Dear JC
I’m not writing this as a fan (because really, I’m
not), but rather as a concerned peer.
Let me start by saying that we all have stress in our lives.
I can understand that you are very busy, both psychically and creatively.
However no matter how busy we are, we must find time in our lives for some
essential human needs for survival. While what needs are considered
“essential” may vary from person to person (beer, sex, dressing up like
a Las Vegas showgirl and singing ‘We are Family’). However, there
is still one thing that all human beings need, and that thing is food.
The effects the media has on the body image of young girls and women
is a topic that has endured much attention and study. However what
we seem to forget is that men are under just as much pressure to live up
to a pre-conceived notion of what is beautiful.
You especially are constantly in the spotlight,
a “celebrity” if you will. There is a lot of pressure on you in both
your public and private life. Publicly you have an image to uphold
of a Pop Deity. Privately you may wonder is some people in your life
love you for you…. Or for what you can buy them.
With all this pressure I would just remind you that
you take some time out for “JC”. What is good for JC? Does
JC really want to drop another waist size? (NO) Does JC really want
that celery stick? (NO) Wouldn’t JC rather have a burger and fries,
or perhaps some cheese and crackers? (YES). You are very active and
your caloric intake has to reflect that.
My sister younger SailorVal is a big N’Sync
fan and for the past 3 years I have been privy to seeing many of you videos.
However, it has been your most recent video “Pop” that has driven me to
compose this letter. All eloquence aside, you have gotten too damn
skinny. I am a petite girl who actually likes her men more
on the lanky side, but really enough is enough! The ideal in male beauty
may be rock hard pecs, cut arms, and a stomach you can laundry on (like
Brad Pitt in Fight Club-great movie by the way). Becoming so thin
that even 5 foot 1, 110 lb me could give you a whoopin’ is no way to live
the rock star life. Your fans are largely legions of impressionable
young girls and young men (unless they are on SailorVal’s mailing list,
in which case they are legions of young women with a good sense of
humor); as difficult as it may be you are a role model to your fans and
conveying the right message about body image is very important.
I have rambled long enough but should you feel you need to talk further
about this, feel free to contact me.
Best,
LadyMissE