How Important is Self-Image?
by Nicol Zabak (Jun. ’02)
“Oh, what I would do for a body like that.” “If only I could be as thin as she is.” “If only… I would be able to attract guys, buy and wear the clothes I want, feel better about myself, I’d get more attention.” These are typical sayings of teenagers and adults that “want.” Some would almost go to any measure to obtain their “ideal” weight.
Victims of anorexia nervosa have an intense fear of being fat and so they restrict their food intake to the point of selfstarvation. Despite looking emaciated and weighing less than 85% of what would be expected of someone in their age group, anorexics continue to view themselves as fat.
People who suffer from bulimia nervosa are overly concerned about becoming fat, but instead of self-starvation they binge eat and then purge the food, usually by inducing vomiting or using laxatives.
Now let’s ask the question, what motivates people to develop such abnormal eating problems? The answer seems to be found in a combination of environmental, psychological, biological, and personality factors. Anorexia and bulimia are more common in industrialized cultures where beauty is equated with thinness. Anorexics are often perfectionists – high achievers who strive to live up to lofty self-standards, including distorted standards concerning an acceptably thin body. For anorexics, losing weight becomes a battle for success and control: “Me versus food, and I’m going to win.” Their perfectionism and need for control may partly stem from their upbringing. Anorexics describe their parents as disapproving and as setting abnormally high achievement standards.
A different pattern emerges for bulimics, who tend to be depressed and anxious, exhibit low impulse control, and seem to lack a stable sense of personal identity and selfsufficiency. Binging is often triggered by life stress, and guilt and self-contempt follow it. The purging may be a means of reducing depression and anxiety triggered by the binging. Depression seems to be the leader among mood disorders in people living in today’s society. Why is that? Many live in relative luxury (compared to the rest of the world). We have many accommodations through technological advances, yet we are the leading country in depression.
Of course we could “blame” it on our parents and their standards, but I wouldn’t go for that. I would have to say all this, weight problems, being depressed, and much more have to do with us and not enough trust in our faith. We are succumbing to society’s standards and not Christ’s. I believe we have switched priorities in terms of whose values we make more important. Instead of trying to become more “Christlike” and doing God’s will in our daily lives, we want to meet “society’s” standards in order to feel accepted. This places pressure on us because we compare ourselves to others. This is a no-no.
If we could stay close to Christ and keep in mind our purpose and goal of our life on this Earth, it helps place things in perspective. We won’t be overwhelmed by these radical ideas about our physical appearance and instead become more concerned with our souls and our inner worth. Society looks at the outer shell while God looks at our inner selves. He wants us to reach perfection and peace within.
When Christ comes again, He will not care who is more attractive or who has more money. I know this is redundant, but it is honestly true. After being at The University of Texas at Austin for a year, you learn the various lifestyles others choose since you’re surrounded by over 50,000 students daily. You learn that to be accepted does not mean you have to meet others’ standards nor be like anyone else. You are there because you want to be there; you want to learn in order to become competent in the field you have chosen.
Too often we look to the wrong sources for our standards. We act based on these, and in the midst of the hurt that inevitably follows, we blame those we love most for our actions. Ultimately, as in all troubling situations, we have to look within ourselves and turn to Christ for help.
Should there be restrictions on TV programs, music, or any other form of entertainment? (Jun. ’01)
He Said by Farris Baba
I personally think that the programs of today are going way too far, and it is getting out of hand. We are sending a message to our youth that it is okay to follow the lead of some of today's stars. The song lyrics of today are sending a message that it is okay to rebel, and it is okay to go out and be a "pimp." All these songs of today talk about sex, drugs, and money. Where does it say in the Scriptures that it is lawful under God's command to do these acts of corruption? And have you heard some of the lyrics to the rap songs or the alternative songs? Every other line contains some use of obscene language. Would you listen to the songs of today in front of your parents, or better yet would you present them inside the Church? The videos shown on television are almost pornographic. They don't present any salvation for us. I'm not trying to criticize any individual, but have you seen some of the rap videos? It seems as if they were made up of a bunch of gang members. Or what about the alternative bands such as Mason? They look like they just got out of prison. The lyrics and videos of some of these songs should be revised or at least there should be some parental control.
