How thin is too thin?

There has always been a fascination for looking beautiful in our society. People go to extremes in order to look their best. The most sought after quality is the ideal weight. Skinny has always been in season, whereas chunky is a fashion faux pas. Being skinny makes people envious. People of every race, gender, or age want to be skinny. Magazines depict models and celebrities as skinny, bearing it all while flashing million dollar smile. The desire to imitate these idols leads to extreme measures to attain this beauty. Teenage girls, in particular, go to extreme measures to imitate their favorite celebrities. These girls become obsessed and do not take into consideration what this obsession can do to their health.
In a society that focuses more on the materialistic and appearance of things, being skinny is the ideal goal. No one wants to be the sore thumb sticking out in a world where skinny people reign supreme. This has leaded many to engage in diets. “Weight preoccupation in pre-pubertal girls is a concern because dieting at this age can impact growth and may increase risk for fatigue, irritability, low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders," said lead author Nancy E. Sherwood, PhD, of the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. This preoccupation isn’t a bad thing at all. It beats being obese. “More U.S. teens than ever--9 million of them--are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Currently, 16 percent of girls ages 6 to 19 are overweight. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports a major surge in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes among teen girls, especially minorities. Type 2 is the kind you get when you are overweight, unlike Type 1, which happens when your body can't produce insulin. As if that weren't enough to scare you, overweight teens are now also developing diseases like hypertension, high cholesterol and weight-related asthma, conditions previously associated predominantly with adults” (Kemp, 1). However without moderation and constant motoring, the obsession with looking skinny to avoid being obese or receiving complications can lead to dramatic problems.
“Proper nutrition is essential to keeping teens healthy and able to grow and develop properly. Eating right also helps teens participate better in school and athletic activities. The nutritional status and health of children and adolescents has declined in recent years. Government surveys have shown that at least 16% of children and adolescents age 6 to 19 years old are considered overweight and at least 11% of adolescents now are classified as obese. In 2000, more than 16% of the population under age 18 years lived in poverty, often receiving poor nutrition as a result” (Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Issues among Children and Adolescents, 2). This fear propels more people to go on diets, but these diets have resulted in problems such as eating disorders. “Eating disorders lead to poor nutritional status and can affect growth and development for teenagers of both sexes. They rank as the third most common form of chronic illness in adolescent girls, affecting as many as 5% of teenage girls” (Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Issues among Children and Adolescents, 1).
“Nearly 30% of the girls reported trying to lose weight, the researchers found. Most of the dieters reported using healthy methods to lose weight, such as increasing their levels of exercise and decreasing their consumption of high-fat foods, but a small number of study participants (n=12) said they took diet pills, purged, or took laxatives to lose weight” (Girls Can Internalize Negative Body Images Even As Pre-Adolescents, 1). With 30% of girls dieting in a healthy way, that leaves a 70% who does not. This raises concerns in how they are losing this weight. There are numerous factors in propelling girls to lose weight in whatever ways they can. However, engaging in activities that will lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia can be dangerous. When asked about their areas of focused girls stated “the most dissatisfaction with their stomach, thighs, and body weight, and they were most satisfied with their height, face, and body shape” (Girls Can Internalize Negative Body Images Even As Pre-Adolescents, 2), leading to their decision in dieting that possesses dangerous outcomes. Who is to blame for this? A big factor is the influence of the media. “Many kids have poor body images due to the enormous pressure in celebrity culture to be super skinny," explains Susan S. Bartell, author of The Girls-Only Weight Loss Guide. “In the past five years, the numbers of magazines, websites and TV shows dedicated to celebrity worship have exploded. So girls see more images of "perfect" bodies” (Kemp, 1). There must be a stop to this obsession because it is unhealthy. The study, published in the September 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that girls who followed a calcium-rich diet, including dairy foods and calcium-fortified foods, did not experience greater increases in body weight or body mass index compared with girls on their usual diet. This means that there are ways to partake diets that are not harmful. Eating healthy and consuming the proper nutrients can also lead to weight lost. There is no need to limit one in food intake and exercise until there is nothing but skin and bones left on the body. This is because low nutrient intake can lead to complications. “Insufficient vitamin D can stunt growth and foster weight gain during puberty, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” (Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls, 1). This will only bring girls back to their original problem of trying to lose weight. This is why it is not wise to skip on the daily nutrient intake. Also, “because lack of vitamin D can cause fat accumulation and increased risk for chronic disorders later in life, further investigation is needed to determine whether vitamin D supplements could have potential benefits in the healthy development of young people," (Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls, 2).
There are numerous solutions to this problem. The first is to learn about a healthy weight. Education is most important because knowledge can do wonders. Most girls have the perception that they are overweight or something is wrong with their bodies. However, most of the time there is nothing wrong. This is why it is best to speak with a primary care physician to learn more about the right weight and what can be done to stay healthy. The second thing to do is commit good habits. Eating right, exercising daily, and not engaging in dangerous ways to lose weight will yield positive results. This is like a broken recorder being mentioned daily because it works. “Studies show that girls who are physically active are more satisfied with how they look--regardless of what the scales say” (Kemp, 2). The third thing is to stop comparing yourself with others. Celebrities are not born that way, but they work in order to look the way they do. This is why it is best to develop good and healthy habits to get to a desirable weight. Also, there is no need for comparison. Everyone is different; therefore everyone will have a weight that is healthy for them. As long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained, one will feel great and look great. The best solution of all is to have a combination of the three things mentioned to live a happy healthy life. This will ensure that the borderline between being healthy and dangerously thin is not crossed.
Like everything else in life, obsession with weight and staying in shape, is best at moderation. There is no need to go to extremes in order to look good. This is because when extreme measures are used, there are dangerous and harmful results. We must make the right decision in determining what is best for us. Is it to better to be healthy, or be unhealthy all in an effort to fit in with the norms? If girls learn more about healthy lifestyles and weight, then they might make the right choice in escaping the fate of becoming ill due to going overboard with being thin.

