F I R E VOLUME ONE WHAT IGNITES YOUR FIRE?
A LETTER FROM THE EDIT R
Popular culture is ridden with invisible rules, and these rules are dangerous. Once you notice them, they become much less subtle. In fact, they are glaring you right in the face. Basically, these rules are the interplay between false beauty standards, and the invention of trends. Beauty standards build a system of oppression and segregation, and the trends act as a quick fix method to fulfill the beauty standards. How? Look at any mainstream store, magazine, or online platform and you will be bombarded with idealistic and unrealistic beauty standards; photoshopped models, makeup advertisements, and the general pressure to conform to an ‘ideal’. Likewise, the same can be noted about trends; fashion trends, beauty trends, and lifestyle trends. The beauty ideals create an illusion that a person is not complete as they are, and the trends act as a filler for the nonexistent void. The reason this is so incredibly ridiculous is that there is nothing missing from a person in the first place, it is simply the illusion playing off a person’s self esteem and desire to belong. Ultimately, this results in serious body image issues, which can lead to many dangerous consequences. Everyone is complete and beautiful as they are, and anything saying otherwise is a lie. Here, we are fighting fire with fire and burning down the illusion.
TORONTO
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MENTAL HEALTH AND MODELLING FASHION BLOGGER ANNIE CERISE GETS REAL ABOUT TRUTH AND STATISTICS
When a model is observed on the runway it is likely that the first place our attention is drawn is toward their physical appearance, such as their most prominent features and the way they have been styled. It is rare to truly witness what happens behind the scenes of the modelling industry.
Body image issues and mental health challenges are becoming increasingly pursued conversations within the industry, with many stories and surveys bringing to light the reality of the glamorous industry. When a model is observed on the runway it is likely that the first place our attention is drawn is toward their physical appearance, such as their most prominent features and the way they have been styled. It is rare to truly witness what happens behind the scenes of the modelling industry. Body image issues and mental health challenges are becoming increasingly pursued conversations within the industry, with many stories and surveys bringing to light the reality of the glamorous industry.
Four years ago, Model Alliance conducted an “Industry Analysis� survey, where 85 active models in the USA spoke out about their experiences with body image and mental health challenges. Results had shown that two-thirds of these models were to diagnosed with an anxiety or depressive disorder, and that one third were suffering from eating disorders. As both a writer and a model, I was very passionate to find more in depth analysis of experiences facing these challenges in the industry. I asked a group of models two questions pertaining to the issues at hand, and their responses did not surprise me. The two questions that they were asked were:
As a model, what are your thoughts in regards to those in our industry who are living with mental health challenges and body image issues, and how do you think we should go about facing the challenges within the industry?
The overwhelming response that I received from the industry professionals is that the modelling field is brimming with mental health challenges and body image issues, and that more immediate action in raising support and awareness is needed immediately. The models that were interviewed talked about their specific self esteem issues in relation to the standard expectations of the modelling industry, speaking on how fragile of a line they must walk. Being considered ‘too tall’, or ‘too short’, or not the ‘right’ specific size for the industry were some of the main concerns the models talked about. One model stated “I feel I have to fit societal standards of 'beautiful', or I'll be out of work. It heightens my own anxiety and depressive disorder, and it is exhausting.”
In regards to possibilities of creating positive change towards the challenges of the industry, the models came to a general consensus of promoting healthy models, fighting for diversity in the industry, and creating strong self empowered voices and communities. How we work to promote positivity and acceptance within this industry must be done as a collective, where every voice working towards positive change has the power to be heard.
Written by Annie Cerise
How many products have you seen with the advertisement of “cleansing your body of toxins” to lose weight? The idea of a tea or juice cleanse is to put very little or no food into ones body, leaving an assortment of liquids to flush the body of “toxins”. Now, if you are living a moderately healthy lifestyle that involves minimal exercise and doesn't solely consist of fried food, the good news is your body has a built in mechanism that does this detoxing FOR you. The main function of the liver is to do exactly what detoxes suggest; cleanse your body of the buildup from our daily lives.
