Mini Paris Hiltons?

“That’s hot.”

…really? Has anyone ever thought to ask Paris what “hot” really  means to her? Is it “hot” that she has sparked eating disorders in young girls?

Little girls wanting to emulate her is sickening. I remember working at an elementary school, and a few of the girls would blot their pizza and just pick at it because “Paris Hilton isn’t fat, and pizza makes you fat.” These are the same little girls that would spend their recesses running laps and doing jumping jacks, sit ups and push ups. Some may think this is good because of the uprising childhood obesity, but these girls were already tiny. What used to be thought of as enjoyable (pizza and playtime) has now become hard work (dieting and exercising). When lunch has been reduced to picking at pizza and eating dressing-less salads, and tag has been replaced with aerobics, it’s time to question motives. And when asked why they are doing what they are doing, they always relate it to some skinny celebrity (and Paris Hilton was usually a popular name drop).

I remember babysitting my cousins and a popular TV show came on the screen, and shouts of “I’m her!” “No I’m her!” “But you were her last time!” drowned out the introduction theme song to the show. I remember this happening with my sister and friends at their age too. Why is it, that little girls want to be Kelly Kapowski or Hannah Montana? Why can’t they just sit back and enjoy the show?  

However, there is “hope”when it comes to celebrity idolatry. Beyonce sings about being “Bootylicious”, and let’s not forget Pink’s “Stupid Girls” song. However, the latter two are aimed at teens and young adults, leaving those little ones to figure it out later. Either society is turning their heads to ignore it, or they really don’t realize how much the media actually affects girls in the first through fifth grades. Research has shown that 42% of first- to third-grade girls desire a thinner body, and 81% of 10-year-olds are terrified of becoming chubby. Sadly, the majority of eating disorders start in children between the ages of 11 and 13.

In celebrity’s defense, I do not believe it is entirely their fault that eating disorders in children exist. Kids and teens are smarter than adults think and/or give them credit for. Kids are aware of the childhood obesity epidemic. Some of them want to be healthy and play sports due to self-motivation, encouragement from their parents, or praise from their teachers/coaches. However, even sports-minded youth aspire to be like “David Beckham” and “Maria Sharapova”.

The fame and pedestal they are held on is really our own fault. Our obsession as “fans” of these celebrities caused their uproar. My suggestion is to keep the movies, but stop with the constant conversation about who is hot in Hollywood, and who is wearing what to the Emmy’s. Who really cares? What difference is it going to make in your life? And whose life ARE you affecting? Whose life CAN you be affecting?

Instead of trying to stalk Leonardo DiCaprio, spend time taking a child (or a friend) miniature golfing. Do something that creates memories, not unhealthy habits.

And always remember, you only get one chance to live. Appreciate yourself for who you are.