For most of my life, the term anorexia nervosa seemed reserved for only models and actresses -- a problem so distant from me that I could not comprehend the high rates of occurrence typically found at college campuses. Unfortunately, when confronted last month by a friend who admitted to me her history of eating disorders, the reality of anorexia nervosa became all too real.

The news of my friend's eating disorder shocked me. For almost two years I had talked, shared, and confided in her and throughout that time I had considered her one of the most stable persons I knew. Time passed yet I still could not comprehend what would drive a healthy, attractive young woman to a manic obsession about her weight.

Finally, one day a particular beer commercial caught my eye. After what my friend had shared with me, how could I help but become offended at the stereotypical female that the commercial encouraged? Even I could sense the pressure to comform to this unrealistic ideal presented by the commercial.

Television commercials have always been little more than a distraction for me which I simply ignored or laughed off. Recently, however, I have come to realize just how much of an effect media advertisements can have on instilling social values on the public. Today's commercials instill poor values and uphold base, unrealistic social norms about what should be considered beautiful.

My friend is a kind, intelligent person who will surely prove to be a benefit to society, yet society feels that it is acceptable to force-feed her a self-destructive self-image. I would propose that America's youth stop and actually watch stereotypical commercials for what they are -- a cheap, destructive attempt to promote products by the outright abuse of the female self-image.