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Essays on Body Image
Body image essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: the impact of media on body image: examining stereotypes, unrealistic standards, and their consequences.
Thesis Statement: This essay investigates the influence of media on body image, highlighting the perpetuation of stereotypes, promotion of unrealistic beauty standards, and the resulting psychological and social consequences on individuals.
- Introduction
- Media Portrayals: Analyzing the Representation of Bodies in Advertising, Film, and Social Media
- Unrealistic Standards: Identifying Idealized Body Types and Their Pervasiveness
- Psychological Effects: Exploring Body Dissatisfaction, Low Self-Esteem, and Eating Disorders
- Social Consequences: Investigating Peer Pressure, Bullying, and Societal Expectations
- Media Responsibility: Discussing Accountability and Potential Solutions
- Conclusion: Reflecting on the Need for Positive Body Image Promotion
Essay Title 2: Body Image and Gender: A Comparative Study of Body Dissatisfaction Among Men and Women
Thesis Statement: This essay examines body image concerns among both men and women, comparing the factors contributing to body dissatisfaction and the unique societal pressures faced by each gender.
- Gendered Expectations: Analyzing Societal Norms and Stereotypes for Men and Women
- Body Dissatisfaction Among Women: Factors, Causes, and Consequences
- Body Dissatisfaction Among Men: Influences, Pressures, and Effects
- Comparative Analysis: Identifying Commonalities and Differences
- Media and Gender: Examining the Role of Media in Shaping Body Image
- Conclusion: Encouraging Inclusivity and Acceptance of Diverse Body Types
Essay Title 3: Promoting Positive Body Image: Strategies for Building Self-Esteem, Confidence, and Healthy Body Image
Thesis Statement: This essay explores strategies and interventions aimed at promoting positive body image, fostering self-esteem, confidence, and a healthy relationship with one's body.
- Body Positivity Movement: Overview and Goals
- Self-Esteem Building: Strategies for Enhancing Self-Worth
- Media Literacy: Teaching Critical Evaluation of Media Messages
- Educational Programs: Implementing Body Image Curriculum in Schools
- Supportive Communities: Creating Safe Spaces for Discussions and Support
- Conclusion: Empowering Individuals to Embrace Their Bodies
The Importance of Body Positivity
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Social Media Promotes an Unrealistic Lifestyle for Women
Social media's impact on ideal body standards.
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"Perfect" Body Image Stereotypes in The Society
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The Negative Body Image Presented by The Media
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The Beauty of The Human Body
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Body image refers to an individual's perception, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes toward their own physical appearance, including their size, shape, and overall attractiveness. It encompasses the subjective evaluation and interpretation of one's body, influenced by societal standards, cultural ideals, personal experiences, and internalized beliefs.
The term "body image" originated in the early 20th century and emerged as a concept in the field of psychology. It was first introduced by Austrian-American psychoanalyst Paul Schilder in his influential book "The Image and Appearance of the Human Body" published in 1935. Schilder used the term to describe the mental representation or perception an individual has of their own body. He recognized that body image is not solely based on physical appearance but also influenced by one's subjective experiences, emotions, and cultural factors.
The historical context of the concept of body image is rooted in the cultural and societal values that have evolved over time. Throughout history, different civilizations and time periods have held varying perceptions and ideals of physical beauty. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, physical attractiveness was often associated with ideals of symmetry, proportion, and strength. These ideals were reflected in the art, sculptures, and literature of the time. During the Renaissance period, beauty ideals shifted to embrace fuller figures, as seen in the works of renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. However, in subsequent centuries, a slender and delicate physique became more prominent as the desired standard of beauty. In the 20th and 21st centuries, mass media and globalization have greatly influenced body image perceptions. The rise of fashion magazines, advertising, and the entertainment industry has propagated a narrow and often unrealistic ideal of beauty, emphasizing thinness and specific physical features.
Internal factors include personal experiences, emotions, and cognitive processes. These include past traumas, social comparisons, self-esteem, and the development of one's self-concept. Personal beliefs, attitudes, and thoughts about body size, shape, and appearance also play a role in shaping body image. External factors encompass societal, cultural, and media influences. Societal beauty standards, cultural ideals of attractiveness, and media portrayals of the "ideal" body can significantly impact how individuals perceive themselves. Media platforms, such as magazines, television, and social media, can shape body image by promoting unrealistic body standards and presenting edited or curated representations of beauty. Family, peers, and social interactions also contribute to body image. Supportive relationships, positive feedback, and acceptance from significant others can foster a healthy body image, while negative comments, teasing, or bullying can have detrimental effects.
