot get equal care along with the other animals in your home.  On the opposite side of this situation is having an animal that you keep outside. This irks me to death. I dated a guy whose parents had a dog, she was a beautiful golden lab, but they made her live out in the back yard. She had a small dog house and her food/water out there.... Mind you, we lived in Florida. It gets hot as hell, and pours rain often. I was livid over this. My boyfriend told me that his little brother was allergic and they couldn't keep her in the house. That being said, they should have given the kid a Benadryl, or given the dog to someone who could take care of it. You wouldn't tell your kid to live outside because they have lice and you don't wanna infect the rest of your children; you would take care of the issue in a realistic way. 

My boyfriend and I adopted a 10 year old cat for my 20th birthday, unfortunately she was already close to her end when we took her home. She was bullied by other cats in the shelter after she had been surrendered by her owner who was going to euthanize her. We were able to take care of her for two months before her liver failed. She was the sweetest kitty ever, she gave kisses, and slept on top of us all night. She was amazing, her liver failed in December and we had to put her down. One of the hardest days in a long time. She was my third pet I had to put down for failing body issues. My first pet I had from the age of 2 to 15, she was a puppy named Minnie; then at 19 my cat Mickey that I had since I was 6 or 7. Watching a pet go under is very difficult, not even something I would wish on my worst of enemies. 

We now have a chipper kitten named Leo. He's a little over a year now, and he's a spitfire. He primarily lives with my boyfriend while I'm at college, but I take him when my boyfriend house sits for friends and family.... Or whenever I need my fur baby to keep me going during a rough week of school. (He's laying next to me as I type this). 

I love him like he's my child, I would do whatever he needed me to. I would be devastated if anything happened to him, or if he ran away. I consider myself a lucky cat mommy, I wouldn't trade him for anything. 

I hope one day we can give all animals a good home, and not have over populated shelters or unnecessary euthanizations. (It sounds like a pageant girl answer "I just want world peace." But I'm serious...) Animals should be treated like a human, they aren't something you can keep as a puppy or kitten then cast them out when they grow up and they aren't "cute" anymore. People are selfish and disgraceful. 

I can't right now... I'll just be here smothering my cat with kisses and cuddles!

( Me and mey little man, Leo)

Miley Cyrus

So here is my two cents on Miss Miley. First things first, I'm not utterly obsessed with her, but I also don't bash her. As pretentious as this may sound, I am a psychology student, I tend to analyze people for more than face value. 

I have a theory that she does work hard to shock the world and get their brains off the image of seeing her as Hannah Montana. Miley doesn't want to be called Hannah Montana her whole life. Poor Jaleel White will never shake the name Urkel... Miley doesn't want to end up in a similar situation. And I can't blame her. 

I fully understand people should not judge her, or say she has gone wild compared to her younger years. Hannah Montana was a character, not a representation of Miley; that's what she is attempting to change. She wants to make her own name as Miley, not as a Disney Character. 

Going back to when she started appearing in the media for taking risqué photos, and posing seductively with friends.... SO WHAT! Teens do that all the time. Yeah it's not a good idea to post those images, but I've seen kids do worse. It was only a big deal because she was a role model for young girls. I don't see why people expect celebrities to be perfect, they are allowed the same rights as everyone else. Most of all, they know what pedestal they have been placed on... just like we make our own choices we have to allow celebrities that same right. 

I bring this up because I saw a tweet about things the media doesn't show about Miley. Her good side. They take too much time posting the negative. 

Now most of us understand the media is a money making business, they profit off information people want to see. Unfortunately people love hearing celebrity drama... people tend to love drama regardless where it comes from. 

Now to break it down. I do think she asks for attention. She realizes she's going to get it from the stunts she pulls, outfits she wears, and tweets she posts. For celebrities all publicity is good publicity. Realistically, 'crazy' gains more attention than volunteer work; attempting to save the whales or ladling soup at the soup kitchen.  

