I cannot believe the flier I saw for the Respecting and Understanding Body Image candlelight vigil.

There were two columns - one with the measurements and height of a “real woman” and another column with a model’s measurements and height. This just serves to perpetuate the idea that a woman is defined by her appearance and proportions.

Isn’t that what drives women to eating disorders - giving them a scale to rate themselves against?

I know a lot of “real women” - a lot of healthy women of various heights and weights. The flier should have listed intelligence, confidence and independence for its requirements.

At 6 feet tall and a bust measurement of 34 inches, I fell into the “model” category according to this flier. I guess I am not invited to the vigil even though I am actually not a model. If I am not a “real woman” nor a “model,” what am I?

Let’s try to keep these stupid standards and labels off of things that are supposed to help women empower themselves.

Vanessa Vanecek
kinesiology senior