Body
Image and the Media
If one is to believe the Media and their portrayal of
what the average woman looks like, then why are there so many women with eating
disorders? Why does everyone, especially women have such a bad body image? What
is the average, healthy size of a woman? In order to help women change their
mindsets, one must look into these answers and more.
We currently live in a world where the media portrays
people as fake instead of real. The media uses photo shopping in advertising
that portrays unrealistic images of models. Most models are underweight, but
the media glamorizes them to the point that this is what one should achieve to
be attractive (Woman). There are many magazines that use computer-modified
compilations of models that are not realistic (Rader Programs). These modified
images have such a negative impact on individuals giving the wrong impression
of body image that is further enhanced by the fact that one is bombarded with
thousands of ads on a daily basis. The media has enhanced a body size that is
inaccurate and unhealthy (Woman). Everyone needs to be aware that it is
impossible to look like the models in magazines, because that is not what the
models look like either. The photo has been airbrushed and enhanced with
computer graphics.
With
the barrage of thousands of ads daily, it is any wonder that eating disorders are
a problem that plagues millions of people. These include both men and women of
all age groups. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and
Associated Disorders of the millions of people suffering from eating disorders,
only one out of ten will seek professional treatment (Don’t sweat). These
disorders include anorexia, bulimia and binge eating (Don’t sweat). In addition
to eating disorders, there are documented cases of self-mutilation (cutting)
that has been linked to body image. In Miss Representation, one girl
interviewed told of a younger sister physically hurting herself because she
does not look the way others think she should and that she also gets bullied.
Advertising is a million dollar business and their philosophy is that if they
can make you feel bad about yourself, then they can sell you a product to fix
your flaws (“Miss Representation).
From
an early age, individuals are overwhelmed with the idea that one must be thin
to be happy and successful (Rader Programs). The average model is 5’11” and
weighs about 117 pounds, but the average woman is 5’4” and weighs 140 pounds.
In addition, the average woman is a size 14, but many retailers cater to those
who are smaller. It is estimated that half of the women in America wear a size
14 or larger (Rader Programs). Approximately ten years ago, so-called plus size
models averaged between sizes 12 to 18. Now the average size of the plus size
model ranges from size six to a 14. If the average woman is a size 14, how much
does this contribute to the body image problem? In all fairness, magazine
editors need to include models with more diverse body types not just the ones
whose ribs are showing (Wilson).
Women
and girls can rise above the falsehoods that the media tries to make them
believe is the truth about how one should look, but they also must be willing
to try (Miss Representation). Women
should always take pride in themselves as human beings by walking tall and
proud. Women have an obligation to
themselves to be happy and healthy.
Works Cited
“Don’t sweat the
photoshopping: Students promote positive self-perception in a world
of
false media images.” UWIRE Text 26
Feb. 2014: 1. Academic OneFile. Web.
7 Apr. 2014.
Miller, Joel. “Ad Media:
Media and Body Image.”
http://www.admedia.com/media-and-body-image.php.
7 Apr. 2014
“Miss Representation.” UWIRE Text 5 Feb. 2014: 1. Academic OneFile. Web 7 Apr.
2014.
Our Bodies Ourselves: Health
Resource Center. 2005, Boston Women’s
Health Book
2
Apr. 2014
Rader Programs: Media
Influence.
7
Apr. 2014.
Wilson, Eric. “The Triump of
the Size 12’s.” New York Times 14
Jan. 2010: E1(L).
Academic OneFile. Web.
8 Apr. 2014.
Woman, Body Image, and the
Media: Body Perception Among Young Adults.
Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate how slick and creative the media can affect our judgment and self-esteem. Like you mentioned it's inevitable to be swayed from the media when it's coming to you from all angles; ads in magazines in television and the way they enhance pictures of models and celebrities subconsciously add to our feeling of inferiority. I agree that magazine editors and even television casting directors should include models of different sizes to show that people are beautiful regardless their size. Great way of showing the way media distributes its negative influence on society, specially young women.
Body image in the media does portray people as fake. I can attest most models are underweight. Many young women suffer from eating disorder.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to think that media today has been the say in how we act,think,look and behave.
ReplyDeleteAll that you see are ads, television shows, and billboards that portray this is how it should be. I agree that the media portrays normal people as fake. At least there are some stores now that can accommodate women of all sizes, People are beautiful no matter what size they are.
Great essay. The image the advertisers push looks unhealthy to me. I wish more people would dismiss portrayals and allow people to be who their personalities make them. People miss out on so many great relationships and friendships by placing too much into how people look.
ReplyDeleteGreat essay! I agree with you! The way society is today is so judgmental. Keep up the good work! I enjoyed reading your essay again!
ReplyDelete