Works Cited

"Calcium-rich diets not linked to excessive weight gain in young girls." Women's Health Weekly (Sept 23, 2004): 62. General OneFile. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

"Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Issues among Children and Adolescents." Weight in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risks. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 23 pp. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

"Girls Can Internalize Negative Body Images Even As Pre-Adolescents." Women's Health Weekly (March 22, 2001): 13. General OneFile. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

Kemp, Kristen. "Special report: weighing in." Girls' Life 12.6 (June-July 2006): 64(5). General OneFile. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

"Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls." Women's Health Weekly (Dec 25, 2008): 23. General OneFile. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

Odle, Teresa. "Adolescent nutrition." The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition. Ed. Jacqueline Longe. Vol. 1. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2008. 5 pp. 2 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

Worcester, Sharon. "Disordered eating in girls: weight status is key." Clinical Psychiatry News 32.12 (Dec 2004): 31(1). General OneFile. Gale. Patrick F Taylor Science & Tech Academy. 9 Feb. 2010 .

The Boast: Who is the best?

The great! The wise! The one that reign supreme...

Common Themes and Techniques of Anglo-Saxon

The pieces of texts mentioned above can all be connected together. Despite the fact that they are of different genres, there are similarities within the texts. Beowulf is about a life long quest filled with bravery and heroic acts. It contains superhuman life experiences and abilities characters not found in “The Wife’s Lament” and “The Seafarer.” Unlike Beowulf, the two poems did not contain superhuman image, with normal people as characters. However, the characters are embracing a quest in life. Also, the theme of loyalty, to either one’ king or husband, comes up. Also, fate is mentioned in the texts to possibility represent the role of God and his powers. However, in all three texts the attitude towards fate varies. Caedmon’s Hymn incorporated kennings, alliteration, and imagery to its reader ensuring a positive reading just like in Beowulf. The sea is a popular aspect of the texts as if it was to representing the unknown paths that each character must pass filled with dangers and obstacles. In all four texts, the characters embarked on a journey to either help or learn about a lesson. The themes and techniques are all present in Anglo-Saxon works in order to give out a hidden message of respecting the Anglo-Saxon’s way of life and views of ethics. The core values of Anglo-Saxon literature can be seen such as values of loyalty, bravery, and generosity. The overall idea is that the characters are all going on a path pre-made by the wryd, and they must learn to accept it. The outcome of the path whatever it may be will help send a message to the reader that the core values of Anglo-Saxon society must be kept despite of hardship.

