Becoming [in]Visible

[in]Visible Magazine was first envisioned in the Motley cof­feehouse during the winter of 2008. After attending a Health Education Oureach (HEO) – sponsored event about healthy bodies, first-years Becca Marion and Laura Passarelli were inspired; sipping warm bever­ages, they continued to discuss beauty ideals and body image is­sues in themselves and the Scripps community.

They were disturbed by the perceived importance of physical beauty in society and their lives, and wanted to make a change. They imagined creating a publication that would encourage readers to ques­tion and discuss the importance of appearances, as well as represent other aspects of identity. The word spread, and many dedicated people began to devote their time and en­ergy to making [in]Visible Maga­zine a reality.

The name [in]Visible is open to many interpretations. For us, the brackets surrounding the “in” are meant to imply that “in” is inserted and optional. On the one hand, this can symbolize how our choices determine whether we see ourselves or others as invisible or visible. We ask, “Why are some people recognized while others are drowned out? How can we give recognition to those we perceive as invisible?”

In another sense, we sug­gest that it is a choice to make in­visible qualities visible. The Prince from Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s book The Little Prince learns the importance of seeing with the heart, not the eyes. As his friend the fox explains, “It is very simple: one sees well only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes.”

Often, adults (like us) focus too much on the visible character­istics that define a person, ignoring the essential, invisible qualities that make her unique. In producing this magazine, our goal is to see “with the heart.” We want to emphasize the importance of invisible qualities by bringing them to the center of our attention.

No matter your interpre­tation, the fundamental message is that appreciation of yourself and others—invisible and visible qualities—begins with you. You can judge yourself and others based on appearances, or you can value yourself and others for outer and in­ner beauty. It’s your choice, but we think that this second option paints a much more complete picture. We hope that this magazine will give much-needed representation to invisible qualities that are often ignored, and we hope that it will in­spire you to see yourself and others in a whole new way.

-[in]Visible Magazine Team