I am writing about eating disorders since 1990 because I want to find out how adavances in computer technology have helped evolve eating disorders in order to help my reader better understand what signs to look for in a friend they suspect may have an eating disorder.
This is a great topic. I think it is very important to stay aware. People should know what signs to look for. There are so many situations where someone has a problem and no one knew before it was too late. Your paper will probably help more people than you know.
ReplyDeleteI've done a bit of reading about pro-ana communities and it blows my mind that people could encourage each other to become more ill. Its so important that people know the impact technology can have on the development and progression of eating disorders. I think it's an excellent topic -- awareness about this can save lives.
ReplyDeleteGreat! This is so important. I have also struggled/struggle with weight issues and such, so I would like to know about this, too. You could also look at what makes an individual turn to these websites. I don't think they were around when I first started struggling with weight and eating, but I don't know if I would have turned to them or not. You could possibly look at what makes them appealing or not.
ReplyDeleteI know your focus on eating disorders is post 1990, but I think it would also be interesting to explore the origin of eating disorders. Whether one becomes obese, eating too much or becomes too skinny eating too little, anorexic, bulimic, etc., when did these problems arise in society? Do they originate in America? Obviously in pre-modern times people often experienced malnutrition not because they wanted to be the ideal thin person, but because there was not enough food to go around. Eating disorders seem to be a rather bourgeoisie experience and I would think it would be interesting to see where they came from and how they became part of American culture.
ReplyDeleteI like the time frame but expanding it back to he 80's may be beneficial if you're examining additions made to the DSM. Those additions can show and support the advancements made to combat this illness. With social networks and websites that are counteracting the benefits of medical treatment, are signs of the illness changing with the times? Good Luck
ReplyDeleteWow, I commend you for already narrowing down your topic down a lot. Time frame, methods, and theory all there, just double check it to make sure its not too narrow.
ReplyDeleteI like your topic because you're able to use medical and psychological articles for your argument. This will give your theory much needed objectivity. But this is American Studies course, so also comment on how 90's culture, or perhaps computer culture has effected the rates and practice of eating disorders.
If its the 90's, I think of MTV, fashion companies like Guess jeans, and female celebrities created a new image of beauty for generation x'ers. Was the change a top-down or bottom-up action? Haha, maybe that'd broaden it too much.
I commend you for talking about something that is so personal to you. I think in your paper most of all, your personal experience or "MEsearch" is going to enhance this paper quite a bit. I like how you have grounded your topic to technological advances since 1990. The "Z" aspect of your paper is very powerful and could provide a lot of awareness.
ReplyDeleteI think that this topic is very important. Even if you know someone, you may not know that they could be undergoing a serious problem like this. At my senior retreat, I found out that a few of my classmates had eating disorders, and this shocked me beyond belief. Finding out how to truly see the signs is very important and will be very useful to many people in the future.
ReplyDeleteWonderful topic! It is great you grounded it within a time period. I also like that, based on what you have said in class, this is a very personal project for you. I think our health education in schools has improved a great deal since the 1990s, so that could also be an aspect to address in your research.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic choice. I feel every girl has struggled with weight issues at one point in their lives. I would also focus on other elements that effect eating disorders such as movies and tv shows.
ReplyDeleteI remember learning about eating disorders in middle school and high school, but I never really learned about how much can go into such disorders. You have definitely put things in perspective just within your proposal! Who would have thought that technology would play such a big role in something that doesn't really involve anything but yourself and some food? I think you are definitely on the right track!
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