Are Figure/Fitness Competitors Role Models?

[1Fast400]

Loaded topic.  Are pro basketball players role models?  Sure some are, some shouldn't be.  No different than here.  There are some people in this sport that have done anything/everything to get to where they are at.  Some just busted ass and did it on their own.  There are some girls in this industry that have literally sold their soul in my opinion, all to get 15 minutes of fame. 

The best case is a well known person who claimed to have cancer, have their breast removed and justified her implants by that.  I know this not to be true.  I also know that none of their pictures seem to show the massive scaring that would have occured from the initial breast removal.  Amazing what some will do for a cover.  I believe in karma, so we'll see. 

I would like to point out something about Katie.  I saw her turn pro in NY.  I had followed the fitness scene for about 2 years.  I had never seen her before.  She came out during the routine and blew me away.  She reminded me of Hendershot with her endless energy throughout the routine.  All the NPC shows I had been to, nobody had ever stood out that much.  It was obvious to me she was natural.  Standing next to those on, you could just tell.  Her routine was so amazing there was no way she wouldn't turn pro.  Good job

[Tre]

The best case is a well known person who claimed to have cancer, have their breast removed and justified her implants by that.  I know this not to be true.  I also know that none of their pictures seem to show the massive scaring that would have occured from the initial breast removal.  Amazing what some will do for a cover.  I believe in karma, so we'll see. 

I know there are some who have been less-than-honest about their ages, but lying about having had cancer?  Are you serious??

[JustaFan]

In order to prevent prostitution.

Prostitution is one of many phenomenons that retains the current patriarchal structure, which prevents economical and social equality for women.

The very social function of men paying women for sex, prevents our society from giving women a level playing field.

Constantly objectifying, giving women a different arena to play on.

Which is, from a macro economical perspective, idiotic, since every society needs to recruit its sharpest minds, regardless of gender, to the toughest jobs.

And prostitution is part of all this.

I am neither for, or against ( ok, maybe I am for it ) prostitution.  But a study from Yale University has found that  area's where prostitution is legal around the world, the violent crime and rape % is just about 90 % lower then area's where it is illegal.  I am trying to find a copy of this study.  It's a very interesting read.

It also showed that it was a safer profession compared to occupations considered dangerous. Even cab drivers and limo drivers were considered more dangerous because of potential car accidents.

[mbell]

The only person I have heard had breast cancer and also a cover of a magazine is Jamie Eason. Are you talking about her?

[Lift Studios]

The best case is a well known person who claimed to have cancer, have their breast removed and justified her implants by that.  I know this not to be true.  I also know that none of their pictures seem to show the massive scaring that would have occured from the initial breast removal.  Amazing what some will do for a cover.  I believe in karma, so we'll see.

Are you upset because you paid for them or because you're not with her? Pretty heavy accusation there.

[JosephineD]

The best case is a well known person who claimed to have cancer, have their breast removed and justified her implants by that.  I know this not to be true.  I also know that none of their pictures seem to show the massive scaring that would have occured from the initial breast removal.  Amazing what some will do for a cover.  I believe in karma, so we'll see. 

I personally have never been bashed for having breast implants, at least not to my face. But I've seen other girls getting verbally & electronically tore up for having them. It's so depressing to know there are so many out there with such passionate opinions about breast implants that it makes me wonder if these opinionated-people think that implants were bought for THEM !!  it seems the only acceptable reason for any women to get breast implants is because of disfiguration. Well, i find that ironic because I myself have had dealt with men in the past bashing me about my flat chest, as if I was disfigured ! ! I can see why a woman would say she had cancer to make the opinionated one feel like absolute sh*t for making an negative comment about her implants. 

[Alex]

 

[Tre]

Are you upset because you paid for them or because you're not with her? Pretty heavy accusation there.

Are you confirming or denying the nameless allegation put forward by 1Fast? 

Give me a name or this dies right here. 

[Lift Studios]

Are you confirming or denying the nameless allegation put forward by 1Fast? 

Give me a name or this dies right here. 

I have no such knowledge of her medical history and not in a position to make such a claim.