Positive body image: Individuals with positive body image have a realistic and accepting view of their bodies. They appreciate their bodies for their functionality, health, and unique qualities, rather than solely focusing on appearance. Negative body image: Negative body image involves a distorted and critical perception of one's body. Individuals with negative body image may experience dissatisfaction, self-consciousness, and preoccupation with perceived flaws or imperfections. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): BDD is a psychological disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance. Individuals with BDD may have a distorted body image and engage in compulsive behaviors or seek excessive cosmetic interventions. Body dissatisfaction: Body dissatisfaction refers to a general sense of discontentment with one's body. It can range from mild dissatisfaction to extreme distress and may be influenced by societal beauty standards and cultural ideals. Body appreciation: Body appreciation involves having a positive and accepting attitude towards one's body. It focuses on self-care, self-acceptance, and nurturing a healthy relationship with the body.
Body positivity: There is a growing movement advocating for body positivity, which promotes acceptance and appreciation of diverse body types and challenges traditional beauty standards. Supporters emphasize the importance of self-love, inclusivity, and embracing one's unique features. Body shaming: Body shaming involves criticizing or ridiculing individuals based on their appearance. It can come from societal pressures, media influences, or personal biases. However, there is an increasing awareness of the harm caused by body shaming and efforts to combat it. Unrealistic beauty standards: Many people believe that media and advertising perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, leading to negative body image issues. These standards often promote thinness, muscularity, or other specific physical attributes, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or pressure to conform. Mental health implications: There is a growing recognition of the impact of body image on mental health. Public opinion is increasingly acknowledging the need for support, education, and resources to address body image concerns, including eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem.
Media: In recent years, there has been an increased effort to feature diverse body types and promote body positivity. Brands like Dove have launched campaigns celebrating real beauty, challenging narrow beauty ideals. The popular TV show "This Is Us" has been praised for its portrayal of characters with different body shapes and sizes, promoting body acceptance. Literature: Books like "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy and "The Beauty Myth" by Naomi Wolf have tackled body image issues. "Dumplin'" explores the journey of a plus-sized teen challenging beauty pageant norms, while "The Beauty Myth" critically analyzes the societal pressures placed on women's bodies. Social media: Influencers and content creators on platforms like Instagram and YouTube have played a significant role in shaping body image discussions. Body-positive influencers like Ashley Graham and Iskra Lawrence promote self-love and body acceptance through their platforms. Documentaries: Documentaries like "Embrace" and "The Illusionists" delve into the impact of media on body image and challenge conventional beauty standards. They examine the relationship between media representation, self-esteem, and body image issues.
1. According to a survey by the National Eating Disorders Association, 81% of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. 2. Research indicates that exposure to thin-ideal media images can negatively impact body satisfaction and contribute to the development of eating disorders. 3. The fashion industry has faced criticism for promoting unrealistic body standards. In a study analyzing popular fashion magazines, it was found that 70% of women featured were considered underweight. 4. Body dissatisfaction affects both men and women. Approximately 45% of men in Western countries reported being dissatisfied with their appearance. 5. Studies show that individuals who spend more time on social media platforms are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction.
The topic of body image is an important subject to explore and write an essay about due to its widespread impact on individuals and society. Body image issues are pervasive in our culture, affecting people of all ages and genders. Understanding the significance of body image is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, body image has a profound impact on individuals' mental health and well-being. Negative body image can lead to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and the development of eating disorders. Exploring the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to body image issues can help raise awareness and promote healthier attitudes towards one's body. Secondly, body image is closely linked to societal standards and media influence. Analyzing how media, fashion, and advertising industries perpetuate unrealistic beauty ideals allows us to critically examine the impact of these industries on individuals' self-perception and self-worth. Lastly, body image intersects with various social issues such as gender, race, and body diversity. Addressing body image concerns involves understanding the complex dynamics of identity, representation, and inclusivity.
1. Cash, T. F., & Pruzinsky, T. (Eds.). (2002). Body image: A handbook of theory, research, and clinical practice. Guilford Press. 2. Dittmar, H., & Howard, S. (Eds.). (2004). Body image, eating disorders, and obesity in youth: Assessment, prevention, and treatment. American Psychological Association. 3. Fredrickson, B. L., & Roberts, T. A. (Eds.). (1997). Objectification theory: Toward understanding women's lived experiences and mental health risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21(2), 173-206. 4. Garner, D. M., & Garfinkel, P. E. (Eds.). (1997). Handbook of treatment for eating disorders (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. 5. Grogan, S. (2016). Body image: Understanding body dissatisfaction in men, women, and children (4th ed.). Routledge. 6. Halliwell, E. (2015). Body image: Understanding body dissatisfaction in men, women, and children. Sage Publications. 7. Levine, M. P., & Smolak, L. (Eds.). (2014). The Wiley handbook of eating disorders (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. 8. Rumsey, N., & Harcourt, D. (Eds.). (2005). The Oxford handbook of the psychology of appearance. Oxford University Press. 9. Tiggemann, M. (2018). Positive body image: A handbook of science, practice, and prevention. Oxford University Press. 10. Thompson, J. K., & Smolak, L. (Eds.). (2001). Body image, eating disorders, and obesity in youth: Assessment, prevention, and treatment (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
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Body Image Essay
Media body image.
