It takes guts to run around in bikinis for the whole world to see on national television, especially with the notion that the camera adds ten pounds.
It takes even more guts to do it season after season on MTV’s hit series “The Real World Road Rules Challenge.” That’s what “Challenge” veterans Rachel Robinson and Veronica Portillo did, but admit it was a struggle to reach the confidence level they have today.
The pair came to Ohio State Monday night to speak about the importance of a positive body image for young women in today’s scrutinizing culture. They used their own experiences with weight and image issues to boost girls’ confidence and educate them on the importance of self worth.
“As women on the MTV network, we felt we needed to put a speech together that had something to say aside from gossip about our shows,” Robinson said. “We need to address this subject matter here on campus. We can’t ignore it.”
The reality show stars mixed statistics, humor and personal experiences to deliver their message. They focused on the dangers of anorexia and bulimia, emphasizing that college aged students are the most susceptible to falling victim to these diseases.
Portillo spoke a great deal about her history of eating disorders and how she was able to conquer them.
“I battled for a big part of my life with negative self image and poor self-esteem,” Portillo said.
Growing up in the predominately white Orange County, California, Portillo was teased at a young age for her Cuban appearance and over-developed body. In junior high, Portillo started starving herself, eating only an apple a day. She said her dieting became an obsession and she began abusing diet pills.
“When I was at my lowest of lows, I could not reach my potential,” she said. “I was cast on ‘Road Rules’ when I was the unhealthiest.” On the show, everything Portillo did was taped and analyzed by producers. She said she started to eat more, so the producers would stop questioning her eating habits. But out of guilt, Portillo vomited the food she ate.
“I found strength by traveling the world (on the show) and seeing how women are celebrated for their bodies,” Portillo said. “That was how I found inspiration.” She also said her fellow female cast members gave her inspiration by remaining positive and confident despite being on camera 24 hours a day.
“Confidence is the key to success,” Robinson said. She said in order to gain confidence, you need to learn to ignore the pressures of the media.
“Media images are not reflections of reality,” Robinson said. “As individuals, we decide how to experience the media messages we encounter. (These images) are always going to exist. They won’t stop. It’s up to us to become a critical viewer and a smart viewer.”
The girls discussed current women in the media who are suffering from body image complexes, such as Ashlee Simpson and Nicole Richie. They also said more money is spent on beauty each year than on education.
Body image issues don’t stop with women. Robinson said because of competition and stress, men are now starting to experience the same issues as women.
“The men on our shows are more body conscious than the women,” Robinson said about the musclemen who appear on the “Challenge.” She said this is because of the integration of metrosexuality into society, and the increasing use of steroids.
Kelly Gilmartin, a senior in journalism, attended the lecture and said she learned a great deal. “I have watched Rachel and Veronica on MTV for a long time, and it’s so great to see them come to OSU to speak a positive message to women on campus,” she said.
