The Exponent - opinions


03-22-2005	Previous edition: 03-21-2005

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Former model changes perceptions of beauty

Looking at an old picture of supermodel Carre Otis, one may believe she is the very definition of beautiful. Sports Illustrated, as well as many fashion magazines, certainly thought she was model material and for many years, Otis was the all-American cover girl. She was recently congratulated for being the oldest model to pose for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue at the ripe age of 30.

Well fast forward a few years, and Otis has recently gained some weight, has lost many modeling jobs (she still models for Lane Bryant) and has owned up to what it took for her to fit into her size two swimsuits and haute couture dresses.

Otis spent most of last week discussing America’s obsession with weight and what it has cost her emotionally and physically to represent the standard of "beauty."

In an online interview with MSN.com, Otis reveals how 17 years of bulimia led to needing jaw implants and minor intrusive heart surgery.

There are many individuals who are naturally thin and, unfortunately, face a disproportional amount of criticism regarding their body size. The number of men and women who are killing themselves to be unnaturally thin has soared exponentially.

We are in a power-hungry culture and are very much obsessed with anything that will give us a competitive edge. Body image is our source of self-esteem and confidence. Otis confessed that her obsession with eating and her weight was due to her inability to lose control over what food may do to her body. Can anyone blame Otis? Was her fear of food irrational? She was trying to make a career for herself, even if it meant heart damage. One would be hard-pressed to find a teenage performer who hasn’t magically grown a pair of breasts overnight while her belly incongruously shrinks.

Under much psychological duress, Otis started to eat again and sure enough, she gained weight. Today, she feels happy to be alive and being thin is no longer a priority.

Otis has the courage to step forward and reveal the truth behind the image. We hope more women and men will come forward and uncover the hidden cost of being "fashionably beautiful."

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