- Target:
- Creators and Proponants of Pro-Ana Websites
- Region:
- GLOBAL
- Website:
- www.something-fishy.org
This petition has been closed.
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by the refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and significant disturbance in the perception of the shape or size of the body (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision).
The National Institute of Mental Health states that "Anorexia Nervosa has a higher mortality rate than any other cause of death among females between the ages of 15 and 24" (http://www.anad.org/22385/22406.html).
However, despite this startling fact, there is a subculture of people who promote anorexia as a lifestyle choice through "Pro-Ana" websites. The
slogan on one site is "Fading to perfection my faithful obsession." Considering the death rate statistics, unfortunately the wording of this motto is morbidly accurate.
The Pro-Ana sites are dangerous to girls and young women because they can "poison the minds of those curious about eating disorders, can perpetuate the problems for those suffering from eating disorders, and can completely upturn the recovery process for those working toward health and recuperation" (http://angelingo.usc.edu/vol04issue02/articles.php?section=tech&article=ProAna&page=all).
Eating disorders, especially Anorexia Nervosa, are very serious problems. By signing this petition, you are stating that you oppose the mission of Pro-Ana sites, and support those with Anorexia Nervosa in seeking health and healing through a therapeutic relationship with an individual or team of qualified and dedicated professionals.
We, the undersigned, call on the creators of "Pro-Ana" sites to remove them from the Internet, or heighten security which allows only those over 21 to enter.
The End the Pro-Ana Movement petition to Creators and Proponants of Pro-Ana Websites was written by Skye and is in the category Culture at GoPetition.