Senior Project Interview Due Wednesday March 14,2012

Interviewee: Kayla M.

1. Have you ever looked to the women in the media as role models?

Yes, when I was little I would always tell my mom of how much I wanted to be a model when I grew up

2. Is the media what caused you to resort to bulimia? 

It's not the only reason but I just never really felt satisfied with myself and the way I looked. I turned to bulimia because I didn't feel comfortable or confident in my own body and I thought throwing up would make me look better. 

3. How long have you strived to look like the women in the magazine?

For as long as I can remember I always noticed the beautiful women with their flawless curves and complexions. I have always dreamed of being as pretty and slim as them. 

4. Do you think it has helped you be any more confident in yourself?

No, because I still feel like I am different than everybody else because I am trapped in this never ending yearn to be skinny, while everyone else eats and enjoys life. 

5. Do you throw up after every single meal?

I try not to anymore, but now if I don't, I start to feel sick and I go straight to the bathroom and puke. 

6. Do you know the damage that can happen to you due to bulimia? 

After a couple of my close friends found out that I became bulimic, they were very concerned and shared with me the consequences bulimia does to ones body. Once they told me I really did not know what to do with myself. 

7. Have you ever suffered through any other eating disorders? 

At one point I attempted to just stop eating completely but I couldn't, it was out of my control. My mom would notice and she would make me eat at the dinner table. 

8. Has anyone ever told you that you were fat?

I have had anonymous emails on formspring, and those emails pushed me from just plain insecurities into full on bulimia.

9. Are you still facing bulimia?

I can't even lie I sometimes throw up, but I have gotten a lot better since a few years ago. 

10. Do you think these "flawless" women cause a serious problem in the media or can they just be ignored?

Yes, they do because they are affecting the lives of many young girls and boys even, they are lowering their self esteem and even leading some to suicide.

11. What are your thoughts on how to improve this problem?

I think that the media should not only use skinny women and should not photoshop every single flaw to make manipulate the media into thinking everyone should look like that.