Interview with Operation Beautiful

It's time we stop emulating or striving for a type of perfection that doesn't even exist in the real world. It's OK to look like a human!

This statement by Caitlin, the creator of the site Operation Beautiful, is so true. Society nowadays has made people strive for perfection, especially with our appearances. Caitlin is right: we can just look like ourselves! What is important is loving ourselves for who we are and maintaining our beautiful individuality! If only the media and fashion industry would celebrate this… As a supporter of All Walks I have been interviewing other people who promote healthy body image. Here is my interview with Caitlin: check out her site too! http://operationbeautiful.com


How did you come up with the idea for Operation Beautiful?

I was inspired to start Operation Beautiful after having a really bad day; I wanted to do something small and simple for someone else to make me feel better! I posted my first note in the bathroom of a community college and blogged about it, and the concept went viral.

What has been the response to it?

The site started in June 2009 and I've received over 7,000 notes from all over the world since it started, including notes from Asia, Europe, and Africa. Operation Beautiful involves posting random notes in public places for other people to find. These notes typically encourage a positive body image or outlook and include phrases like "You are beautiful inside and out" or "Scales measure weight, not worth."

What has been the best anonymous note?
My favourite story is Vit's. A teenager in Canada, Vit was in a treatment centre for severe anorexia. Her doctors were concerned that it was going to eventually kill her. She slipped into the bathroom to throw up her lunch and found an Operation Beautiful note on the stall. The simple message - "You are good enough the way you are" - made her pause and reconsider her destructive behaviour. She followed up with me a few months later and said she was out of the hospital and healthier than ever. Vit knew a stranger posted the note, but she felt like the timing was a message from God.

Do you think the media will ever change their attitude towards promoting healthy body image?

I think society needs to ask them to change, and then I hope they will listen to consumers.

What has been your reaction to the increase in pro-Ana and pro-Mia websites?

I think they are horrible, but they are allowed under the First Amendment, I suppose. I wish people would be more responsible with what they write and say on the Internet.

If you could give advice to a young person suffering from bad body image or an eating disorder, what would you say?

Everything you already need is already inside of you, and don't be afraid or ashamed to reach out to an adult for help. Keep reaching out until you get the help you need.

What has been the media’s response to your web site?

They love it. You can see a complete list of the PR the site has gotten here: http://operationbeautiful.com/press/