I posted an article on the Global Voices Advocacy site, translating Israblog’s response to the agressive campaign against pro-ana blogs that has been taking place in the popular Hebrew portal. I’m happy with their decision against taking down these blogs, as with any form of censorship, the border between what is “kosher” and what is “harmful material for kids” is extremely fuzzy. They claim that ‘it is impossible to help someone with eating disorders by shutting her mouth’, and these blogs act as an only way to actually reach some of this troubled youth.
Instead of shutting down pro-ana blogs, they have concentrated on anti-ana blogs and increased advocacy and understanding. Israblog contacted a professional psychologist who now updates a blog on their site, answers questions and comments on people’s posts. They emphasize the importance of making a true connection with those that have eating disorders, rather than judging them, and leveraging their portal as a way to connect to these troubled youth, rather than trying to shut their mouth.
[tags] pro-ana, israblog, hebrew, israel, censorship, youth, anorexia [/tags]