Literary Elements

The literary elements of alliteration can be found in the lines of Caedmon’s Hymn and Beowulf. Despite being Anglo-Saxon literature if different genre, they both contains this literary component. The alliteration in the two allows the reader easily remember the text and be able to recite it easily. Some examples are “work of the world-warden” in Caedmon’s Hymn and “he knew the sea would point the prow straight to the distant Danish shore” in Beowulf. Also, the usage of kenning cans be found within the two poems to give them a more exciting and deep impression. Also, in both poems there are numerous names for God that is used instead of simply referring God to God. For example, in Beowulf God is referred to as “Lord of All.” However, in Caedmon’s Hymn, God is referred to as “Lord of Glory.” These components make the poems easier to read. Like typical Anglo-Saxon text the usage of alliteration is used and the sense of loyalty to God can be seen. Even though Beowulf is more of an epic poem where the protagonist deals with heroic deeds, Caedmon’s Hymn also gives off that effect in a different sense. In Caedmon’s Hymn, the message of accepting the wryd after a life journey can be seem like how Beowulf accepted the fact that he will died in defeat after winning so many in his life. Even though there are different aspects, it can clearly be seen that these two texts were similar in terms of when they were composed. They possess significant aspects of Anglo-Saxon literature.

Anglo-Saxon ideal of loyalty and the tragedy of separation or exile

The Anglo-Saxon epic poetry we see today usually embodies the attitudes and ideals of an entire culture. There are many important aspects of life that are valued and weighed highly in different cultures. However, the Anglo-Saxon society places strong emphasis on ethics. They were more concerned with ethics than mysticism such as earthly virtues of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship. An important aspect of life in Anglo-Saxon society is the loyalty between a lord and his retainer. This idea is stresses within “The Seafarer” and “The Wife’s Lament.” The seafarer lost loyalty at a previous time. However, he turned himself to God, who is his new leader that he follows wholeheartedly. Life born in the love of God and the hope of Heaven. Praise the Holy Grace of Him who honored us” (Raffel, 91). “In “The Wife’s Lament,” the wife remains loyal to her husband despite all she went through and the betrayal she received from her husband family. She was mistreated by his family, but yet she remains loyal only to him and wish to be within in exile. “A friendless exile in my sorry plight, my husband’s kinsmen plotted secretly how they might separate us from each other that we might live in wretchness apart most widely in the world; and my heart longed” (Hamer 92). The two poems reveal that even though the Anglo-Saxons may experience betrayal, they still maintain a belief that loyalty is most important. Whether it is loyalty to one’s leader or spouse, it should be kept. Regardless of any betrayal, loyalty should not be forgotten because a legion on a specific person is highly valued in Anglo-Saxon society.

Comparing the elegies: “The Seafarer” and “The Wife’s Lament"

“The Seafarer” is composed of elegiac and moralizing views. The poem can be read as a dramatic monologue or simply a dialogue between two people. The audience can see that the poem can be divided into two sections. The first section is a personal description of the suffering and attractions of life at sea. In the second section, the narrator takes a turn and talks about moral speculation about the momentary nature of fame, fortune, and life itself. It ends with a Christian view of God as wrathful and powerful. The narrator urges the reader to forget earthly accomplishments and anticipate God’s judgment in the afterlife. The poem contain both Christian and pagan ideas about overcoming the sense of suffering and loneliness. The narrator talks about the fearing of God’s judgment in the afterlife expressing Christian views, but also states about buried treasure and winning glory battles to express pagan views. “The Seafarer” is considered an allegory discussing life as a journey and the human condition as that exile in the sea. “The Wife’s Lament” is an elegiac poem expressing a wife’s feelings pertaining to exile. It is unclear to why the wife was exiled and separated from her husband. The poem conflates the theme of mourning over a departed leader with the theme of mourning of a departed lover. The poem has the motif of loneliness from exile and the longing for companionship is present. The loneliness she feels can be seen in numerous Anglos-Saxon texts and poems that talks about exile. This motif is constantly depicted through text as if to express the desire Anglo-Saxon people have for companionship in times of heartaches.