Even though media vaunts an iridescent image of what every girl should look like, the simple fact is just, it is impossible. It is because the pictures in the media are not true—they all have gone through lots of Photoshop. Only 5 percent of women have the body type seen in almost all advertisements. Besides, most of fashion models are thinner than 98 percent of American women. However, women still continue to do whatever they can in order to fit into that idea of ‘perfection’. Eating disorders have harassed who want to feel like they are ‘beautiful’, for years. Women are willing to do anything even though it can cause harm to their own self due to low self-esteem. Do you want your sister, friends or girl friends always feel depressed and doing harm to themselves, as they feel dissatisfied about their
A Rhetorical Analysis Of Whose Body Is This By Katherine Haines
There are beauty standards all over the world, but America has one of the most highest and unreachable standard of the all. In the article “Whose Body is This,” the author Katherine Haines reflects the issue on how narrow-minded society, magazine and the rest of media is depicting the perfect body. The ideal body in America is established as skinny, tall, perfect skin, tight body are characteristics that destroyed majority of woman’s self esteem (172). As girls get older and into their teen years, they have been brainwashed to need to look like the unrealistic, and photoshopped models in magazines and advertisements. Girls don’t feel comfortable to be in their own skin, because they were not taught to love themselves for who they are right in the beginning.
Argumentative Essay On Body Image
Under society’s customs for decades, young women have found themselves immersed in the pressure and anticipation to have exemplary bodies. Nearly every young woman prefers to be slim, have a perfectly shaped body, that is beautified by applying pounds of makeup to their face but does not appear ridiculously overdone. Who’s responsible for these measures imposed on young women? When a young girl picks up the model on the cover of Vogue being called flawless, naturally it’s easy for her to then aspire to be a real-life imitation of the that model. These companies produce magazine covers shown with girls’ images daily. As if keeping the perfect body wasn’t hard enough, our culture also forces girls into the forever expanding world of composition, however, body image is a surging subject for young girls. Advertisements and pictures of lean female models are all over. Young women are measured and perplexed by their physical appearances with attire intended to raise their physical structures; social media, magazines, the society, marketing campaigns, advertisements, and the fashion gurus add to a strand of excellence.
College Admissions Essay: My Obsession With Body Image
I have always been very obsessed with body image. When I was young, baseball was my sport. Soon after, I joined the swim team. During these years I’ve never looked the way that pleased me. When the age of fourteen came around, I decided to join the gym with a personal trainer. At this time, being overweight and unhappy. Never did I think the gym would mean so much to me in the future. Just before the age of sixteen, bodybuilding made a drastic impression on me. The art of building a well symmetrical body. Everything about this sport fascinated me because it gave a chance to create a new me.
Body Image Thesis
Upon reading, I noticed the thesis had 2 arguments even though and I understood that this essay pertained to how social media caused body image issues for teens. One of the topics consisted of how social media causes teens to have "excessive concern[s] on looking perfect," and another subject matter on how phones allowed for photographs to occur anywhere. Therefore, I find it unnecessary to include the phrase - "with their phones it is easier to to take pictures everywhere." Aside from that and a couple grammatical errors, the thesis is well-written with a clear standpoint, which holds social media as the culprit in this
Persuasive Essay On Body Image
a good body image. Some of the information that are gotten from the social media like
The popular girl who is captain of the cheer squad could also be the girl kneeling over the toilet gagging up the food she eats. Often times, women are seen as objects. They are viewed based on their outer appearances. Body shaming themselves and others becomes normal. They begin to question whether or not it's okay for their thighs to not touch or if eating that chocolate cupcake was the right move. Women in today’s society are displayed negatively which influences women to do harmful things to themselves. Social Media Clothing Brands and Fitness commercials can cause serious judgemental harm to women due to not living up to ideal beauty.
Body Image And How It Effects Health Essay
Body image may be viewed as the way people see themselves and even imagine how they make look based off how they may feel about themselves. Yet it could also be viewed as the way other people see you. Body image, in medicine and psychology refers to a person 's emotional attitudes, beliefs and views of their own body (Positive and Negative Body Image). According to Positive and Negative Body Image, a negative body image develops when a person feels his or her body does not amount up to family, social, or media standards. Many people feel as if they don’t measure up to the belief of others. People who have accepted the way they look often feel good about their image and would be considered to have a positive body image. One’s appearance may not be measure up to how their family expects it to be or how it is perceived to be in the media, but once people learn accept and be proud of the way they look they’ll be better off in the long run. When a person is measured against the standards of the beauty seen frequently in the media and it doesn’t compare to how they feel about themselves it become discouraging. Having said that, long-lasting negative body image can affect both your mental and physical health which could lead to eating disorders down the road.
Media and Body Image Essay
Images of female bodies are everywhere. Women, and their bodies, sell everything from food to cars. Women's magazines are full of articles urging women to fit a certain mold. While standing in a grocery store line you can see all different magazines promoting fashion, weight loss, and the latest diet. Although the magazines differ, they all seemingly convey the same idea: if you have the perfect body image you can have it all the perfect marriage, loving children, great sex, and a rewarding career. The media, whether TV, print, or Internet advertising, seems to play a huge role in influencing women of all ages; from adolescence and teens, to women in their twenties and thirties, as well as
Body Dysmorphia Essay
A large nose, acne-prone skin, single eyelids, and the list goes on. We all wish we could change that one imperfection we have. However, some of us can accept it and carry on with our lives; not for sufferers of body dysmorphic disorder.
