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Why Amazon’s Pro-Anorexia Sweatshirt Shows a Larger Problem
Contributor: Jessica Masbaum, LCSW, Therapist and Clinical Lead, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.
This past week, Amazon came under fire for the sale of a pro-anorexia sweatshirt from vendor “ArturoBuch” that reads “Anorexia: Like Bulimia, except with self-control [1].”
It should be clear why the message of this sweatshirt is offensive and harmful, yet, there were some that did not agree that the message was offensive.
In fact, Amazon has guidelines that dictate what is considered “offensive products” and this sweatshirt, somehow, was not included in that.
Thankfully, of 173 customer reviews, 90% of them are 1-star, given by Amazon customers shocked that the company allowed this sweatshirt to be sold on their site.
More concerning, however, is that the site still has not taken the item down or responded to requests for comment on numerous news sites.
The fact that this product was even created to be sold indicates two problems more significant than a sweatshirt alone.
The Danger of these “Jokes” is Still Ignored
Despite the increased knowledge and awareness that we have regarding eating disorders, incidents like this make it clear that there is still a long way to go.
For those 20 million women and 10 million men in America that have or will battle an eating disorder, or know a loved one that has, items like this are a slap-in-the-face, trivializing a disorder that claims happiness, relationships and lives every day [2].
In fact, the very disorder this product mocks, anorexia nervosa, has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder [3].
Furthermore, the message that “jokes” like this one send to the public is equally damaging. As Claire Mysko, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association perfectly stated:
“Jokes about eating disorders are dangerous and cliché. This hoodie propagates the myth that eating disorders are trivial and mere issues of willpower or self-control. Stereotypes like this result in increased stigma and are barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Anorexia is not a ‘lifestyle choice,’ it is a mental health disorder with socio-biological influences [1].”
Manufacturers Ask for Forgiveness Instead of Permission…and Are Given It
One of the most disturbing aspects of this scenario is that it is not new. Stories like this are consistently shown in the news, with companies selling these products and only taking them off of the market and apologizing when there is a public outcry.
For many of these companies, the sad truth is that these scenarios present little risk to them.
In an economy that is driven by the bottom line, it is imperative that people put their money where their mouth is in order to effect change.
This is not always an easy feat. With bigger companies that monopolize a market, it may not be as simple as never buying from them again.
What is important to remember is that, because you “hold the purse strings,” you have a voice. Don’t be afraid to let companies know that, as their customer, you are dissatisfied with their products or their behavior.
It is disconcerting to see that eating disorders are still trivialized and joked about by some, however, circumstances like this are always an essential reminder of the work to be done and the people willing to do it.
About the Author: Jessica Masbaum is an LCSW, working as a therapist and Clinical Lead with Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Lemont, IL.
She has a strong background in addictions and mental health treatment, including eating disorders. She has previously served as a Program Manager in utilization management for residential settings, and has a background in child protective services.
References:
[1] Ledbetter, C. (2017). Amazon under fire for sale of offensive pro-anorexia sweatshirt. Huffington Post. Retrieved on 10 October 2017 from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/people-want-amazon-to-remove-this-offensive-anorexia-sweatshirt_us_59d53902e4b0becae8021b1f.[2] National Eating Disorders Association (2016). What are eating disorders? Retrieved on 10 October 2017 from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/what-are-eating-disorders
[3] Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on November 3, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 3, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
