Find Beauty In The Differences

Wed., July 31, 1996

Noreana Emery-Cloy, North Centra

The ideal American female figure is that of a Barbie doll - with a waist the width of a toothpick, breasts comparable to melons (be they watermelons or the more proportionate cantaloupes) and slender, perfect hips. Why is this? Who gave us this picture of beauty?

The media have definitely added to the dilemma. Women such as Courtney Cox, supermodel Kate Moss and singer Toni Braxton - with their size 5 and smaller figures - are a far cry from the average female. We can’t all look like the star of a successful sitcom or a model.

Before you get frustrated, though, remember these people have dietitians, chefs, amazing gyms and personal trainers. We don’t. The pressure is on for stars to maintain a certain image. In their profession, it could mean their jobs if they don’t fit the mold.

News flash: We are not stars! We are the youth of the Inland Northwest and we come in all different sizes. We are very critical of those differences. We see someone overweight and we take it upon ourselves to remind her (or our friends) that the size 7 dress she’s wearing is too small.

Or we see someone athletic and it’s brought up how un-feminine muscles are. Even thin people catch it, too. Often they are branded as anorexic or bulimic. Those are eating disorders, not sizes.

OK, so here it is ladies. We are all beautiful. Once we realize that, everyone else will, too.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Noreana Emery-Cloy, North Central

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