I give Miley credit. She has managed to make a name for herself outside of Hannah Montana (which was a bomb show if you ask me). I personally feel she could have the same fan base, possibly larger, if she didn't attempt to shock people to grab their attention. She goes to extreme lengths. In all reality back in Madonna's  day she was considered to be one crazy BIOTCH... Now look at her, she's still rocking it at 50some years old... and people still talk about her. It's all a psychological game in the end. Even if you're talking shit about her.... she still has you saying her name.

 Something to think about. 

Dirty Eating!

So one of the fads in America, amongst all the other diet sensations, has been "clean eating!" Now before anyone gets defensive I'm not against people who choose to live a miserable life eating sweet potatoes and bland chicken, but I wouldn't do that to myself. I understand it is a quick way to loose weight and build muscle when you pair it with a good work out plan, but I don't care to eat that way. As I mentioned before I don't judge people who eat this way or choose a healthier life style. What I do judge is the "clean eaters" who talk down to others that do not eat clean, or who expect results from other diets and workouts. 

Quick change in thought process. When I was a senior in high school I had a friend who was overweight. We never made fun of her, nor did we judge her for who she was. It's been roughly three years since high school, and since then this friend Lacy* has changed her ways and now does bikini competitions. Do NOT get me wrong, her progress was amazing, and she does look good! (She went from 250 to 120) My issue is how she talks down to others who attempt to loose weight with other tactics. She makes Instagram videos judging people who do not understand her diet and makes fun of others for thinking they will get results from any other weight loss method. She and her Boyfriend have also moved to YouTube making videos attempting to be helpful to those who want to take this journey, but she continues to talk down to viewers and make it seem as though her way is the only way! (ANNOYING)

So my beef is that people like Lacy, who shouldn't be taking their time being rude to others for how they choose to change their lives. It's one thing to give directions to people who are working on themselves, or being supportive. What is messed up is how she makes Instagram videos being super condescending to others who don't live her life. If someone doesn't want to work out with a protein shake, or eat Oreos instead of asparagus, so be it. I don't like people who think they are better than everyone else. 

On a brighter note I would like to take this time to mention someone who does the exact opposite of what I just described. One of my friends from work, Kelli,as been super inspirational as well a real person when it comes to dieting. She uses weight watchers for her weight loss goals, and she has made great progress! What I really love about her, and why I bring her up, is the fact she has started a Support group for her and other Online Weight Watcher members as a support system. She uses an Instagram account to show her meals, progress, and share tips with others! Kelli is the positive side to those who are trying to loose weight, she doesn't act condescending or say she's better for what she has accomplished. 

All in all, it is possible to be a positive person and help others without being a bitch. 

Moral of the post is that I don't like people who 

A. Talk down to others 

B. Think they are better than everyone

C. Put down other peoples goals 

Follow my love, Kelli on Instagram!

@WW_KELLI

Adore Delano

Friday night I got the opportunity of a lifetime! 

Last Thursday morning I woke up and checked my twitter, as usual, and noticed a very interesting tweet from my favorite drag queen! 

I freaked out and Fangirled like crazy! Long story short, my mom talked me into getting off work Friday night and purchasing the VIP tickets for Adore's appearance at Talbott Street! I got to do a meet and greet with her, then we got to watch her perform! 

I spent all day getting ready: got my hair done, picked out some new shoes, and took forever on my makeup! Before we got there my amazing boyfriend stopped and got me a long stem pink rose to give to Adore! We got to Talbott in time to have a drink and then we waited in line for the much awaited moment... meeting Adore! 

When Adore came out I almost lost it!! She was sooooooo beautiful! She was wearing an amazing red wig, shirt that looked like a mustard bottle, glamorous red gloves, stockings, and fire engine red high heels! She is even more gorgeous in person! She was so excited to meet everyone who walked up to her; she hugged them and posed for photos with everyone who came. 