Essay on Body Image
- 7 Works Cited
"Just Be" is a familiar slogan to the current American culture. It is the slogan of a well-known designer, Calvin Klein, who, in his advertisements, supposedly promotes individuality and uniqueness. Yet, Calvin Klein, along with all known designers, does not have overweight or unattractive people on his billboard ads, on his runways, in his magazine pictures or on his television commercials. Moreover, the movie, music and the mass media corroborate with the fashion industry in setting and advertising a certain standards for a physical ideal of a human body. Such propaganda promotes the public into depriving themselves of needed nutrition and generates eating disorders within people in order to fit the
Body Image Essay Examples
She sits on the armrest of her wine-stained couch, then falls backward with a cushioned thud. Her thick, kinky hair lays splayed under her. Her large, veiny hands lift up to her tear-soaked face, covering her eyes. She sighs aloud summoning her roommates’ attention.
Body image is a person's perception of the aesthetics or sexual attractiveness of their own body. For the longest time, people have been worrying about the way they look, it's a feeling or occupation we were all born with. Whether it's male or female both genders have insecurities about themselves. Along with the fears of oneself, people also have to worry about the opinions of others. Today's society is all about the media and lately, people have been feeling really brave and aren't scared to tell people their opinions. You would think that women would be supporting each other and complementing one another, but instead they body shame each other and unfortunately, it's the same thing with men. Having this said what problems do men and women face throughout their life because due to body image issues?
Media and Body Image Essay example
Often, people of all ages, race, and gender catch themselves gazing into mirrors for hours, blaming themselves for the way they look, not realizing that the media is actually the one to blame for many people’s body image. Body image is the way people see themselves, or how they assume other people see them. It is not likely to see a plus sized model in a magazine or a model on the runway with blemishes on her face. A person’s negative perception of their own body is not because they think it is wrong to look and be healthy; it is because the media is telling them that being a size 2 with flawless skin is healthy and beautiful.
Beauty Standards And Its Effects On Women Essay
It 's not a mystery that society 's ideals of beauty have a drastic and frightening effect on women. Popular culture frequently tells society, what is supposed to recognize and accept as beauty, and even though beauty is a concept that differs on all cultures and modifies over time, society continues to set great importance on what beautiful means and the significance of achieving it; consequently, most women aspire to achieve beauty, occasionally without measuring the consequences on their emotional or physical being. Unrealistic beauty standards are causing tremendous damage to society, a growing crisis where popular culture conveys the message that external beauty is the most significant characteristic women can have. The approval of prototypes where women are presented as a beautiful object or the winner of a beauty contest by evaluating mostly their physical attractiveness creates a faulty society, causing numerous negative effects; however, some of the most apparent consequences young and adult women encounter by beauty standards, can manifest as body dissatisfaction, eating disorders that put women’s life in danger, professional disadvantage, and economic difficulty.
Related Topics
- Western culture
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- Barbie doll

Perfect Body Image Essay
“Beauty is only skin deep.” Everyone knows the quote, yet why is it that we still struggle to look our best? Why is it that some women bother to wake up an hour early to do their hair and makeup? Its simple etiquette, some might argue. However, etiquette aside, why is it that twentymillion people in America alone suffer from eatingrelated disorders? Why is it that a 38 inch plastic doll is a little girl’s role model? This is why (visual aid). Magazines, movies, newspaper advertisements, the internet. All of these tend to showcase seemingly thin, beautiful, toned models and celebrities, causing many women in the world to be pressured to have the ‘perfect’ body image, never satisfied with their own bodies and looks and willing to do anything to achieve the ideal image, even if it means having to subject themselves to dieting, hunger and eating disorders. Now, what should blame for this unhealthy obsession that has bloomed among today’s women? Of course it would have to be the media. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely other causes of eating disorders, but with constant advertising and material showcasing visuals that feature seemingly flawless and thin women, who would not feel insecure? Who would not feel influenced to want to have a similar body image? The very image of the ‘ideal’ woman has caused many women around the world to place outer appearance on a pedestal, to hate their own image, and ultimately fall victim to terrible eating disorders. My name is Valerie, and the purpose of my speech today will be to convince you that the portrayal of a woman’s body image by the media is the root cause of eating disorders and selfesteem issues among women and girls today and thus implore your support in getting the media to stop... ... middle of paper ... ...ing is very wrong. Today I have gone over three main points to aid me in persuading you of my cause against this unhealthy promotion of an unattainable body image by the media: The highly negative effects on body image caused by the media, the ways the media promotes an unhealthy, unattainable body image of a woman as the ‘perfect’ and ‘ideal’ image, and last but definitely not least, how the emulation of this sort of body image can be prevented. With that, I do hope I have managed to convince you that the portrayal of a woman’s body image by the media is the root cause of eating disorders and selfesteem issues among women and girls today and thus implore your support in getting the media to stop airbrushing and promoting these unattainable images of perfection. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful. The eradication of the pressure to be perfect begins with the media.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the media is responsible for the unhealthy obsession that has bloomed among today's women.