Now that we have covered the musical industry, let's take a look at the television programs. I remember a high school coach who once said he would allow his kids to only watch Full House. I was laughing at that remark then, but the more I look at the programs of today, the more I realize that if I have kids I will restrict them from most of the programs. Take for instance wrestling. There is nothing but corruption. You have men beating each other senseless, and then at the ring side they have their playdolls barely clothed. Or what about the Christian programs on television? It's all about the money. "Show me da' money!" If you give us your money, God will reward you. That's exactly what these programs are relating to the public. Benny Hinn and my personal favorite, the Oasis of Love Church, have taken part of today's society and culture to make some cash. Anyone, and I do mean anyone, can take the Bible and interpret it into their own words.
I strongly believe that there should be restrictions made on entertainment programs. The question that needs to be asked is, What good can corruption from worldly affairs bring to our salvation?
She Said by Sylvia Araj
I think everyone's answer to this question would be yes, but it’s how far you would take it that varies for each individual. In our society, there are so many things that promote evil -- from billboards advertising gentlemen's clubs to the music we listen to and the movies and TV shows we watch. There is no escaping it. You can however cut down on how much you are exposed to.
I don't like listening to rap music because the majority of it has curse words and is talking about either killing or sex. This is when sin is allowed into your mind. You have an image of what you're singing about in your head, your mind starts to wonder about lustful and other immoral thoughts even though you don't mean to. Yeah, it might have a nice beat and you're in the mood to be hyped up, but there are other types of music. Instrumental versions to most songs are also available. I don't mean to just criticize rap, but it is the first type of music to pop into my head because of its popularity.
Movies and TV are the same way. I haven't reached the level where I can turn off Friends or not watch The Cider House Rules, but it’s the junky stuff like talk shows and dating shows that I see no point in watching. I mean do you really need to listen to other people's problems when you have your own to worry about? It’s things like these that take your focus off Christ. I, most of all, need to change the direction of my life from earthly wants and center it on the only thing that matters, salvation! Even if its something little like switching radio stations or turning off the TV, you win that battle against the Evil One and draw yourself closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Why is there so much emphasis on material possessions? (Nov. ’01)
He Said by Joe Obeidi
I think there is a huge emphasis on material possessions in today’s society. In today’s world, people simply judge others by their looks and possessions. This has been the case throughout the world all through time. For example, a rich man seems to always be treated with more respect than does a poor man. Even in ancient history there was an emphasis on material possessions. Back in the Middle Ages, the person who owned the most land would have the most respect.
People want to be accepted in society. That is why much importance is put on what a person looks like, how they dress, what they own, and so on… Even though I think it is wrong to judge on material possessions, it’s what usually happens.
People need to understand that not everyone has the same opportunities as another. Some people are rich, some are poor, and others are in the middle. It’s the character and values of a person, not material possessions that count. I wish our society would realize this. Unfortunately, our world will probably continue to judge others on what they have materially, rather than what they have on the inside. The emphasis on material possessions starts when people are young. Kids who don’t wear cool clothing, or aren’t as wealthy as others, are usually picked on. It’s the kids with the cool clothing and from wealthy families that are popular and accepted. This is why when they grow up to be adults, they equate lots of money and the acquisition of possessions with acceptance. I wish our society could see that it’s not how much a person has that counts, but the personality and values of the person that are important.
The second reason why I think there is an emphasis on material possessions is most people feel that the more material possessions they acquire, the more important they become. For example, cars are a major status symbol in our civilization. People feel that if they buy an expensive car, they will have a higher rank in society. Even teenagers these days are driving around expensive cars, which they can barely afford, just to look cool. This problem of wanting more possessions to be powerful is the main reason greed is a predicament in our world. Many people will do anything for money and power. Thus, there is an emphasis on material possessions in today’s society because people want to fit in and want to feel powerful and important.
