INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EATING DISORDER PROFESSIONALS RESPONDS TO PINK MUSIC VIDEO
The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, iaedp, an organization committed to training and certifying professionals in the field of eating disorder treatment, responds immediately:
The latest Pink single Stupid Girls highlights the cultures relentless and unrealistic pursuit of thinness and unattainable drive for physical beauty. IAEDP sees this as an opportunity to again remind people of the seriousness of eating disorders which have devastating effects as individuals struggle to achieve social acceptance and self-worth.
The goal of ieadp is to educate the public to focus on the victims who need compassion and encouragement in their attempts to heal. This is an illness not a choice.
President of iaedp, Emmett Bishop, MD, adds, This video highlights how life-consuming an eating disorder can be. I am hoping that women can see the un-glamorous side of celebrity popularity founded on physical beauty alone.
iaedp does not intend to endorse Pinks video, or personal political position. However, the release of her album and video does occur before the National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and illuminates powerfully the impact of these disorders in this country and elsewhere.
At the same time we applaud the message of Pinks song and her statement which points out that if we waste our time, money and energy on trying to be someone else's idea of fabulous, we waste our potential to be something better.
For additional practitioner comments or expert interviews, please feel free to contact a member of the iaedp Board of Directors.
www.iaedp.org