I love when you get all tough Tre.

[Tre]

heh heh @ Lift

That's where I'm at (not having such knowledge as to state anything definitively about another person's medical history), too, but if 1Fast claims to have intimate knowledge about something, then I'm willing to take him at his word until he is discredited. 

My position: he's been right about everything else, so even though he is making a serious (albeit nameless) allegation, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

No one is rushing forward to contradict his claims. 

[HDPhysiques]

heh heh @ Lift

That's where I'm at (not having such knowledge as to state anything definitively about another person's medical history), too, but if 1Fast claims to have intimate knowledge about something, then I'm willing to take him at his word until he is discredited. 

My position: he's been right about everything else, so even though he is making a serious (albeit nameless) allegation, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

No one is rushing forward to contradict his claims. 

You seriously don't know who he's talking about?  Or you just trying to get him to put a name on it, so that she can sue him?  LOL

[Tre]

You seriously don't know who he's talking about?  Or you just trying to get him to put a name on it, so that she can sue him?  LOL

His mention was the first I've ever heard of anyone in the industry masquerading as a breast cancer survivor. 

Earlier this week, I learned that one of the fitness models is a breast cancer survivor. 

It's just a coincidence that the two stories both came onto my radar this week. 

That said, making a true statement about someone is not an actionable offense. 

[Ron]

Are Figure/Fitness Competitors Role Models?

If they inspire someone to feel better about themselves, or inspire someone to work out / get in shape, yes, they are role models, but like any kind of sport, or job, not everyone is.  Some are, some are not.

I like competitors that have a story, like being a teacher, a cop, a firefighter, a Masters Degree, which inspires both staying in school, and learning a professional, as well as being a competitor.

I personally have never been bashed for having breast implants

Jeez... in Los Angeles, many people have them. If it makes them feel better for themselves, that is their choice. It doesnt hurt someone. Actresses have it down all the time.

[JosephineD]

Going back to the subject of figure & fitness competitors being role models.


Does anybody think that if a competitor exemplifies the term "role model" in many ways (spiritually, personality, success,ect)  but has posed nude, does this nullify her role model status?

My answer... hell no !  Let's all get naked! :-D

[Tre]

Going back to the subject of figure & fitness competitors being role models.


Does anybody think that if a competitor exemplifies the term "role model" in many ways (spiritually, personality, success,ect)  but has posed nude, does this nullify her role model status?

My answer... hell no !  Let's all get naked! :-D

PM sent

 

[CQ]

To me - in general - no.

Some impress me of course - with other aspects of their lives, like [Dr] Tracey Greenwood and some others.

In general though, someone who works out alot, diets hard, uses some gear, struts on stage in a bikini, and many spend time offstage bending over with a string stuck up their butt or other such endeavours - is not really my idea of a role model. And not trying to sound cold, as I compete myself - but it is what it is.

My idea of role model would be more along the lines of figures like Mandela, regular people who have made a difference [great teachers etc] or even within this industry people like Simon Robinson come to mind.

[1Fast400]

Let me lay it out this way.  At some point in your life you are diagnosed with breast cancer.  Way before you do anything in this industry.  You don't go through any of the "bad" things associated with cancer, which is why you tell everyone early in your career that you'll never use it to advance yourself. 

Claiming to have HAD cancer would be an honest and true statement by.  Claiming to have a recurrance of cancer, having to get a lumpectomy and that is why you got implants, I call that a lie.  Some people will give such a story to justify implants to other people in their life, maybe their mom?  This is all food for thought.  I'm not asking nor do I care if anyone believes me.  Use your own senses to answer the question of truth.  Read the magazines, look at the pictures and you do the math. 

Regardless of WHO this is, from the stories you've heard about what people will do to further there so called career's in this field, would this surprise you?  I have no dog in the fight.  I sold my companies 2 years ago.  This industry as disgusted me on so many levels.  Any sort of self respect is gone.  There are a FEW select people that I'll always remain friends with because they are real people. 