- Opines that the portrayal of a woman's body image by the media is the root of eating disorders.
- Describes the causes of eating disorders and self-esteem issues among women and girls today and urges the media to stop airbrushing and promoting these unattainable images of perfection.
- Analyzes how the media promotes the unhealthy, unattainable body image of a woman as the ‘perfect’ and ‘ideal’ image.
- Explains that media refers to the main means of mass communication (esp. television, radio, newspapers, and the internet) regarded collectively.
- Explains that the most common behavior that will lead to an eating disorder is dieting, according to professor natalia zunino of the american anorexia and bulimia association.
- Analyzes how the media influence people to feel like they don't have the ideal body image. they promote a perfect, unattainable, ‘ideal’ image, and will tell you how.
- Explains that the media is widely used for advertisement purposes, and argues that women's body image has become a norm for companies to promote their products.
- Explains how the media promotes the unhealthy, ‘ideal’ body image of a woman by using airbrushing.
- Explains that many of these models and celebrities are actually struggling with eating disorders, yet the media has to retouch them to make them look less hungry and more healthy.
- Opines that barbie, over the years, has become an icon of inspiration to little girls, as promoted by the media. however, these dolls, and other cartoons and shows that feature young characters, are actually impacting a girl’s view on her own body image.
- Opines that unrealistic body images being introduced at such a young age are worrying as they are reinforced by media advertising, television and hollywood.
- Opines that companies can advertise with women of all shapes and sizes, such as what the company ‘dove’ is doing, to stop giving people the idea that only a certain body image is beautiful.
- Opines that the media needs to stop airbrushing and promote real, healthy images. promotion of self-love as the ideal should also be done.
- Explains that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. earning money and successfully selling products is more valuable than a person’s life.
- Explains that they have gone over three main points to aid them in persuading you of their cause against this unhealthy promotion of an unattainable body image by the media.
- Opines that portrayal of a woman's body image by the media is the root cause of eating disorders and self-esteem issues among women and girls today.
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White Washed World
Media is a wide term that covers many information sources including, television, movies, advertisement, books, magazines, and the internet. It is from this wide variety of information that women receive cues about how they should look. The accepted body shape and has been an issue affecting the population probably since the invention of mirrors but the invention of mass media spread it even further. Advertisements have been a particularly potent media influence on women’s body image, which is the subjective idea of one's own physical appearance established by observation and by noting the reactions of others. In the case of media, it acts as a super peer that reflects the ideals of a whole society. Think of all the corsets, girdles, cosmetics, hair straighteners, hair curlers, weight gain pills, and diet pills that have been marketed over the years. The attack on the female form is a marketing technique for certain industries. According to Sharlene Nag...
Society has Unrealistic Image of Woman in Article, Fat Is a Feminist Issue”, by Susie OrBach
Society is obsessed with fitness and weight loss. Ever since I was in sixth grade I have had issues with my weight and self-image. The article “Fat Is a Feminist Issue”, by Susie OrBach focuses on how our society puts this unrealistic image of what women should look like into everyone’s heads. The media and magazines urge women to conform, at any cost, into a constantly changing expectation of what is beautiful. Women are taught to look at themselves from an outside view, to be a sex image for men and fuel the diet and fashion industries. Society thinks if women do not fit within the unrealistic image something is wrong with them. The highly glorified concept of beauty marketed by the media contributes to the concern over body image that causes many women, including myself, to eating disorders and poor self-image.
Female Body Image and the Mass Media
In conclusion it is possible to see how the media promotes a physical and psychological disease among women through the usage of unrealistic body images as it urges them to change their bodies, buy “enhancing” products, and redefine their opinions. Such statements may appear to be ridiculous, but for young women who are seeking to perfect their body according to how the media portrays “good looks” it is the basis for corruption. Confidence, contentment and healthy living are the keys to a perfect and unique body image and no amount of money can advertise or sell as genuine a treatment as this.
Mapping the Issue: Eating Disorders
Ever since the development of the media such as television, the internet, various fashion magazines and commercial advertisements, society focused more and more on personal appearances. Not only were runway models becoming slimmer but the viewers that watched and read about them were becoming more concerned with their weight. In the past fifty years the number of adolescent girls developing eating disorders increased just as television, advertisements, and magazines were becoming a social norm that was easily and often available. Today, more than ever, adolescents are worrying about weight, shape, size and body image and. It does not help that these children are growing up in a world filled with media material emphasizing dangerously skinny bodies as beautiful and perfect. Anne Morris and Debra Katzman, authors of “The Impact of the Media on Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents” argue that the media is corrupting individuals to develop eating disorders and body dissatisfaction. “Exploring the Role Society and the Media Play in the Development of an Eating Disorder and the Media Influence on Eating Disorders” claims that there are other factors leading to eating disorders other than media, such as genetics, or public and cultural pressure. "Body Image Within the Vandy Bubble" defends the argument by saying that although media is causing harm in society by portraying extremely thin women and that beauty and thinness go hand in hand, but there are media corporations that are positively informing individuals about healthy body image.
