Her sobs echoed throughout the house as she stormed inside and slammed the door after running off the school bus. "Lexie, sweetheart, what's wrong?" I asked looking at his face with wet cheeks. She then looked at me with bright red eyes, tears still flowing. “Well…” Lexie said softly as I wiped away her tears. “All the kids in my class were making fun of me today because they thought I was too skinny. They said really mean things to me all day, even after I told the teacher: " She finished. I was stunned, why would appearance be important to an 8 year old ? “Immediately, I wrapped her in my arms and hugged her tightly. I cheered her up with words of comfort and ended by telling her that everyone is beautiful in their own way and that just because she is different from others does not mean she is less beautiful. I was raging with anger that day for several reasons. . On the one hand, it really hurt my heart to see someone I love and care about crying so hysterically because of the way they look, especially at such a young age. Lexie looked like most other 8 year old girls, there was absolutely nothing wrong with her. Even if that were the case, how would kids his age know to pay attention to such superficial things? Another reason why this day hit me so hard is because it took me back. I was taken back to the very first time I paid attention to my own body image. It was probably one of the worst days of my life, because maybe that's what started it all... I was standing in line with my fifth grade class, waiting for my turn to go to the bathroom. In line next to me was O'Nesha, a girl who has been mean to me since the very first time we met in third grade. I noticed her looking at me. "What?" I ask...... middle of paper ......sorders. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. “What Causes Eating Disorders?” » 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. April 19, 2014. Hilton, Lisa. “The fashion industry should not be held responsible for eating disorders.” Eating disorders. Ed. Romain Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. “What’s Wrong with Skinny?” » thedailybeast.com. 2010. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. April 19, 2014. Orbach, Susie. “Market principles promote dangerous beauty standards.” The culture of beauty. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Web. April 19, 2014.Penny, Laurie. “The media is creating misplaced public concern about anorexia.” The culture of beauty. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Web. April 19, 2014. Schwarz, Fred. “Images of thin models do not play a role in eating disorders.” The fashion industry. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2010. Web. April 19. 2014.