We chose this spoken word poem because it is very relevant to most women especially those of our generation. This poem tells the story of a young women going from being over weight to being dramatically underweight. Blythe Baird exposes how although she was suffering through an eating disorder, her father praised her; carrying a before and after image showcasing the dramatic weight loss. Her father never stopped to question why his daughter was losing weight; all he saw was that his daughter was getting thinner and “healthier”. This poem works to expose the social pressures women are put under and how you never know the full picture and struggle someone is going through. Lastly, we picked this poem because the girl telling her story comes out victorious: she is able to overcome her disorder, encouraging others to do the same.
-Kimberly Calderon & Preeya Ninan
melaskandrany
September 21, 2016 — 9:54 am
I really liked this poem a lot because this is one of the largest problems teens face today and almost everyone can relate. I love poems that are not just words that rhyme together but something that evokes emotion and connects with the listeners. This poem is really powerful and you’re review of it encapsulates everything it’s about.
beckychakkalo
September 21, 2016 — 12:52 pm
This poem had me in tears. I have personal experience with people complimenting my weight loss while knowing that a sickness was the reason for it. People don’t understand how a “compliment” can possibly be so hurtful. This girl speaks for thousands upon thousands of individuals who continue to harm their bodies because they are met with so much pride from the people around them rather than concern. Her poem showcased her success story. Not the success story that her father made for her, but her actual success. The distinction between the two conveys such a powerful message about health and what is considered “success.”