What People With Eating Disorders Hear in the Ariana Grande Discourse
On July 31, in the final days of the North American leg of her tour, Ariana Grande released the music video for “Petal,” her newest single from an album of the same name. The video instantly reignited the years-long discourse over Grande’s body into something of a new low, with many presenting the video as […]
Ariana Grande's newest music video for "Petal" has reignited the long-standing debate surrounding her body, with many accusing the singer of suffering from an eating disorder. The reactions to these opinions have been intense, raising questions about society's ability to collectively handle a woman's body. This article explores the impact of such discourse on people with eating disorders and what they often hear when a celebrity's weight becomes the subject of public scrutiny.
Dr. Rebecca Boswell, a director at Penn Medicine Princeton's Center for Eating Disorders, sheds light on the complexities of navigating these conversations. While commentary on someone's body can be sexist and often lacks context, there is a responsibility to acknowledge when appearances may not be healthy. Media coverage can play a significant role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders, making responsible reporting around public figures' bodies crucial.
When faced with online diagnosing, it's essential to remember that we cannot assume someone's health or mental status based on their appearance. Doctors and family members are better equipped to make evaluations through physical exams. Public messaging can have both positive and negative effects, as expressing concern may help the individual and their team evaluate potential risks or problems, but it can also generate revenue and highlight surveillance around women's bodies.
The impact on someone with eating difficulties can range from anger and frustration to sadness and trauma. Hearing about someone's weight loss can remind individuals of their personal experiences of judgment, bullying, or exclusion. Public concerns may also bring back painful memories of being evaluated based on their appearance, making it a retraumatizing experience.
While public concern may sometimes help, it is never a positive effect. The discourse typically makes people with eating disorders feel uncomfortable and reiterates the judgment and evaluation they experience in their private lives. Instead of public scrutiny, the article suggests that expressions of concern from loved ones can have a more significant impact, as they can provide comfort and support.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