Why are detox cleanses harmful? Because they are completely UNNECESSARY. We live in a culture obsessed with weight loss, dieting and unhealthy body image ideals. Juice cleanses, detoxes, and ‘tea-toxes’ all advertise unrealistic methods to shed pounds, and act as the quick fix to appease societal pressure.
F I R E INTERVIEW WITH FITNESS TRAINER ANGELICA CASTELLENATA We were sitting in a crowded sushi bar chatting about fitness and health as we stuffed our faces with the best sushi in the city (it’s about balance, right?) and our conversation brought up a misconception that I hear way too often. This misconception is the idea that lifting weights will make your body swell up to mass muscular proportions (aka bulky). To achieve the body of a professional muscle builder takes an entire lifestyle of dedication, not hitting the weight rack a few times a week. So, why is there a stigma that lifting weights is bad? Angelica gets down to business talking body fear and reality.
F I R E: What are your thoughts on the stigma surrounding weight lifting? A: The myth is that strength training— and yes—lifting heavy weights will make you bulky has been widely circulated and accepted, but it’s just that, a myth. We all have an image in our head of what a ‘bulky’ person looks like— bulging muscles, veins running down their arms, and quads that are bigger than the sun. What most people don’t know is that the ‘bulky’ person is a product of decades of hard work, specific diets and hours and hours in the gym.
F I R E: What are your views on the effects of weight lifting and strength training on different genders? A: Naturally, women have approximately five to ten percent of the testosterone levels that exist in the male body, therefore it takes women much longer to build the equivalent amount of muscle mass. While testosterone gained from strength and weight training will increase your libido and sex drive (bonus!), it will not make you ‘bulky’ unless you really really try for that goal.
F I R E: Is there anything you know on the effects of strength and weight training in regards to mental health? A: For sure! Actually, this training helps to achieve significant positive improvements in people with clinical depressive disorders, including a 30% sleep quality increase. Additionally, people living with an anxiety disorder have experienced a reduction in their stress levels. So all in all, strength and weight training proves to be an excellent way to have a healthy mind and body.
F I R E: What can you tell us about the benefits of strength and weight training? A: Well first off, a huge benefit of this form of training is that your metabolism functions at an elevated level for up to 39 hours after the workout (hello sushi!) and most people experience a positive mood boost due to the endorphins released in the brain.
Although the fear of ‘bulking up’ is real, thankfully the myth isn’t. Strength training will not only help you physically, but also mentally to become a better, healthier, happier version of yourself. So it might be time to get out of the cardio room and spice things up a bit!
EATING
DISORDERS
Understanding eating disorders can be quite confusing if you have not experienced the effects first hand (either yourself or someone close to you), so its understandable that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the illness (YES, illness). This article is to help highlight some do’s and don’ts of etiquette surrounding eating disorders.
DO remember that it is not a choice to live with an eating disorder. They are a serious mental illness, with dangerous effects, and should not be taken lightly. If you are seriously concerned for someones health, please talk to a family doctor, parent, school/university nurse or counsellor about what steps are the most effective.
DON’T assume that someone has an eating disorder based off their physique. Believe it or not, a persons body is not a key indicator if someone is living with the illness, and no one has a right to comment negatively on someones body. Stay away from derogatory phrases and skinny shaming, its just not cool, no matter a persons size, ever.
DO make non-weight related compliments. Compliments about a persons weight while fighting an eating disorder can be very harmful, despite the good intentions. Try to focus more on compliments that involve the persons abilities or personality, such as “You’re an amazing friend” or “You’re a really talented singer”.
DON’T attempt to force feed someone, this seemingly helpful behaviour can be very damaging. Instead, try suggesting their favourite food or gently encouraging them to eat.
Finally, DO ask how you can support them, if you suspect they are living with an eating disorder. Helpful phrases such as “If there is anything I can do to help, let me know” or “You are strong, and you deserve to be happy and healthy” are constructive statements.
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