Charity and eating disorders

Over the past decade or so, charity scholars have been researching the real reasons for charitable activity.  Some focus on selfless altruism; others, on the pursuit of status and self-promotion.  From Overheard in New York, here's an eavesdropped conversation revealing "what passes for altruism in New York City":

Skinny girl: We should volunteer at an eating disorder clinic.
Friend: Yeah, that would be fun. And we'd be, like, helping people.
Skinny girl: But wait -- if we volunteer there, what if we get influenced and change our beliefs about food and think that not being skinny is sexy?
Friend: No, that wouldn't happen... It would be motivation, because you would think, 'Wow, she's skinner than me.'

Sigh.