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Hernando Today

Stop Judging Yourself

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Hernando Today

Published: November 18, 2008

Stop Judging Yourself

Many Americans today are worried about how they look because it is not what they see on television. I have a friend who constantly says that she is depressed. As a friend, I ask her what is wrong and what can I do to help. She tells me that she doesn't like the way she looks and that no one likes her. I tell her not to worry because she is very beautiful and is a star in the world. I also told her to stop judging herself against other people around her because that is the reason she feels like that.

The Body Image Media Advocacy says that after viewing images of female fashion models, seven out of 10 women feel more depressed and angry than prior to viewing the images. This is depressing because they base their body image on what others are doing just for the money. Many of the women who diet to the extremes may suffer with eating disorders, which can be very disastrous and affect their mental, emotional and physical health. The most recent publicized case on anorexia concerned Mary Kate Olsen, a child star. She was treated in 2004 for this disease. We, as Americans, worry a lot about physical appearance because it is what other people see. If we would all worry about things that will make us happy and successful in life, then this epic will come to an end.

Men are spending up to $3 billion a year to look good, says Lynne Luciano. I have a friend that will not go to school if he doesn't have gel for his hair. Also, if he feels like he doesn't look good, he will not go to school. The reason for this is because he has to impress people - the girls basically. This is ridiculous because instead of focusing on his schoolwork and trying to achieve his long-term goals, he worries about what girls think of him. The article "Americans Distorted Body Image" by Paige Nestel says that in personal relationships, it is what we see at first sight that counts the most. If a person's image is not precisely tweaked, then the dreams of potential friendship, romances and even career opportunities can be dashed in the blink of an eye.

There are many factors that can lead to negative body image for people. In order for Americans who suffer from eating disorders and body image problems to develop a healthier view of themselves, I believe that we, as well as the media, must turn to education. I feel that the more people are aware of what types of images and words can be damaging to those either struggling with or in danger of developing an eating disorder, the better. By increasing awareness and being active in speaking out against triggering advertisements, we will become more responsible and cautious.

Jonathan Galicia

Spring Hill

Bad Deal

That gasoline deal for $1.80 a gallon our county commissioners made was not good.

The barrel price is continuing to fall, and it takes about 30 days for each barrel price drop to actually reach the pumps.

In 30 days we will be under that $1.80 a gallon price, and the barrel price continues to tumble, with some experts saying it may even go near $40 a barrel.

With demand down and the economy the way it is, we may even see prices close to $1 a gallon and should not climb much in the next year. The commissioners were too hasty in that decision.

This is a big score for the supplier.

Robert Vanistendal

Spring Hill

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