The Intersection of Anorexia and Bulimia with Consumerism

Human diseases often fall into the categories of being either male or female-centric. Anorexia and bulimia, specifically, are predominantly perceived as diseases affecting females. However, Maggie Helwig, in her short story "Hunger," presents a thought-provoking perspective. She argues that these disorders are not merely about physical appearance but are profound statements about consumption and consumerism.

Consumer Society and Women's Bodies

Helwig initiates her argument by contending that in contemporary society, individuals can metaphorically "buy into hunger." Contrary to the common belief that girls starve themselves for the sake of attractiveness, she posits that anorexia and bulimia represent the manifestation of the nightmare of consumerism in women's bodies.

She emphasizes that the roots of these disorders, excluding religious and mental health factors, are of relatively recent origin. Anorexia became a recognized problem in the 1960s, and bulimia followed. Helwig challenges the perception that society initially considered these illnesses as mere fads, underscoring their severe and lasting impact.

Helwig's portrayal of anorexia and bulimia as responses to the growing influence of consumerism introduces a critical lens through which we can understand these diseases.

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It prompts a reconsideration of the conventional view that they are driven solely by the desire for a particular body image.

Adolescent Rebellion and Consumer Society

Building on her argument, Helwig explores the theory that anorexia and bulimia were once perceived as forms of adolescent rebellion. She delves into the belief that over-controlling mothers were to blame for anorexia. This leads her to question whether the emergence of these disorders coincided deliberately with the rapid growth of the consumer society, which had become nearly uncontrollable.

The author contends that as the pursuit of "conspicuous consumption" loses significance, individuals suffering from anorexia and bulimia may be actively rejecting the norms of a consumer-driven lifestyle. The essay suggests that these disorders can be seen as a form of resistance, a way for individuals to detach themselves from an increasingly artificial and unreal existence.

Helwig's exploration of the socio-cultural factors behind anorexia and bulimia broadens our understanding, indicating that these disorders are not only individual struggles but also societal responses to the challenges posed by consumerism.

Society's Negative View of Food and Women's Struggle

The third facet of Helwig's argument centers around society's negative perception of food, often labeling it as "sin." She highlights the gendered nature of this issue, noting that women, in particular, bear the brunt of societal expectations related to consumption and hunger. According to Helwig, women live through the consequences of societal norms and harbor an "awful need for something real to fill us."

Furthermore, the essay touches upon the contemporary view that anorexia is considered "almost safe" and dismissively labeled as "fashion gone out of control." This perception paved the way for the rise of weight-loss clinics and aerobics classes. Helwig implies that individuals who succumb to anorexia and bulimia may be seeking an escape from an artificial life constructed around unrealistic beauty standards and conspicuous consumption.

By examining society's negative view of food and its impact on women, Helwig underscores the complex interplay between cultural expectations, gender roles, and the manifestation of eating disorders.

Expressions of Contemporary Society

Helwig concludes her argument by asserting that anorexia and bulimia are not mere health issues but expressions of something deeper within contemporary society. She suggests that these disorders represent a form of communication for individuals who, in their struggle, are attempting to articulate something profound about the world around them.

The essay implies that societal norms, especially those related to consumerism and body image, play a crucial role in the prevalence of anorexia and bulimia. Helwig urges readers to consider this perspective seriously, opening the door to a broader conversation about the societal roots of eating disorders.

While Helwig's perspective cannot be definitively proven, her compelling arguments provide a thought-provoking lens through which to examine and understand anorexia and bulimia beyond the conventional medical and psychological frameworks.

In conclusion, Helwig's exploration of anorexia and bulimia as statements about consumption and consumerism challenges preconceived notions, inviting a more nuanced understanding of these disorders as complex socio-cultural phenomena.