The Fat Lie of Being Skinny
Fat phobia is one of the major causes of anorexia, and 81% of ten year old girls fear becoming fat. A body image complex is very serious mental issue that becoming more and more eminent in society today. The media should not be able to show only one “perfect” view of the female body. Media’s influence effects eating disorders and the ideal body-image negatively, and causes models to harm themselves in the process.
Media And Eating Disorders
Ninety percent of the eating disorder cases occur in women ages twelve to twenty-five and many researchers believe the media is to blame. Though there is no single cause of an eating disorder, multiple studies cause an eating disorders to the media. With being vulnerable to the “thin ideal” in mass media, there is an increased risk of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. (“Media, Body Image, and Eating Disorders”)
Unrealistic Body Images
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In our society today, people would rather see what celebrities are up to than what is going on with our health plan. Watching the news makes us aware of the latest trend, new gadget, who’s in rehab, or who has an eating disorder. In the eyes of society, women like Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, and Megan Fox are the epitome of perfection. What girl wouldn’t want to look like them? Unfortunately, this includes most of the girls in the US. Through TV shows, commercials, magazines or any form of advertising, the media enforces a certain body type which women emulate. The media has created a puissant social system where everyone must obtain a thin waist and large breasts. As a society, we are so image obsessed with the approval of being thin and disapproval of being overweight, that it is affecting the health of most women. Women much rather try to fit the social acceptance of being thin by focusing on unrealistic body images which causes them to have lower self esteem and are more likely to fall prey to eating disorders, The media has a dangerous influence on the women’s health in the United States.
Media Portrayal Of Body Image
Over the past five years the way media has depicted the perfect woman to have a specific size has caused many women to have problems with body image in their everyday life. The specific size that the media portrays is a super thin woman, who has very little fat, and is tall and slender. One health issue low self-esteem can be caused by how the media portraying the super thin woman making females feel bad about what their body type is and how they look when they compare themselves to the media’s portrayal of the super thin woman. Another health issue that females can develop is disorders. Disorders are serious problems and cannot be overseen. Overseen disorders can cause many health problems and even death. Weight issues is also another health related problem caused by the media’s portrayal of the super thin woman.Weight issues can be caused by excessive dieting and eating disorders. An abundance of females have problems with their weight every day. Whether it is the female feeling like she is too fat or even in some cases the female feeling like she is too skinny. In the United states, the media’s portrayal of body image has been a key factor in many females’ lives and distorts the perception of how the females’ picture themselves and how they treat their bodies based on the media’s portrayal of the “perfect woman.”
Reasons Why Women Develop a Negative Body Image
In modern society there is more and more digital editing without the knowledge of consumers. Currently there are various reasons for why women develop negative body image, low-self-esteem and eating disorders. According to Naomi Wolf in her novel “Beauty Myth”, one of the many reasons women obtain concerns with their bodies is due to the universal images of young female bodies presented through advertisements in fashion magazines. Advertisements in magazines are altering and shaping the desires of men and women. Magazines sell viewers images of beautiful, skinny, flawless confident young women. When people are constantly antagonized with the magazine industry’s ideal of “perfect beauty” the viewer’s then, subconsciously believe these images to be true and begin to form biases about what they themselves should look like and what other people must also look like. People who view magazines get mislead by advertisers because they are unaware that all the images displayed are digitally altered through Photoshop and airbrushing. Today’s magazines are formed completely on false ideals of flawless beauty and unattainable body images, to prevent women and men from falling victim to the magazine’s deceitful images we as a society need to become aware and educate ourselves.
Examples Of Social Media And Body Image
“We live in a media-saturated world and do not control the message.” NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/media-body-image-and-eating-disorders. Accessed 11 November 2017.
A Toxic Work World By Anne-Marie Slaughter
Starting this paper was quite challenging because I was uncertain about what to critique on. For my first take on paper two, I read a speech by Michelle Obama. In the beginning, I had a difficult time figuring out what to include in my paper since my paper was going to be mostly favorable. I had to read the speech many times to formulate critiques on certain examples and languages that the author used to support my claim. Therefore, whenever I reread the speech, I kept finding something new and became confused on whether to include it or not, because I was not completely sure if it would contradict with my claim. After annotating and making an outline for my paper, I began writing my draft. A few days later, I put together my paper and turned it in. Then I received feedback from Professor Boatner on how it seemed like I did not enjoy the speech, so I had to give another chance on a critique of a different article.
