Avatars

[EyelinerAndCigarettes]

I know all 'pro' avatars are banned for obvious reasons,, but i was wondering why celebrities are too? For example,, mary-kate olsen has recovered fully from her ED so I don't understand why ava's aren't allowed of her? even if its just her face? (or other celebrities)

[griddlebone]

I think its because shes very closely linked with EDs,but its anyone who looked emaciated/ill etc.

[Silver Phoenix]

Like Liv said basically because she is still linked to ED's. I know you were just using her as an example but it goes with other celebs as well. They can might be recovered but they can still be linked to EDs.

And even if it's just the face, it still carries the same link

[Misunderstood.]

/agreed.

[Puppet Strings]

Visit most pro-ana sites, and they'll be an Olsen twin around somewhere.
The link's very promient, especially to those who've had experience with such sites.

x

Out of interest, why do we allow Angelina Jolie avatars when she's linked with SH?

[griddlebone]

Because shes not.....for the lack of a better word 'poster girl' for SH. So if you think of self harm usually angelina jolie doesnt come up straight away for most people anyway.

[Snow White.]

I think also because people wouldn't necessarily use images of Angelina Jolie to trigger themselves into cutting, whereas images of celebrities with eating disorders might be used as (shudders,) "thinsipration", hence the difference between using images of a celebrity who self harms and a celebrity who has/had an ED.

[[Purple_Rain]]

also, just because she's recovered, doesnt mean people wont use images of when she wasnt. and as Aimee said, there is the link with thinspiration.

[Misunderstood.]

If someone used a photo of the manic streets preachers, it wouldn't be an issue although one of the members was known for SH and / or an ED whereas the Olsen twins are well known for their skeletal frames. I think it makes total sense, poster girl is a good way of putting it IMO. Angelina Jolie isn't widely known just for the fact she SH's/or did.
I think the idea of people using other peoples avatars and signatures to trigger themselves or using particular images to flaunt EDs and other forms of self damage quite repulsive.

[Heidi Tiger]

This thread reminds me of the last SI/OD one and I would use the same argument. If something is triggering even to a minority of members it certainly shouldn't be visible in all forums of RYL.

Also Helen, just out of interest, did your admiration of Mary-Kate come before or after you developed an eating disorder?