On the isle of Caprinia all the females must have one particular body image and the males another particular body image. It has been that way for generations and it must be right because having the females all look similar and the males look alike causes less conflict and problems in the community.
Lately, Celia, a young female, has caused an enormous furor. She tries, but no matter what she does she does not look like any other. We, the elders, have put her on numerous diets and watched her very carefully. This did not work, so we know she must be doing something wrong! Celia is teased and persecuted for her appearance and it is all her fault. If she really tried, we know she could change.
The elders have decided she must be banned from our isle - she will never fit in and we can not tolerate differences. Yuk, she is 5' 3" tall and 110 lbs. Obscenely ugly and not good for her health. Our experience shows us our weight of 2-300 lbs is the most healthy and attractive body type. Poor Celia, but it is for her own good.
*****
[Mary Atkins, as Santa Cruz readers may know, was very active in our local body
image and fat acceptance community. She was involved with the Body Image
Task Force from the beginning and has worn many hats in that organization. She
is continuing her work in Florida, and you may reach the task force at the
following address:
Body Image Task Force
P. O. Box 360196
Melbourne, FL 32936-0196
Email:
bitf@yahoo.com]