Project Proposal K Wong

Before conference:

  • What societal problem or problems have you identified while researching your topic?

My main concern regarding this topic is that eating disorders shouldn't be a lifestyle, but there are those who believe it is. When in reality it is a mental illness and many promoters of ana and mia (pro-eating disorders) are causing a misinterpretation for those who accomplished/overcame eating disorders.

  • What are the causes of this problem? Was it intentional? Are there extenuating circumstances?
  • Those who have eating disorders do not know that they have it.
  • Influence from one person to another causing a ripple effect. (Body image)
  • Social Media providing unrealistic and ideal body image/look portrayed to be healthy when in reality unhealthy.
  • Misconduct of self-starvation lifestyle.
  • What can we do about it? Is there any action that can be taken to change this? What action has been already attempted to address this problem? Why wasn't it successful?
  • PSA how choosing not to eat is a bad lifestyle.
  • Side effects and body image of actually having anorexia nervosa
  • We can learn and speak on what actions (ex. eating habits) is considerably an "eating disorder"
  • There are movements already in action. (For example: instead of fat-shaming, they are promoting healthy lifestyle and alternative ways to have a healthy body.)

After conference:

  • In what ways is this thesis and topic challenging (p.108)?

This thesis and topic needs a lot more background information regarding what is considered an "eating disorder" so it would be easier for the readers to understand where the concern comes from.

  • How is this thesis and topic compelling (p.108)?

It relates to a lot of people ranging from any age because of the use of social media and how influence has become such an issue where bodies that aren't really healthy portrayed as healthy bodies is influencing those who feel that it is a ideal goal to reach.

  • In what ways is this thesis and topic debatable or controversial (p. 109)?

It is debatable because in some ways people do find following a self-starve lifestyle to be a ideal lifestyle to obtain the thin body they prefer whereas eating disorders are mental issues. Not too many people can admit that what they're doing is problem.

(I understand that this is common wisdom that so and so is bad. I am in attempt to provide a view of how someone who has eating disorder would think and feel./Where it all begins)

Thesis Workshop

In groups of three, pull up your project proposals. If you do not have a thesis statement there, write out what you are thinking — identify the problem and the cause or causes you have identified. Then, look each of your group member's preliminary thesis or question and go through the thesis checklist (p. 121). Give each other some decent feedback.

Does it answer a challenging, compelling, and controversial question?
Is it debatable?
Does it get at the heart of the controversy?
Does it avoid overused ideas or common wisdom?
Is it appropriate for the argument's audience, purpose, and context?
Does it meet the needs of the project plan?
Does it contain specific and interesting language (avoiding the titanic mistakes of clichéd phrases or use of the word 'interesting')?

I believe the topic you chose is an incredibly compelling and controversial one that really does need attention from the public. I'm glad you're including websites and people/organizations that are "pro-eating disorder" because you're able to combat everything they stand for. The points you included in your Project Proposal are a little broad and may need to be narrowed down to formulate a clear and concise thesis at what you're aiming for. I believe you're intent for this topic is leaning towards changing the way people view about eating disorder (it's not healthy) and acknowledging those who have or had an eating disorder and how they continue to struggle. Your idea of including an experience by someone who has an eating disorder and how they think/feel about the issues surrounding it. I think you'll get great insight from that and you'll be able to build your argument around why eating disorders have and always will be a disease, not a social "fad". - Livia

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