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Volume CXXXIII, Number 14 |
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Thorne's horoscopes distorted
To the Editors:
On first glance, I found my Pisces horoscope displayed in Thorne Dining Hall quite amusing. According to this prediction/astrological explanation of myself I'd "rather be writing poetry, taking photographs, or composing music than working out." Okay, so this may actually have a hint of truth, even if I consider myself an athletic person. But with continued reading, the horoscope starts to read more like a condescending do-your-own-diet book found in the check out aisles of grocery stores. Not only do I (and apparently every other Pisces) have a "low metabolism," "trouble counting calories," but I also use food as an emotional crutch. Horoscopes are, typically, just a shot in the dark prediction of a person, but this horoscope starts dishing out advice for my "weight issues." Apparently I should take a picture of myself, "cut a sliver away from each side and see a thinner me!"
Who comes up with this stuff? Did the Dining Service read it before they typed it up, cut it out, and pasted it next to the birthday board? Apparently, they have never walked around the Bowdoin campus, where people are generally more concerned about their workout time on the elliptical machines than how many French fries they get at dinner. Sure, there are the stories of the "freshman 15," but are we really trying to combat 15 pounds with a degrading, offensive horoscope? I am fortunate to say that I can go about my day without taking this advice to heart, but what if you actually have a self-image problem?
There is a definite difference between promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging body-image issues. Just because it's February and we may be putting on an extra pound or two to keep us warm in the weather doesn't mean that we need to start counting our calories and avoiding food if we get stressed out. I was absolutely stunned to find such an absurdly distorted horoscope hanging up in our own dining hall.
Sincerely, Margaret Munford '07
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