Over the course of my cross-cultural blogging experience, I have gained a considerable knowledge for the “practice” of anorexia nervosa. I was forced to put myself in a situation where my understanding and beliefs were challenged. The past two months have enabled me not only to rethink my position in the world, but also to value and appreciate the breadth of knowledge available to me.
My culture site, Anorex1aNerv0sa, is a site where anyone can go to understand why people participate in the disease. It is a place where true answers and evaluation take precedence over negative thinking and connotations. I have learned that anorexia is not something people want; but instead, something people need. In order to gain control of their lives, these people must find an instant euphoria and for them, it is found through the practice of anorexia. Although most cases have a tragic result, it is important to look at the large number of patients who have fully recovered. They have stepped outside of their skin and into a new body. In most cases, they have found a means to help others in similar situations.
From investigating this cultural practice, I have recognized a chain reaction that takes place in each recovered individual and in the anorexic community as a whole. I have learned that in order to overcome this hardship, you have to know that someone else has succeeded in dealing with the disease; you have to realize that nothing is impossible. Through research, interviews, and first hand experience, I have engaged with my culture site and learned the reality of what it takes to be a part of this practice and to be a part of its past.
Morgan,
ReplyDeleteIts great that you chose to talk about Anorexia Nervosa. I know for a fact that not a lot of people take it seriously, most of the people I have talked to people who have said that its only a simple, easy to take care of problem that stressed people need to deal with.I guess people will never understand what Anorexia Nervosa really is until they have someone close to them suffer from the psychological stage. I know that it was not easy for me to find out that one of my closest friends suffered for a couple of years before she was able to speak out about it. I believe that we should all acknowledge the fact that it is okay to talk to others. It is okay to allow others to speak up about their feelings because what mainly leads to anorexia is self consciousness and not enough information. Understanding people is just like understanding different cultures. You have to understand everything about anorexia to actually talk to someone who is suffering from the psychological disorder. The same concept applies with understanding a culture, you have to study all aspects to be able to properly understand its different cultures and traditions.
Lastly I think you are doing an excellent job at explaining what Anorexia Nervosa it and all its different aspects. It is great to see someone who choses to discuss such a sensitive topic. A lot of people do not usually like to talk about the problems they think they are going through. With helpful resources such as blogs, magazines and tv people are more likely to speak out about how they really feel.