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Jillian Michaels: Body Image, Adoption and Controversy
I'm not a huge fan of The Biggest Loser. Sure I've seen it. Who hasn't watched in abject horror women in spandex pants and jog bras perched on a scale big enough to weigh an air craft carrier?
I think it's a bit exploitative myself-what reality show isn't-but if this is the motivation someone needs to save their life who am I to judge? Humiliation can be the great motivator.
In this mornings news I read a comment from one of the show's two fitness gurus, Jillian Michaels. In a nutshell, she states that she does not want children biologically because she can't imagine putting her body through pregnancy and instead *wait for it* is going to adopt. And how did she put it??
Oh yes.
Because (and I quote) "Also, when you rescue something, it's like rescuing a part of yourself."
Hmmm....
Oh dear where to begin. Well, let's dive right in to Ms. Michael's seemingly shallow remarks one by one shall we?
1) As far as I know JM is not married so I'm assuming she's going to be another single celebrity jumping on the adoption bandwagon. How stylish she'll be with her brand new trophy baby and flat abs!
2) Isn't her JOB to motivate men and women to be physically fit and lead a healthy lifestyle? Is she associating pregnancy with being unhealthy and *gasp* FAT?
3) Is her position that fitness and pregnancy can't go hand in hand? I mean, if her body were to change in appearance due to a pregnancy does she equate that to having less self worth? Because that is what girls do learn nowadays, Jillian, skinny = worthiness and overweight = laziness.
Moving on.
4) Oh were to start with the adoption comment. Let's just say that I take offense at calling another human being a "something". You're not adopting a goldfish or a houseplant. They are children and they have no business being a part of rescuing you! You can't place that kind of responsibility on a child.
Oh my goodness. I realize how ugly I am being in this post and can't even find the right words to describe how selfish and out of touch with reality I think this woman is. Adoption has been put on this holier than thou pedestal and it drives me crazy. We just wanted to be parents! Some of us are infertile, some of us just felt called to expand our families through adoption. Has the experience made us better people? Sure! Just like having a biological child, it changes you and I think I can say for myself-for the better.
So, Jillian, get over yourself and your wash board abs. Maybe one day, when you find someone to love unconditionally you'll see that having a biological child is a natural extension of that love and commitment. If you chose to adopt, great, but do it for the right reasons. If you need rescuing turn to a God who will fill that void in your heart better than any child or workout.
13 comments:
This always makes me angry! All of those immature and selfish views about pregnancy aside...whatever way she becomes a parent, I think she's in for a rude awakening because she is very self-centered. She wants to have a child in a way she thinks would be "convenient" for her...well guess what. Parenting is not about meeting your own needs!
I. Have. No. Words.
(oh, and if you are willing to share your email, can you email me at tonggumomma(at)gmail(dot)com?)
TM,
Sent you my email address!
Apart from everything else I loathe about what this woman said, I also hate the implication that, "Hey, I'll just adopt," as if it's like picking a puppy out of a litter in an old cardboard box. Jeez, even pet adoptions require paperwork. I have no issues with celebrities, single or otherwise, adopting. I don't question their motivations, but this chick is really an ass (pardon my French). What on earth makes these people think it's so damn easy?? And what on earth makes her think that adoption is going to be any more convenient than giving birth? Boy, if she is lucky enough to adopt, she is in for a RUDE awakening.
Is it mean spirited of me to hope she gets fat?
ha, ha, ha!!! funny girl Wendy!
April- This is a great post! I used to look up to her... when I was working to get in shape and lose weight after having 3 kids- she was a real inspiration. Now I realize that my hero's chutzpah was just a pretty face marketed farce.
Sarah,
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my post! I hope to see you around here more often-I love to hear what everyone has to say!
She is not worthy enough to have a child, at least not in this stage of mind frame! And you know what... she used to be fat herself, so I think she is still dealing with those childhood issues... If you have so much baggage it is also better to not have a child and deal with it all first. She will be in a surprise of her life once she start the adoption process... Karma works in mysterious ways ;-)
I think she should worry more about having patience and controlling her temper than what pregnancy would do to her body. I watch the show and have to DVR it so I can fast forward when she loses her temper and cusses the contestants out. I cringe at the thought of how she may treat a child who WILL test her patience.
That's a great point Karen. Thanks so much for commenting!!
You mispelt the word "were". It's supposed to be "where".
Instead of bashing on others personal beliefs, you should start taking grammar and vocabulary lessons.
Dear Anonymous,
You are correct. At some point in this post I mis used "were" and "where". An honest mistake I'm sure we all make at some point in life.
Constructive criticism I appreciate, rudeness I do not. If your opinion differs from my own I would love to hear it-there is always something to be learned from a different perspective. But insulting a mistake in grammar does nothing to add value to your disagreement with my point of view.
And by the way, you misspelled "mispelt" in your comment. I'm sure this is in no way indicative of your need for vocabulary and grammar lessons but an honest mistake.
Best Wishes,
April
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:12).”
You shouldn't have negative assumptions about someones life style
you yourself say your a daughter of god. Yet you are bashing a woman for her beliefs on the internet. -ivory
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