The December 20^th launch of Dr. Cynthia Bulik’s newest book, The Woman in the Mirror, marked the start of another (unforeseen!) project: The Mirror Project. The Mirror made her debut on the front cover of the U.S. version of the book (see image). That specific mirror doesn’t exist, and Dr. Bulik lamented the fact that she no longer had a mirror that looked just like that one that used to belong to her grandmother. So, she started her quest for a similar mirror and finally found The Mirror on eBay. As Dr. Bulik began to travel and discuss her book around the country, she carried The Mirror in tow to get a few readers to pose for a picture. What started out as a small idea quickly evolved into a quest to take photos of over 1000 people with The Mirror. The goal of the project is to help people develop a new and respectful relationship with themselves by starting with a new relationship with their reflection. The book focuses on helping women (and men!) disentangle their self-esteem from their body esteem and to develop a more respectful self-dialogue.

The Mirror was an instant hit on the road. Dr. Bulik explains that some people are a little wary when she first asks them to be in a picture with The Mirror. However, as soon as their hand grasps the golden handle, a transformation takes place. The Mirror seems to bring out the best in people. Explains Dr. Bulik, “I think she’s magic.” Some people show off their humorous side and others are more serious, showing a genuine reaction to what it feels like to look at your reflection. The Mirror Project started at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill and McIntyre’s Books in Fearrington Village, and since that time Dr. Bulik has accumulated hundreds of photos that are being assembled into a mirror collage and website. You can see examples on the Woman in the Mirror Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Woman-in-the-Mirror/254766811248765). Next stop for The Mirror and Dr. Bulik is the College of Charleston in South Carolina.

The Mirror will be making her debut on UNC’s campus during NEDAwareness week (Feb 26-March 3) and at the screening of the documentary Miss Representation on Feb. 26^th (2:30-5:00pm, Carroll Hall Room 111 in the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication).  If you want in on the action, come to any of the NEDAW events and get your picture taken with The Mirror!