I have always wanted to write and share my views on this topic for a long time now, for the most part because I am a victim myself.
It is no longer news that eating disorders are epidemic all over the world, common among girls and young women. A lot of debates, articles and publications concerning the real cause(S) of this have made their way in and out of the media. The New York, London, Paris and Milan fashion week are the most popular fashion events in the world with most fashion lovers around the world anticipating the start of each and the display of novel forms of arts in terms of clothing and with these come the inevitable return of the ‘size zeros’ strutting the runways.
From my observations, most Nigerians are of the opinion that eating disorders are usually more common in the western world and rare in Africa. The truth; however is that girls and young women in our society are beginning to develop eating disorders and most times unconsciously. The thought of ‘the ideal weight or size’ is slowly creeping into our social order and the fashion industry has been labelled the major culprit. I am however doubtful that this is completely true, but I will leave you to settle on what you feel about it below.
The budding fashion industry in Nigeria is something really exhilarating. Amidst new talents being birthed and discovered each day, it is no wonder the industry has successfully carved a niche for itself in a society with diverse cultures clearly in opposition to the whole idea of fashion and filled with indignation against African fashion in entirety.
Lots of talents have emerged, jobs have been created and dreams are finally becoming a reality for all fashion enthusiasts. It is the manifestation of all these that has resulted in attributing eating disorders in our society to the fashion industry. It is therefore up to stakeholders in the Nigerian fashion business both home and abroad to encourage the embrace of healthy style cravings.
Asides this, it is also up to every person, fashion fan or not to develop a good self image. Fashion, entertainment and the media in general can only suggest the ‘ideal images’, we have the option to resolve what the ‘ideal’ is to us.
KISSES!
