Does Hollywood influence our own self esteem and body image?

Over the years, I've had friends, family and doctors impress on me that my eating disorder problems were MY problem. By that, they meant that Vogue magazine choosing to use cover models who look like they are 6 feet tall and weigh 90 lbs., has nothing to do with the fact that I am unhappy with MY body.

OK. I acknowledge that I have my own issues which are the true roots of my eating disorder. HOWEVER, it drives me absolutely nuts to see super skinny actresses, singers and models. I guess I feel like they get to get away with it, but I don't. Is that crazy? Maybe so, but I'd have to bet that I'm not the only one who thinks this way!

So, what initiated my current rant? Let me tell you... a few weeks ago I was switching channels on the television, and came across the Golden Globe awards. It seemed like every actress that came sashaying up the red carpet was even skinnier than the last one! Even my husband commented on it (which he hardly ever does, since he knows how much it bugs me!).

For years we've heard and read negative comments about the "waif" look (ie: Kate Moss). It seems that the "waif" look has now mutated into a sort of super-cool, hollywood thin. Turn on the television on any given night, and you are certain to see one of the many gorgeous, young, super-skinny actresses that are becoming so very common.

Last year's season finale of the show Friends had Courtney Cox dressed in a strappy red dress which displayed just about every bone in her bony, little body. Here's a page with photos of Courtney, including pictures of her in the red dress I mentioned.

On nearly every music awards show in the past few years, we've been treated with the vision of an ultra-thin Celine Dion, belting out her current hits. People magazine reports that she is 5'7" and 115lbs, but I'd venture to guess that she is closer to 100lbs. Check out this picture of Celine. Now, while I was looking for a picture of Celine Dion to show you, I came across a page that was pretty funny (and cynical... just my style!). Take a look at Feed Celine.

Did you see Something About Mary? I found myself gritting my teeth throughout the movie, watching Cameron Diaz's teeny-tiny figure for two hours. Of course, I've read interviews with her where she points out that she is just naturally skinny. Apparently in high school, her nick name was "Skeletor." Click here for a picture of Cameron.

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