Influence of the Media on Eating Disorders
The media can impact people’s lives in many ways, whether it’s fashion, movies, literature, or hobbies. One of the impacts is how women view their bodies. Movie stars and models feel pressured to catch attention and to look good in order to have a good career in their respective field. People tend to judge how someone looks based on their body composition. The result of this “judgment” is that Hollywood is getting skinny. Since models and actresses serve as role models for people, people tend to want to look like them. The result of this seemingly harmless model of behavior is in an increase in eating disorders.
Eating Disorder Essay
...gly relevant today because of the prevalent role of the media in modern society. Shifting exposure of young and impressionable people from unrealistic images of beauty to more positive ones that better reflect what’s healthy and obtainable can ultimately help people form more positive self-images, both physically and mentally. Preventing these insecurities can stop the development of psychological disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and in turn, depress the emergence of eating disorders later in life. Further research could be done on the impact of eating disorders across different countries, since ideal body images differ among different ethnic groups. It would be useful to see what the implications of eating disorders are on physiological health. This way we could work towards a more healthy living by promoting awareness of the implication of this disorder.
Media's Effect on Teen Body Image
So what about media changes the view of women on themselves and their bodies? Research has shown that as adolescents we tend to watch television and read magazines that have images that portray what we see as the ideal “woman”. Media depicts women as ultra thin actresses and models, with this came an increase in women's concerns with their bodies. As teens grow up watching these images and depictions of women, they idolize them as something that they want to turn into. “The sexualization of girls and women in the media is a growing concern” said Emma Stydahar “It creates a limiting idea of beauty in our society.”(Nackman) We idolize these women that have been continually photo shopped and done up as if they were dolls. Teen girls are being continually subjected to magazine articles telling them that they should not be happy with themselves and to change their appearance. The media has changed the way women are now seen by both women and men alike.
Negative Effects Of Flawless Women On Billboards
...s, and eating patterns are affected negatively by what is seen and heard in the media. Social endorsements found in the media portraying an ideal body has led to body image disturbance in some women, as well as implicated the development of eating disorders. The media’s representation of thin ideal women has been connected to the predominance of body image dissatisfaction and dieting disorders. This is another reason why the connection between the media and body image is important. This connection is serious because poor body image sometimes leads to eating disorders, such as anorexia and binge eating, which can lead to death. . The only reason that the media has been able to dictate what people should look like, what is sexy and desired is because people continue to blindly consume without taking a good look at what is being sold and what messages are being sent.

More about Perfect Body Image Essay
Pursuit of Ideal Body Image Essay
Introduction, how far humans will go in pursuit of an ideal body image, is this a modern problem, how these ideals spread and negative consequences of body image ideal, positive consequences, works cited.
In Pursuit of Ideal Body Image, both women and men take drastic measures to achieve the desired body image. In a society obsessed with weight loss or gain and physical beauty, people use various mechanisms such as the use of steroids, diets and surgery, among other mechanisms, to attain attractiveness.
In addressing the body image issue, Hesse-Biber, Petrocelli et al, have done intensive research by obtaining personal testimonies on the motivating factors as why people use diets or steroids to obtain a perfect body image they so yearn for. The trio, through their research, has discussed this issue by embracing the social, economic and cultural factors, as to why most men and women resort to various methods to attain an ideal body image.
In the book, The Spread of the Cult of Thinness by Sharlene Hesse-Biber, the author uses the metaphor of a cult to illustrate how women worship their physical images. The demand on women to perform body ritual and sacrifices to achieve ultra-slender ideals is presented.
Anabolic steroids were first identified in the 1930s. The American College of Sports Medicine acknowledges that they work for certain individuals. Although they are used therapeutically in medicine to stimulate bone growth and appetite, excessive use poses a health risk. In the book Getting Huge, Getting Ripped: A qualitative Exploration of Recreational Steroid Use, Petrocelli et al studies the steroid use by body builders (Petrocelli et al).
He illustrates their personal insights on the reasons they use these substances, despite their knowledge on the adverse effects steroids. On the other hand, athletes are under pressure to perform, and create a brand that easily grants endorsements, salary increment and potential to gain an advantage over competitors. Hence, they have embraced steroid as a short-cut of achieving their goals.
People go to extremes in pursuit of physical attractiveness. A person is self-perceptive of their own physical appearance hence, influencing health choices they make. Usually, in relation to some cultural ideals, some tend to inculcate the notion that beauty is ‘thinness’.
According to, Hesse-Biber, the question ‘Am I thin enough yet?’ offers some provocative insights (3). Hesse-Biber highlights how these cultural inclinations continue to erode self confidence of women as they aim to attain the American standard of physical perfection (8). For example, in the illustration, we meet Delia and Lauren, two women so preoccupied with their physical image that they are willing to go extraordinary lengths to the point of starving themselves (Hesse-Biber, 22).
Delia and Lauren context represents a larger percentage of women with similar obsession in our modern age. These obsessions have led to major consequences as the use of steroids leads to suffering from anorexia and bulimia. Moreover, the obsession with the physical body has not only been a practice of older women.
