<p>With all due respect, I think you guys are making light of a very serious problem. Obviously she’s talking about women who do that run in order to “purge” the chocolate and aren’t able to feel “good” until those calories are expunged, so to speak. But eating disorders are only the tip of the iceberg.</p>
<p>Amaryllis, there have been a number of articles about the demands for perfectionism that are placed on young women. Not only are they expected to be academically advanced, they are also supposed to be physically and emotionally perfect. I read a few years ago that Asian American women have the highest rate of suicide of all teens and young adults. (I’ll try to find the source.) It’s a crushing burden and one I do worry about. I think you are confusing cause and effect though. Barnard isn’t the source of the problem nor is it the only place you’ll find this. Far from it! Women’s colleges are supportive of their students in a way that differentiates them from other places–including other LACs. These schools are very aware of the pressure on young women and make a special effort to deal with that pressure. I’ve been impressed by that warmth, personal attention, and sense of community that I’ve seen at the various women’s schools I’ve visited with my daughters.</p>