How
is it different for women of color?
Eating disorders among college women of color are often associated
with very complex social status in the United States. Whether a
woman of color is racially distinct, ethnically distinct, or comes
from another country -- to the extent she is a minority, her experience
in US society at large will be influenced by all the ramifications
and implications of being "different." For many women
of color, it is this difference that makes them subject to racism.
The
challenges of being a student of color
Students of color will commonly have some of the following experiences
-- experiences which are both stressful and not typically felt by
white students:
Isolation
The
"fishbowl" effect of feeling conspicuous and much observed
Acts
and attitudes of prejudice and discrimination against them
Being
the target of stereotypes
The
pressure to acculturate (to modify their cultural identification
and practices)
These
issues may cause ongoing and considerable distress that can show
up in problems with eating or body image concerns.
Conflicting cultural standards for beauty
and acceptance
The fact that many women of color are bicultural (meaning that they
carry in them the influences and identifications of two different
cultures) can complicate and stress their personal experience even
more. A common trigger for eating disorders in a woman of color
is conflicting cultural standards for beauty and acceptance. Your
culture of origin, or the culture with which you mainly identify,
may hold one set of standards for beauty; but outside of that environment,
you are met with another set of standards altogether. You may have
been very pleased with your full-figured body, which always seemed
attractive in your world; yet now you are finding that thin and
muscular is prized, while soft and round is criticized. You may
feel you should change how you look--whether or not your body is
actually suited to a different
shape. Soon you may find your eating behavior has become disrupted
and unnatural because you are going against your own natural inclinations.
Internalization
of harmful messages
Ideas of beauty that don't fit the norm are often put down by people
who can't relate to them and instead see them as strange. Women
commonly internalize this as a devaluing of their images and ideals
of attractiveness. Preferences which normally have brought you pride
and a feeling of being appreciated, may become something you feel
embarrassment about. If you lack sufficient validation of your own
culture's ideas of beauty, your social identity (that based on culture,
race, ethnicity), and even your sense of self, may be eroded. This
may put you at risk for eating concerns.
Women of color who are most vulnerable to developing eating disorders
Those
who are or have been separated from their primary cultural group
for a significant amount of time
Foster
children reared by white mothers
Those
acclimating to a different culture
Those
with a eurocentric/dominant culture perception of beauty and attractiveness
Keys
to recovery
Awareness
of encountering the above social stressors and related emotional
pressures which impact body image and eating
Maintaining
or establishing a positive connection to one's culture of origin
Developing
healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress
Locating
reliable nutritional information relevant to college life
Talking
with other supportive peers and/or a professional who can give
support
Located on the third floor of Health Services.
Confidential information or care is available through individual
appointments or phone consultation with a Nutritionist to discuss
the many types of eating concerns you may have regarding yourself,
a friend, roommate or teammate. Health Education also offers workshops,
pamphlets, and reading materials covering these and related issues.
There are no fees for Health Education services.
Located at the corner of Brown and Charlesfield streets.
Confidential information and care is available on a walk-in, or
by scheduled appointment basis. Care is available for initial, current
or past disordered eating patients. There are no fees for medical
care at Health Services. However, there may be fees incurred if
laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital
care is needed.
Located on the fifth floor of J. Walter Wilson.
Confidential appointments are available at Psychological Services
for students concerned about their eating issues. Guidance is also
available for those who are concerned about a friend, roommate,
or teammates' eating. Services include crisis intervention, short-term
psychotherapy and referrals. There are no fees for appointments
at Psychological Services.
Links
you can use
This site looks at ways we can feel good in the bodies we have.
One of their slogans: "Remember, your body hears everything
you think." Other topics on the web site: Size Acceptance;
What do you say when everyone around you is dieting? 200 Ways to
Love the Body You Have; Dieting Detox; Evaluating Weight Loss Programs:
What are the Red Flags? Free subscription to email newsletter "Body
Positive Pages."
Highly recommended web site, offering support and programs for people
seeking a lifestyle without diets. You can take a self-profile quiz
that cues you to the many benefits of a non-diet life. Slogan: "You
Count, Calories Don't." Run by a registered dietitian. This
site includes a chat line, resources and links to other sites.
This site provides signs of eating disorders, motivational support
talks, information on cultural issues and how to help loved ones.
.
This site includes definitions, statistics, warning signs, causes
and frequently asked questions.
This site provides general information about eating disorders and
body image concerns, tips for helping a friend and referral sources.
Provides information and treatment resources for all forms of eating
disorders.
Articles from the ADA on eating disorders, including The Female
Athlete, Compulsive Eating and Anorexia.
Information on eating disorders, books for sale and resources in
Spanish.
Adapted from the Boston College Eating Awareness
Team
Written by Boston College Counseling Services
Disclaimer: Health Education is part of Health Services at Brown University. Health Education maintains this site as a resource for Brown students. This site is not intended to replace consultation with your medical providers. No site can replace real conversation. Health Education offers no endorsement of and assumes no liability for the currency, accuracy, or availability of the information on the sites we link to or the care provided by the resources listed. Health Services staff are available to treat and give medical advice to Brown University students only. If you are not a Brown student, but are in need of medical assistance please call your own health care provider or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Please contact us if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
