Im a Barbie Girl in an Anorexic Mixed Up World

Ana Carolina Reston, Terri Schiavo, and Karen Carpenter are three out of a long list of celebrities that have died because of eating disorders. As our generation begins to create almost impossible standards for people to live up to, I am seriously not surprised that pro-ana websites exist. When a size zero is the new size two, I am the first one to say something is seriously wrong with our society. It is obvious that people have succumbed the thinking that anorexia or bulimia is ok because the end result means that you are thin. When these websites are kept on the internet, people including the younger generation will begin to think being pro-ana is a social norm. As a result, these websites need to be shutdown immediately before more people die. It is becoming a vicious cycle and needs to be ended now.

In the United States of America, the first amendment protects freedom of expression. Although controversial, these pro-ana websites have a right to be on the internet no matter who they offend. These people are looking for a support group. No one tries to shut down support groups for alcoholics or drug addicts so why do people have a right to judge people who are pro-ana. If you are an American, stand up for the people’s right to freedom of expression and support the existence of pro-ana websites.

Controversy is such a hard thing to deal with in the United States. People always think of certain issues as black or white with no middle ground. However, society has proven that does not always work. In terms of the Pro-ana website, some people could say that these websites should remain on the website because they technically are not inflicting harm on anyone. Any person should be able to find a support group for something they believe in even if they are the minority. On the other hand, other people could say that Pro-ana websites should be taken down immediately because they are sending the message that eating disorders are a part of everyday life. Both positions are strong and could be well argued. Therefore, people should just let these websites exist but try to stop future participation. The middle ground always has a better outcome so be the change, be the gray area.