Think about how you guys reacted to my response.  I listed a ton of positive info about Katie and her turning pro.  The only things you guys want to focus on is the negatives, which there is no shortage of in this industry.  I'm a firm believer in karma.  We all make decisions we have to live with.  As long as you can put your head on your pillow at night and sleep, then don't worry about the rest. 

Issac, normally I wouldn't dignify your questions with a response.  However, this time I'll entertain you just a little bit.  I've never paid for a set of implants in my life.  If anyone I'm with chooses to do that, it's on their own, not because of me.  My personal life couldn't be better at this point.  I'm with the most amazing woman I've ever met and will be married by next year.   I choose to have a woman in my life who is mentally stable, comfortable with herself, of high intelligence and is willing to put up with my crazy work life.  It would make a better story if someone was all bitter, but that's not me.  I just think all of this is funny.  At the end of the day, after all the covers and pseduo fame all we really have are our morals and values.  I'm perfectly fine with me.

[sylvia]

I'm working on my third year of survivorship.  I was the first one on either side of my family to have cancer.  I was Stage 2 and had a lumpectomy that took most of the top half of my breast.  I went through 6 months of Chemo, 6 weeks of radiation and because my cancer was HER 2+ (which is aggressive), I took a year of Herceptin.  I am now working on my second year of Femara (a one a day hormone pill to stop the production of estrogen).  Femara is a 5 year regime.  I have a scar underneath my arm where 8 lymphnodes were taken and a scar where the tumor was taken from my breast.  I have brought up the former, just so you know that I have been there, done that and currently continue my regime to beat this beast (which in my mind, I have).  Unless you have actually had cancer, it is hard for anyone to say they know what it is like.  God Bless those women who blazed the trails for the ones of us coming up.  God Bless the men and women who treat and take care of us to help us beat this disease and live longer lives.  You mentioned the lack of scarring.  I can tell you that my scars are fading to the point that you would have to look very hard to find them.  I know of women, who have had mastectomies and it would be very difficult to see any scars.  There are women who have had mastectomies and then reconstructions, even before they leave the surgical room.  Many surgical doctors try very hard to ensure that the least amount of disfiguring occurs.  New techniques have come about to make a woman feel better about her body. 

I don't know if this competitor did or did not have cancer but I'm not here to judge her.  Many people say a lot of things that are not true only because they believe they need to in order to get ahead.  Personally, I find that getting implants is so far down on the totem pole of importance.  It's not a mortal sin!

What troubles me more is the amount of scorn that is heaped upon the competitors for doing what they feel they need to do to compete.  It is so "damed if you do, damed if you don't".  Is there any of you out there, who have managed to make it thru life without telling a white lie to get ahead in some form or fashion?  Until the judging industry reforms itself, I think you should leave the competitors alone.

[Tre]

I dunno about this one, 1Fast - you know that I normally like what you have to say, but in your earlier post, you clearly implied that person-x did *not* have cancer, yet now you're saying that she did have a confirmed diagnosis and that the lie you alleged concerns only the reason for getting the implants.

It's entirely possible that it's her handlers who've decided to play up the cancer survivor angle and not person-x herself.  If you guys are, in fact, talking about Jamie Eason (this was PM'd to me by someone requesting to remain anonymous), I've known her name for over 3 years, yet this past week was the first I've ever heard that she'd been diagnosed with cancer. 

Given that reality, as overexposed as she is, I would have to argue that she had a career in fitness prior to this information coming to light. 

Feel free to correct me if any of you think I'm wrong, but on this one, 1Fast, I sense some backpeddling on your part.

[1Fast400]

Tre, just read the post and leave your bias nature out of it.  Maybe in your mind it's ok to claim you had a RECURRANCE of breast cancer, had all your breast tissue removed and that is why you got implants.  To me, that is claiming to have had cancer when you didn't.  Especially when none of that occurred (the recurrance or tissue removal).  As far as how I know all this?  I painted the person in question at Jr Nationals in chicago and the following week in Miami.  It was the first competition since the implant surgery.

[Lift Studios]

Mike props on being with a woman that makes ya happy and the wedding ahead.