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“Fire” T-Mere
… what’s it worth?
“Art is the most passionate orgy within man’s grasp.”
-John Donne
Howard S. Hoffman
We tend to see only what we are prepared to comprehend.
Howard S. Hoffman …On Life
APF/Getty Images Bertrand Guay
There is quite a bit of debate heating up lately, even over at ATDT parents are sharing their thoughts on this topic, regarding recent legistlation created by France lawmaker Valerie Boyer that France is passing towards imposing strict fines, even imprisonment against the proliferation and promotion of “pro-ana/mia” within websites, media images, the fashion industry and beyond that continue to hightlight clearly unhealthy anorexic/ED’d-looking, emaciated ultra-thin bodies– “legislating body weight” some are finger-waging.
The reviews and feedback are certainly mixed, some downright misinformed– stiil -and so sorely one-sided which to me only illuminates just how complex these issues are; and more importantly how much more of this conversation and dialogue needs to keep happening and developing.
I haven’t delved into a full exploration of my opinions on this yet, but I do think while we can’t police every site, ban every image, twisted ideal there certainly is something that we are all responding and reacting to when we see someone who looks so severely malnourished, skeletal and unwell.
As a mother of a daughter who suffers from Anorexia Nerovsa I do have an immediate heartwrenching reaction to this issue, and do believe there is not just a “personal” responsiblity but public and social conscience we all need to be connected to and address at some basic level without turning a blind-eye and pretending none of this has any impact on society whatsoever– clearly it does.
Does this sound familiar?
“It’s nearly always easier to relate to someone who’s been through it than a so-called expert who may have clinical or scientific knowledge but not real experience.”
“ADHD – _____ (substitute any subcategory of an eating disorder in here) is a real condition… It’s not laziness or bad parenting… When it’s carefully diagnosed the problems are quite serious, and the effects on ones life can be devastating.”
“There are so many qualities that come along with ADHD: intelligence, high energy, the ability to accomplish a lot, creativity, passion for cause, innovativeness, trustworthiness, etc. But the trick is you have to learn how to live with it and harness it. It is a difference. Realize you have lots of company.”
College freshman, BlakeTaylor has written an earnest and significant memoir: ADHD & Me: What I Learned from Lighting Fires at the Dinner Table (Laura, how about some gold forks and fire at the Dinner Table?) and his story is testament to living a life to its fullest despite some definite challenges and changes along the way.
There’s a poignant evolution in language, terminology- 1902- “Morbid Defect of Moral Control”* 1968- “Hyper-kinetic Reaction of Childhood”* 1980- Attention Deficit Disorder* 1990- ADD- and awareness that has taken place over the past hundred-plus years which, similar to Eating Disorders, has also expanded studies and research broadening the level of understanding Attention Deficit Disorder has arrived at today. But as within eating disorders, the labeling and categorizing hasn’t critically changed perceptions and stereotypes that still pervade within society, or within extensivley improving treatment strategies for these disorders which have profound impact upon an individuals development, quality of life, and effects within the entire family.
Mr Taylor states that he didn’t set out to write a book, and from accounts, it appears his story is a first within an autobiographical narrative living with ADHD. On that end, eating disorders has a bit of an edge with various self-help books, and courageous personal stories of recovery: Carrie Arnold’s Next To Nothing, Nadia Shivali’s Inside Out among many others; although the male voice is not equally as strong or heard on this end currently.
I think what’s incredibly powerful and uniting is the message of “encouraging people to get the support and help they need” that Mr Taylor emphasizes, as too the many who have recovered from an eating disorder state over and over again- you don’t have to do this alone, and YOU CAN DO IT! Blake’s mother, Nadine, shares another message many parents who help their children battle an eating disorder know all to well also: advocating for your loved one.
Congratulations Blake Taylor for your courage, honest words, and changing minds regarding living a kick-ass life with ADHD- I wish you the best towards your degree in molecular/cell biology, and I’m looking forward to reading more of your future writings on various genres soon. I also extend kudos to all the brave and resilient voices who have written about their journey through recovery from an eating disorder, and hope those who might feel isolated or uncertain where to turn for support, find strength and encouragement through amazing individuals such as these.
contre l'anorexie... inform-empower-educate & heal 
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