She Said by Lauren Boumaroun
In today's society, almost everywhere in the world, material possessions are given a lot of importance. They don't really deserve all this though. Having many belongings isn't as significant as people think. I believe that there is so much emphasis on material possessions in today's society for three reasons: because this has been the case in the past, money is thought to equal power, and human nature.
In Hindu countries, when the caste system was very popular, people who had more things, and were richer, were considered to be better than those who had nothing. The people at the bottom of the system were sometimes called the "Untouchables". If the shadow of one of these people passed over you, it was thought to be bad. In this country, we still sometimes think of people with many belongings to be superior to people with nothing. That is one reason why we want material possessions; they keep people thinking good things about us. The more we have, the easier we will be accepted in society.
Some people think that money is equivalent to power. People who have lots of money and material objects tend to “make it to the top” easier and faster. Sometimes they use their money in a negative way and bribe their way to the top. However, even if the people are good and want to earn their way up by getting a good education, they still need money to do that. Most powerful leaders have many material possessions. If you see a kid or teenager who has a lot of clothes, and nice car, and a big house, you will most of the time think that they are rich and their parents are very powerful and important people. That’s what we’ve been conditioned to think.
Another reason why we put emphasis on material possessions is human nature. We have been brought up to believe that rich people are better than poor people. That isn't true at all, but we believe it since it was all that we have been taught. The media doesn't help out much. All over the television there are commercials about the hottest new styles or the coolest new toys. It makes it seem like everybody has to have them and everybody is going to. If you can't afford these things, or just don't want them, you are supposedly not going to be considered "cool".
Although some people seem to think that having everything is great and that makes somebody perfect, it doesn't. Sometimes material possessions aren't as important as we make them out to be. What really matters is what is on the inside and what a person has to offer as a friend. We, as teenagers, need to teach society how to look past material possessions and look at what really counts… personality.
Napster: Right or Wrong?
by Dolly Bahbah (Apr. '01)
What’s the easiest and cheapest way to get music? Napster. Many of you probably already knew the answer to that, and if you didn’t you’re probably living in a cave somewhere or you don’t pay much attention to the news. So here’s a little technological enlightenment for you all. MP3’s (a type of music file) are created by recording tracks from your CD’s on to the computer. Napster is a program that was created by Shawn Fanning, a Northeastern University student, who came up with the idea when he became bored with his computer classes. The program is used to share your MP3 files with other users, so basically anyone with a computer and an internet connection can gain access to them. From there, the user can burn (record) the songs onto a CD using a CD burner (writer). However, since Napster’s instant popularity, the music industry grew irate and took Napster to court, claiming that Napster just allows people to steal music. The courtroom battle is still going on to this day. As Orthodox Christians, we need to decide if this behavior is right or wrong. Stated below are opinions from some of our Orthodox teens that have been interviewed on what they think about downloading, burning, and selling music.
What do you think about downloading music?
“I think it is ok because I am cheap and broke and the people that make the songs are not cheap and broke.”
“I think downloading off of Napster is wrong. I mean, if I were a musician and everyone was taking music for free, I’d be really upset. When someone downloads an entire CD instead of buying it, it’s like walking into a music store and stealing that CD.”
“Downloading music off the Internet is not at all wrong. It’s like hearing stuff from the radio. The computer is just another electronic device that you can hear music from.”
What do you think about burning and selling CD’s ?
“It’s bad! People work hard to make music and that is how a lot of people make money. Sure it is cheaper but it cost a little more to support them. It’s ok if it is for me to have and not to make profit off of it.”
“I think everyone should be able to do what they want -- it is a free country and God Bless America!”
“I like to burn CD’s -- don’t you record songs on a tape from the radio? It’s like you call and request a song then when it comes on you record it. Nobody complained then, so what is their right to now?”
As you can see, there are a number of varied opinions on the issue of downloading music off of the Internet. It is a new and sometimes difficult issue to deal with, especially for teens. I guess every situation is different, depending on its use and abuse. At best, we can search the Scripture for answers: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart” (Proverbs 2:2).