When it got to be my turn I was about to have a panic attack, the word 'excited' doesn't even begin to explain how I felt at that moment! I walked up to her with some hesitation, mainly because I didn't wanna trip over my big feet, then I gave her the rose, she gave me a hug, and we took a few pictures. After taking the picture she signed a photo for me and I got to chat with her for a moment. She was super easy to talk to, but I was trying really hard not to act too star-struck whenever I spoke to her.  I, to this moment, cannot get over how sweet, warm, and inviting she was to me and all her fans.  As we were finishing up she hugged me and I thanked her for the photo and autograph, and she thanked me for coming to see her. 

Once I walked out of the meet and greet I began to get emotional, I was tearing up out of pure joy!!! After trying to pull myself together I started to sob from excitement. (I'm a very emotional person!) I finally got myself together, sat down, and my boyfriend grabbed me a drink. I took a minute to call my mom (she was excited for me), I thanked her for making me take off work, then I started crying again... (I have issues.)

Before long I was able to completely pull myself together and the show started. There were several regular performers, and before long Adore graced the stage! She came out breathing fire, flipped off her shoes, and rocked our world! She had me screaming my head off and I was super stoked to get to see her put her heart and soul into this performance. 

For her second performance she sang live! I was blown away! She even mentioned she was sick, yet she managed to sing the song, Stay, better than Rihanna ever could. Toward the end of the song everyone, including myself, lined up to give her our appreciations, and she gave us all a warm embrace. I was elated!!!! 

This brought something to both mine and my boyfriends attention... Adore is not like other Queens. When she performs she does it for the fans! Other performers that night half assed there routine, and collected their tips with little excitement. Adore took the time to appreciate her fans, she put her heart into her performances, and managed to maintain HIGH energy the entire time. She is absolutely one of a kind, I am beyond elated to have had the opportunity to not only see her preform, but to have also met her! 

I'll take the steak, extra blood!

I may be a female, but I do NOT eat like one. Don't get me wrong, I chew with my mouth closed, and keep my napkin in my lap. What I mean by "not eating like a female" is I don't eat salads at dinner, I order a bloody ass medium rare steak with a side of starch! I don't think it's cute to eat some rabbit food as a meal... I see girls eating salads so they look "skinny" and it seems like they eat "healthy." Helllllll nawwww! I want to eat something filling that tastes good.... Not eat something leafy so I look cute. I feel perfectly cute eating my mooing cow. I at least cut it up and chew daintily. 

I find that I'm one of the few who thinks it's normal to have a dinner out with my boyfriend and be comfortable enough to eat a piece of meat in front of him... Side note, my biggest pet peeve is when I'm out to dinner with my boyfriend and the server asks "one check or two."  Now I've been with my boyfriend for two years and I can't see us not looking like we are together. But I've come to realize the servers must assume because I eat like a dude there is no way he and I are together. "Of course a girl would never eat in such a way in front of a man she is dating." I bet anything if I ate salads when we go out the server would bring out one check no questions. 

Now don't get me wrong I enjoy a good Caesar salad before my meal... But I see salads as a before your meal/side dish! I don't trust people who eat a plain salad for dinner. I know many girls will say "I like salads," while this may be true, no one leaves a restaurant after eating a salad and says they are full two hours later! (In all honesty I could eat a full meal with meat and potatoes and smash something else a few hours later. But that may just be me.)

Here is my real conundrum. Why do females feel it's necessary to have to order a salad to look cute when eating in front of a male? My boyfriend thinks it's sexy that I like steak, and many other guys haven't opposed to the idea when I tell them I enjoy steak over a dinner salad. I'm sure it has something to do with girls growing up watching Laguna Beach and seeing the girls only eat salads and drink sparkling water. Thin ideals in media, as well as a girls need to not be judged by males, is out if hand. I hope more women feel they can eat a juicy burger or slab of steak without anyone, especially their man, judging them!!!