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First she asked audience members to close their eyes and imagine themselves naked in front of a mirror. Later on she requested the crowd envision what it was like coming out of the birth canal. The visualizations might have been strange, but they fit within the context of Rebecca Radcliffe's unique approach to body image.
Author to books with titles including "Dance Naked in Your Living Room" and "Hot Flashes, Chocolate Sauce and Rippled Thighs," Radcliffe told the audience at Minnesota State Thursday she was concerned about the impact body obsession would have in the future.
"If you go out the door thinking how can I lose five lbs. instead of how can I help the world -we lose," Radcliffe said.
Much of the presentation revolved around just that - the sense of failure created by not measuring up to society's ideal standards and how that carries over into other areas of life. It's a negative cycle that, according to Radcliffe, is especially harmful during the nation's hard times.
Her interests, backed by college studies in the field of futurism, revolve around examining trends and changes that have already occurred and predicting where and how they will go in the future. Radcliffe attempted to apply this method of thought to body image issues. She brought up current events such as Barbie's 50th anniversary, The Oscars and New York Fashion Week where the media spotlight puts more pressure on average women to be thin.
According to Radcliffe, the definition of thin keeps getting thinner. Whereas an ideal size used to be around a size six, she said, the goal now is to be a size zero or smaller.
"Of all the differences in body type … somehow we've whittled it down so that one body type is more desirable than another," Radcliffe said.
A subject Radcliffe failed to touch on, however, was eating disorders. Eating Disorders Week at MSU may be over Friday, but for the 11 million in the United States who suffer from anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, the battle often lasts a lifetime.
According to the Eating Disorders Institute at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minn., 80 percent of women are unsatisfied with their appearance. This statistic is no surprise when compared to another statistic found on Methodist's Web site: the average women is 5'4 and weighs 140 lbs. but the average depiction of an "ideal" female body in the media is 5'11 awith a weight of 117 lbs.
Eating disorders are an especially relevant issue for college-age individuals. For some students, the freedom of making one's own food choices leads to weight gain and self loathing. For others, college affords increased privacy, which can keep loved ones in the dark about unhealthy eating or exercise habits. Additionally, the excessive stress of college makes many students feel out of control. For many who suffer from eating disorders, being able to control food intake and exercise eases stress.
Several resources exist on campus to help those suffering from eating disorders or those concerned about a friend. Student Health Services in Carkoski Commons offers health professionals to help deal with concerns. Students may also seek guidance at the Counseling Center located in room 245 of the Centennial Student Union and at the Women's Center (CSU 218).
Nia Jonesz is the Reporter news editor
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