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Psychology - The difference between being fat and thinking fat

 

In this video we see a debate between opposing views of how weight affects your likelihood of succeeding in a job interview.

 

The first argument displays a young woman of 22 stone who clims that she is discriminated acainst because of her weight. On once occasion a smaller person with fewer qualifications was given the job instead of her.

 

The opposing argument states that these over weight people are deemed lazy which in affect suggests that they are unfit to work physically and mentally. Physical size is also an issue as smaller offices, for example, may not be a suitable environment where space is tight. 

 

Ultimately, if the applicant is fit for the job, there should be no discrimination of appearance regarding weight.

 

Highstreet shops such as Hollister are known to employ only those who fit the criteria. This criteria consists of attractive, size 6-10 young women, who wear and promote the brand whilst working within the shop.  This may be  atechnique to attract shoppers, in believeing that these clothes make you appear more attractive and build confidence. This also relatess to the use of mannequins in shops. Typically 

 

This Morning, 2013. 

 

I See Fat People. 

Ross, C. 2013.

These shocking facts reflect the reality of obese people. Stereotypes such as lazyness seem to be obvious as we associate this with lack of exercise. Although it is made more difficult for some people to lose weight because of a condition, these people are still pushed by doctors to lose their excess weight to help them become both healthier, and to keep control of their condition.

Anorexia - Social Construction

Through feminist analysis, society has a huge impact on those who suffer with Anorexia.

Women feel more inclined to be attractive as they are surrounded by media and influential figures. Women go to extremeties from calorie counting, to surgery to achieve a desired look. However anorexia, is psychologically forced by what they think they see, but in relality, an anorexic believes there is still weight to be lost.

The Truth about Online Anorexia

Hepworth, J. 1999

Fearne Cotton investigates to find out the truth behind Anorexia and how the internet affects it. Along the way Fearne meets a Psychologist to discuss how easily young girls in particular. As these 'pro Ana' websites are so easily accessible, young girls are able to read upon advise given by anorexic sufferers and soon be encouraged them with different techniques and rules to help them lose weight.

Cotton, F. 2009. 

When meeting a 'pro Ana' site owner, Fearne finds out just how important these sites are to her. Anna claims that her website is the only type of support she recieves, as wehn she was younger she recieved no support at all. Without these sites, she feels she would be at danger as she can't do it alone. She fears eating, and cant abre the thought of three meals a day. For an average person, three meals a day and snack would be a normal daily intake of up to 2000 calories a day. May of the fad diets are either ten times less or even lower than 200 calories a day. This is considered high wehen in comparison to other diet plans, where fasting can last up to two weeks.

 

The psychology of all these rules are dangerously powerful, as Fearne herself felt guilty once she had broken the dieting rule by eating a full dinner, eventhough it was a healthy option. The scariest part would be how easily people are connected to these 'pro Ana' websites and are very soon hooked on feeding off other peoples guidance and encouragement of how to lose weight. 

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