Both of the poems contain sentiments of longing for something. Both of the protagonists in the poems are experiencing loneliness from exile. Their exiles are different but the same. One is exiled from life with companionship, while one is separated from her beloved. They both longed to have some sort of companionship that would get them through the days. However, their exiles are for different reasons. The sailor is away from civilization to self reflect, while the wife is forces to leave her place in society. The usual motifs of exile and the sense of fate from it are present in the two poems. Overall, the sadness within the two poems can be seen. However, “The Seafarer is less depressing since the second half of the poem takes life in a more positive note. The message from the two poems is that loneliness can lead to despair, but we must learn to appreciate life upon the wyrd that God has in place for us. Both poems describe places in which life is uncomfortable, and the misery they feel in exile. The seafarer mourns the lack of a leader, while the wife mourns the lack of her husband companionship. However, the seafarer find solace in God to get by day by day.

Grendel's Mother

Beowulf is first epic recorded since ancient history of an iconic hero. He is a hero from the misty reaches of the British past, a hero who faces violence, horror, and even death to save a people in mortal danger. Beowulf is a loyal, brave, and determined individual with superhuman qualities that make him the archetype of the dragon slayer, the hero who faces death in order to save a threatened community. He engaged in a battle and defeated the terrifying monster, Grendel’s mother, during his heroic life. Grendel mother is one of the three antagonists in the epic Beowulf. She is never given a name, and there are ambiguous descriptions of her within the translations of her over the year. Grendel’s mother and Grendel are described as descendants of Cain. After Beowulf killed Grendel, his mother started to attack Herot in revenge and rage. Unable to just ignore this, Beowulf traveled into her under-water home call Grendel’s Mere with his superhuman characteristics for this place is said to be equivalent to Hell. When Beowulf intrusion was established my Grendel’s mother, she immediately attacks him. They engaged in fierce combat both equivalently a match for each other, but at times Beowulf was almost defeated by her. However, obtaining a magical sword found in her lair he slay her and defeated the family that brought terror to Herot. He celebrated his victory by disfiguring their corpse mainly Grendel and returned to the surface to celebrate the victory.

Grendel’s mother possesses similar characteristics like her son. She is evil, gruesome, and terrifying. She is a monster with unique features that makes her horrible to look at. She possesses some characteristics of humans by being able to walk up-right with a pair of legs and arm. However, her walk is less delicate and soft, but swift and rough. She has bulging eyes, a pair of horns sprouting from fuzzy long black hair, and sharp yellow fangs. Her ears are big and pointy sticking out from her big head filed with slimy substances. Her body is covered with greenish yellow scales that give her the resemblance of an amphibian-like creature. Her scales are hard and smooth as diamonds, but tough enough to withstand hundreds of men’s swords swinging at her. Grendel’s mother had claws with sharp nails that can pierce through the thickest wall. One grab of a man with her claws can squeeze the life out of him instantly. Her voice is rough and deep displaying intensity with every word. She smells of wet sea-water that stench the smell of burning coal and fire. Her odor can be smelled many yards away making people fled in terror with its first detection. She is strong and tough displaying the characteristics of an unbeatable monster. From head to toe she can be classified as part of an ogre family. Grendel’s mother is a force to be reckoned with. She is terrifying and disgusting. A look at her and people are sent running away from ugliness and terror. Similar to her son, she is evil, and her actions depict her intentions from the very start. She may be a monster, but she is no ordinary monster. She is a hundred times more ugly and terrifying that other monster seen before to men. The other descendents of Cain can not compare to her. The definition of ugliness, she possesses the characteristics of a human-like amphibious ogre-like monster. People do not sympathize with her misfortune looks for her evil makes her deserving of such horrible characteristics. A fierce gruesome monster, she comes running at lighting speed to attack her victim by grabbing them without notice and piercing through their raw flesh with her sharp nails. Disfiguring her victims until they no longer can be recognizable with their blood trenching her hands. The indication of danger, men knows it’s their death day when they cross with her.