Monday, April 02, 2007

We'll Always Have Paris

In a recent issue of Ok! Weekly, Nicole Richie addresses some of the circulating rumors about her. With regard to claims that she has an eating disorder, that she underwent gastric bypass surgery, and that she's using the stimulant Adderall to stay thin, Richie states: "It's sad because what I've come to realize from watching TV and reading magazines is that it's not me that's weight-obsessed, America's weight-obsessed. It's either, 'This person has an eating disorder,' or 'How to lose 5 pounds in 10 days.' Everything is about diet and body image."

While the jury may still be out on Richie's eating disorder history, she utters wise words about our culture's fixation on weight, about how our media vacillates between diagnosing celebrities and offering their diet tips for sale. Everything IS about diet and body image.

Perhaps Richie can use this slant in her advisory role as a counselor in a wellness camp, where "Do as I say, not as I do" has never be more apropos.

10 comments:

PTC said...

Wow, who knew Nicole Richie could actually say something intelligent. She's right on with that statement.

As to whether or not the two of them will make good camp counselors, well, I have my doubts but we shall see. It's all about ratings anyway.

CG said...

I still think she and Paris being in any way invovled with that camp is sick!

Jen C. said...

I was all set to post something thought-provoking and related to the first part of this post, when I clicked the link you provided. Now, instead of thought-provoking, all I can think is "Who, in their right mind, thinks it's a good idea to let Paris and Nicole take on any kind of influential role...much less one that involves our children?!" Heaven help us all!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I'm saying this, but she's right! Her own status aside, she's dead-on about our culture being obsessed with food and weight. With that said, I wonder if Ms. Richie has given any thought on how to combat this cultural mentality.

I'd be shocked if she and Paris did anything constructive in their roles as camp counselors in any way whatsoever. Let's hope the kids take what they say with a grain of salt. :P

Anonymous said...

Is it honestly rocket science that she "came up" with the idea that our culture is obsessed with diet and body image? That is hardly an original concept.

The camp IS outside LA. I am sure stage moms will eagerly sign their children up for the camp in hopes their child will be discovered.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous - it isn't amazing that she 'came up' with the idea. It's amazing that she is aware of it. She doesn't portray herself as the brightest tool in the shed, after all.

Rachel said...

The comedian Kathy Griffin said she once met Nicole Ritchie, and found her to be very clever. I don't watch The Simple Life, nor have I really kept up on Ritchie's "career," but I think Griffin usually nails people right on.

I do agree with Ritchie's diagnosis of society as weight-obsessed. As a culture, we seem to be bulimic.

Anonymous said...

Sadly I think the whole Western Culture is weight obsessed

azusmom said...

Anonymous,
You're absolutely right, the moms (and dads) will be lined up for miles if it means their little darlings have the possibility of even a second of on-camera time. Then they'll call themselves "managers" and send the tape to every agent and casting director in town, so the little darlings can have their childhoods ripped away.

drstaceyny said...

ptc--she is right on.

cg--well, not the best role models, huh?

jen--yeah. . .

anon--ohhhhh, good point.

charlynn--she is right.

rachel--"As a culture we seem to be bulimic." I love this. I'd love to hear more of your ideas!

dfl--probably right.

alyssa--so sad. . .