In between my cartoon watching, and my button-pushing search for music amidst the schlocky breakfast radio shows, I caught a snippet of news. Childhood obesity may be up, but when it comes to wealthy families with adolescent daughters, an odd thing is happening—the Paris Effect. Girls are starving themselves to achieve that ultra-thin heiress look.

 

Maybe this sorry little news nugget will create an anti-Lollipop head revival. A few years ago the images of skinny bodies with big heads created a backlash. Anyone remember Calista Flockhart’s Ally McBeal or Lara Flynn Boyle on the Practice? Those two copped it with their big headed little girl appearance. Nicole Richie (run to Canada Nicole, run!) suffered the same fate. Size zero became a bit of a joke. Then Jennifer Lopez’s ass became the point to embrace, the thing to try to achieve. Real women have curves. Dove launched a campaign for real beauty. Things were looking up.

 

Now we’re back to body dysmorphic brainwashing.

 

I can’t believe I’m doing this, it’s an ad for a product after all, but check out this site: http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com.au/dove-self-esteem-fund/

 

We need more ideas along these lines. Promote a positive self image. While this supports a foundation for eating disorders, and is aimed at young girls between 11 and 14, perhaps it could address a foundation for body image of all ages. Better still, aim it at both sexes. We need to dispel the beauty myth boys grow up with as well. All hail Naomi Wolf.

Boys are exposed to the same unrealistic drivel about women. They need to be included in this too. Their comments about the perfect female have an impact on all sorts of things, from movies, magazines, to TV shows.

 

It is a sad fact people are judged by how they look. Pretty people are valued by society more. It’s also a fact, beauty is subjective. You might find Penelope Cruz or Uma Thurman pretty (I don’t). There is no one single image of beauty. There is no such thing as perfection. As much as I hate those Stars without make up shots, they do something good. They show what these people look like minus the airbrushing, lighting and photo-shop tricks.

 

My very long-winded point today is this: Take an interest in yourself. Always. That must come first. Self love is imperative to a sense of self worth. Parents need to teach their daughters the concept of self worth. That is the single most important ideal (followed closely by tolerance) a parent can teach a child. Beyond marketing ploys to sell soap and skin care crud, the media would be good to try to do the same. How can they do this?

 

Eleven Emmy nominations for Ugly Betty is a start.

 

Oh, i know  I’m full of product promotions today. But Betty likes herself. She’s over the top, what with the braces and bad outfits, but better than Nicole, better than Paris, Betty likes herself. So do we. 

BTW, I’m a friggin’ Grup, not a cougar.