Eating Disorders...

are a symptom of a greater societal illness in America. That being the idea that Americans should expect to have anything and everything they want.

Not to pick on those who suffer from such conditions, and this is a deadly serious matter, but these disorders are a uniquely modern American thing. Such disorders were rare in America half a century ago, and are virtually unknown in the other developed nations and the third world. Even today, this is largely an American issue.

So, how does a disorder once almost unknown, become so prevalent? I believe its about America, and the idea that Americans are entitled to whatever their eye fancies. This goes to the core of who Americans are, and how they have become the most over privileged and over entitled people in the history of the planet.

In the case of eating disorders and young women, its the idea that they need to deserve to have the perfect body, so they can have the perfect friends and perfect mate. They don't have to accept the bodies they were given and they don't have to settle for the men who are less than handsome. They don't have to eat a limiting diet, and don't have to exercise very hard to get the body they want.

I've known two bulimic women intimately in my life. One got better and the other one died. What they had in common was the desire to get the most attractive guy, no matter if he was WAY out of their league. As the disorder progressed, they began to hate themselves, and no man was good enough. But what was really going on is that they wouldn't date a man that would want them. So, this disorder is a vicious cycle and ultimately, a killer.

What this boils down to is selfishness, not only in their behavior, but in what they put their loved ones through.

Again, I don't mean to single out women with these tragic disorders. The drug addict and alcoholic are equally selfish and deluded. They feel entitled to feel happy or contented all the time. I'm reminded of the fact that Americans are only 5 % of the world's population yet consume 90% of the world's opiates.

The solution? It begins with good and active parenting, which encourages children and teens to become "comfortable in their own skins".

Its easy to play the blame game here. The counselors at the Rehab sucked, TV programs about super models are to blame, they shouldn't boot the girl that constantly violates rules, etc. In the end, its about personal accountability, something Americans avoid at every turn.

"For dark is the suede that mows like a harvest"