In addition to immersing ourselves in obscure texts, complicated p-sets, and generally tough shtuff, sometimes a Harvard gal (or guy) just has to pick up a copy of Glamour. We could spiel about how such magazines  reinforce gender stereotypes, lack racial diversity, support self-image problems, play into the maddening aspects of celebrity culture, etc. etc…. but we probably don’t need to. And as we say, here at Noice we don’t hate, we appreciate – or at least as much as possible.

All of that in consideration, the November Glamour issue made a small Harvard shout-out that we felt we absolutely must share. Kate Dillon fans rejoice, they’ve done a whole spread on plus size women and she’s in it!

the very definition of "noice".

So, in light of the supposed “dust up” over another celebrity, we’d like to highlight a full-grown actual Harvard alum. Kate Dillon is a name known to some and a face known by many. But how many people know that this absolutely gorgeous top model went to Harvard? She graduated with a masters from the Kennedy School of Government after being accepted in 2007. Though (obviously) brilliant and beautiful, it’s safe to her path to come into her own wasn’t easy. She battled with anorexia for years until finally dropping out of the fashion industry, later becoming the full-blossomed woman that anyone can admire.

But here’s where Noice might get a little sentimental. It’s no secret that Harvard and the Ivy Leagues in general have a population outside the “norm” for the rest of America. And we’re not just talking about being incredibly fortunate and capable. Having grown up in the south, this author can relate that what she sees in magazines and what she sees on campus isn’t exactly what she remembers from back home. To put it more bluntly, there can be some real pressure for the Harvard lass to be skinny and impeccably beautiful at all times. Amidst an environment of neuroticism, eating disorders, and that blasted calorie counter that HUDS keeps on their website, a curvy girl (no, actually anyone) who is perfectly normal in every aspect, can sometimes get a little down on themselves. While we’re all for keeping healthy and eating sustainably, we also  have to remember to *think* healthy and that whatever shape we choose to be in, whatever shape we’re meant to be, is already as beautiful as can be. </sentimentality>

Big ups to Glamour for The Kate Dillon shoot, if we have to be inundated by impossibly gorgeous women, we prefer them to be well-fed. Plus, if we can’t love ourselves how will we ever muster the guts for Primal Scream? Srsly.

A resource- Please, use it!:

ECHO (Eating Concerns Hotline and Outreach)
Quincy House
F-entry basement
drop-ins: Sunday-Wednesday, 8-11 p.m.
hotline: daily, 8 p.m.-8 a.m.
495-8200

images courtesy, Glamour, Mode, and Blogger.