Should super-skinny models be banned from the fashion industry?

Question

Everybody blames anorexia on the media, but are they really that much of an influence?

NOTE: I never said that all models are anorexics. If you are a model, skinny, and healthy, then good for you, but don't write comments dissing me.
[thank you very much]

Answer 1

I really resent people saying is not normal for people to be skinny and calling anyone under a size 4 anorexic or bulimic. At 105 pounds, I have dealt with my share of snide comments about my weight all my life. I do not have an eating disorder, not have I ever, and it is extremely rude for people (like you who post questions like the one you did) to criticize a person for not weighing "enough," in your opinion. People work themselves into a tizzy when a comment like, "S/he's so fat!" are made, but tacitly consent and agree when the reverse is said. I quite frankly do not understand why models have been blamed for girls having poor body-images. Statistically more people are overweight than are underweight, so if seeing something makes girls want to be that way, logically they should want to be overweight. It's a dumb argument. Girls have eating disorders because their mothers and other female role models around them are not encouraging them to be themselves and that they are beautiful if they are naturally a size 00 (like me) or a size 12. And slim women are models because clothes hang better on a slim frame, as there is no risk of it clinging where it should not or being too tight or whatnot. I encourage anyone who is so critical of skinny models, most of whom are naturally skinny, to really take a closer look at themselves and why they are so judgmental of others.

Answer 2

Very skinny models should definitely be banned, but this decision should come from experts, say a panel of nutritionists and doctors. Not just some fashion designer who thinks the model looks 'skinny'. Measures such as the body mass index should be considered. The purpose of such a b an would be to discourage eating disorders and show people that you can be any shape or size as long as you are healthy. HEATLH being the underlying concern here. Banning all skinny models would also be unfair, and the aim to be to foster positive attitudes towards heatlh and body image. The media plays a huge role in influencing people's opinions, especially with teenagers and the younger generation. Portraying men and women of varying sizes, shapes and ethinicity as 'beautiful' will help people understand that there is no 'standard beauty'. Blondes may be sexy, but that doesnt mean that brunetets aren't. In the same way if you're naturally curvy but still healthy, there should be no pressure to lose weight. And in response to the idiot who said "everyone loves anorexic chicks", no, everyone DOESN'T love 'anorexic chicks". Don't generalise for others and don't impose your narrow minded and thoroughly damaging views on others.

Answer 3

I don't think they should be parading anorexic models down the catwalk, because it gives girls especially the wrong impression. It might make them think it's a good thing to have this eating disorder. However, I highly disagree that skinny, non-anorexic models should be banned. Just because most of the American public is overweight doesn't mean we should discriminate against the skinny ones just because their body type isn't typical of the average American person.

And it's not just the media that contributes to anorexia, it's society in general. Our entire society tends to favor the skinny over the fat, the tall over the short, the light-skinned over the dark. It's a mentality that permeates our entire lifestyle, and even though we may try not to change our physical characteristics to please anyone, these are the typical standards of beauty. With regards to weight, it's not only for health reasons, it's for beauty reasons. For example, you always see on TV programs for people trying to lose weight, but when was the last time you saw one for people trying to gain weight? You've never seen that, because skinny is supposedly better than fat, so the average person feels they must conform to this standard.

However, I think that more commercials should be shown on TV explaining the repercussions of anorexia and what happens to people who have this eating disorder. It's not a thing to be glorified on TV or in the media and it's an issue that should definitely be more addressed.

Answer 4

Super skinny models should NOT be banned from the fashion industry. However, a more realistic body size should be the standard to base clothing lines on. Lets say a size 8, or 6 or 4, whatever the world average is. Models are just that, clothes models. They are not there to be role models.

Answer 5

it should be the designer's choice, and i don't think that skinny models on the runway or TV is to blame for people's eating disorders. it's actually pressure from home that is the biggest influence. family and friends and the situation in which a pertson is raised is to blame.

Answer 6

I think being underweight is no better than being over weight. So, until they parade big girls down the isle of a fashion show they should favor the underweight ones either.
Media is completely responsible for any one thing, but it surely influences a lot of young ladies. If it didn't the magazines and clothes wouldn't sell. So, it should be used positively.

Answer 7

of course they are a bad influence there is no need to be super skinny like that why cant they be average size its sad that our daughters sisters neighbors and friends all look up to them do what they do get super skinny and die that's not right its not healthy fashion shouldn't kill people

Answer 8

Ummmm. YEA! I mean when these young girls see this sickly, no *** (NO BODY PERIOD) models being idolized they want to look like them. Not all the blame can be put on these stupid (yes I said stupid) models but they are a huge reason for the ordeal we are in now.

Answer 9

definatly... it is such a wrong image to girls... and it discourages us. They are a lot were anorexics problems come from. That isn't to say all models thogh. Some are just natuarly skinny with nice bodies and eat right ... but the super skinny unhealthy ones have to go.

Answer 10

I think there should be a certain weight limit that models have to achieve, but if modeling is important to them and they've been trying to have success forever, then let them try!!