How Real is Reality TV? by Laryssa Grinenko (Dec. ’01)
“Tuesday night! The Real World is on! Turn it on!” This is the thought that runs through the minds of millions of teens and young adults every week when their favorite reality-based television show comes on the air. But whether you’re watching Fear Factor or Big Brother, you have to stop and wonder…how real are the lives of these people that we’re watching? Ever since the conception of reality TV, people have been obsessed with finding out what drama would ensue this week on The Real World or who would be the next contestant voted off Survivor. As an Orthodox Christian trying to live a Godly life in a world that is often difficult to live in, should we be looking to these reality-based television shows to see what reality really is?
The Real World is a show on MTV portraying the lives of seven people who are chosen to live in a house together for several months. It is also the show that started the reality TV revolution. During the time that cast members are in the house, all their needs are provided for and they live a life of luxury. The real life we see on the screen is a life of partying, drinking, and hooking-up. Homosexuality and promiscuity are looked upon as natural aspects of life, almost as virtues rather than the sins that they are. In fact, those cast members who were virgins were bombarded with jeers and cynical comments about their abstinence, and those who attended church were constantly questioned about their faith. Physical confrontation and hostility were always underlying elements that constantly erupted in the house among the roommates. They could not respect one another or act calmly when upset. If The Real World is undertaking an effort to convey the difficulty of leading a spiritual Christian life, then it in fact is an accurate depiction of real life. However, the more obvious message that is being communicated through this show is that sex, alcohol, and homosexuality are ok, even a good thing, and that violence and anger should be the medium of communication between people.
With the increasing demand and rise in popularity of reality television, it is inevitable that the producers will push the limits of the show and push the cast members to their own limits. When will these shows go too far? Every season on Survivor, we saw how far the contestants pushed themselves for the sake of the show. Not only were they all emaciated and practically starving by the time they left, their health and physical strength were compromised. A perfect example of the great lengths contestants will go to in order to win is exemplified in Michael from the Australian Outback. Despite his severe malnutrition and deprivation of energy, he constantly surveyed the camp for food, using up his limited energy. Finally his body gave out; Michael passed out, unfortunately right over the fire pit. His hands fused together in the heat and caused him severe pain. How much farther will the producers push the limits of the people? Is it not enough that someone was seriously injured from the harsh, unrealistic conditions? Is this really what life is like?
Temptation Island, however, takes the cake. I must admit, I was hooked. From the moment I was introduced to Mandy, Billy, Shannon, Andy, Valerie, Kaya, Ytahzee, and Taheed, I was obsessed with finding out who would stay together and who would end up breaking up. And is it just me, or was everyone on that show absolutely gorgeous? This was yet another reason to watch. Realistically, what kind of situation is this show presenting? It puts a monogamous couple in a position in which they are almost encouraged to cheat. Conversely, Orthodoxy promotes relationships that are long-lasting, monogamous, and faithful. When looking at Temptation Island from a religious standpoint, it is the epitome of adultery: lusting after someone other than the person you are with. Realizing that the actual content of the show was based on sin, I, myself, had to deal with my addiction and give up my ritualistic viewing of the show.
Even though I was an enormous fan of all three of these shows and rarely missed an episode, I had to remind myself that the life we see on these shows is not a Godpleasing life. What we are seeing on the screen is a life that society is telling us is fine. We see violence, sex, and homosexuality on The Real World portrayed as good things. Survivor portrays people pushing themselves so far to the point of physical harm, and possibly even death, and Temptation Island exemplifies the wrong type of relationship to have. But it has to be okay because this is what real life is, right? Wrong. Once we start to believe that these reality-based television shows are actual depictions of real life, we need to recollect ourselves and focus on what is real and true in life — God.
Reality TV is sweeping the world as the new big thing in television. From Road Rules to The Amazing Race, the media is exploding with real-life scenarios. We still have to be careful of the shows, making sure that by watching them we are not deceived into believing that we should imitate what we see. Our Orthodox convictions should not be jeopardized.