Incidences of girls at a very tender age have overtime joined the trend. Lauren, who is less than ten years, illustrates this clearly. She experiences pressure from her peers in her dancing class to appear in a certain way. Hence, a steroid offers her the solution. Conversely, Janet, compelled to lose weight, undergoes a surgery that tragically leaves her with a chronic illness (Hesse-Biber, 101).
Women across all age groups have been compelled to go against their; psychological, economical and social pressures, to develop eating disorders that are self destructive, as illustrated by Lauren and Janet (Hesse-Biber, 101).
There is a collective judgment in our present culture of the ideal body image. Beauty cannot be quantified or objectively measured, and by definition, it is an ideal for those who strive for it. If they can afford to attain the splendor standards of a specific culture, those values must be sustained. Unfortunately, these standards have been made impossible to attain, leading to the disappointment and the obsession with an ideal body image.
Beauty is a prerequisite for both femininity and masculinity. As a result, more men and women alike, today take steroids. According to Petrocelli et al, anabolic steroids used by body builders, provide comprehensive insights into its nature, pattern of use and health issues. Initially, the motivation for physical attractiveness was purely for beauty purposes but, currently social mobility, media, peer influence and athletes’ branding are critical factors contributing to their increased use.
People’s insecurities about their image have always been there. In recent years, these obsessions have been on the increase. The value of beauty standards changes over time. Presently, research, media coverage and the internet have contributed to the awareness levels by the public on body builders’ use of steroids.
Similarly, the media, economic, social and peer pressures have had an influence on dieting and poor health choices. In an effort to attain a set standard on body image this has resulted to extreme dieting and drug use. Although the impact of extreme dieting and use of steroids appears to be a modern problem, it is argued to be an issue that dates back to centuries ago. As special types of imagery of beauty vary, an individual’s body is likely to vary too.
The pursuit of physical perfection began centuries ago, but in recent times, the standards and motivation have greatly changed. During the 16th century, most European women embraced the corsets made of toughened work of art to flatten their breast and abdomen. Waist was not spared, though they had a piece of mental or wood placed on their chest in an attempt to achieve a perfect waist image. In mid-19th century, fixed corsets were again introduced in North America and other parts of Europe. Despite their physicians’ advice on their potential effect to cause pulmonary disease and internal organ damage, many women continued to disregard this professional advice.
Anabolic steroid use has been a trend of athletes since the 1950’s. However, it was not until 1980’s that the national American athletes started to sanction its illegal supplementation (Hesse-Biber, 201). The athletes’ viewed their use as a strategy to boost their performance, abilities, salary and attract major endorsements.
Throughout the years, our society has become fat-phobic. This is evident, taking a glance through media; both electronic and print media. Programs that include reality shows and advertising campaigns advance the notion on the American standard of physical perfection. This is achieved by engaging viewers in advancing cultural prejudices on body image.
Technology has not been spared either; it has been instrumental in the pursuit of ideal attractiveness. In doing so, these instruments have encouraged the use of steroids and extreme dieting that does not require justification, without necessarily accounting for the repercussions (Petrocelli et al).
According to Hesse-Biber, poor body image has a significant impact on eating disorders. These disorders include bulimia, anorexia nervosa or binge eating in both men and women (153). A negative body image encourages numerous self-destructive behaviors comprising exercise dependence, eating disorders or steroid abuse.
Along with the media in general, websites contribute to the increased eating disorders. They do not directly prescribe measures to tackle these disorders but advance the concept on the perception of the ideal body image, the body must be extremely thin. These perceptions are skewed due to cognitive distortion, for example, some anorexic people refer to these concepts as ‘thin inspiring’.
Previously, eating disorders, diet pills and image obsession was associated mostly with women, but as noted by Petrocelli et al, there has been a recent controversy surrounding men and steroids, including major athletes. The pressure to resemble the perfect models on magazines and develop well-sculpted male models is equally another issue.
The purpose is to use them to promote sports, jewelry, perfumes or clothes, without necessarily taking into consideration the consequences and long term effects (Petrocelli et al). Our society has become fixated on the sex appeal of individuals instead of identifying people according to what one offers mentally and intellectually to society. Although people using steroids have voiced concerns of being caught under their effect, they remain apprehensive about stopping its use.
In addressing issues of societal view on the image, there are positive aspects to this effect. Hesse-Biber provides new frameworks to help tackle health issues faced by not only women in general but also, the new recruits to the “Cult of Thinness” (152). In doing so it empowers women to alter their perspective on what beauty is and overcoming body insecurity.
Health choices and perspectives develop over the course of an individual’s life. Therefore, for change to occur, it takes time and effort. Personal reflection on experiences that influence attitudes on body image from childhood peer pressure or the media may equally prove beneficial.
Awareness campaigns and media coverage should be entrenched on healthier choices. Besides, media coverage that promotes the ideal man as always being strong, lean and muscular and women as thin should not be taken as always true. The best idea is to promote healthy eating habits and encourage a positive impact on people to concentrate more on health than weight (Hesse-Biber, 117).
In recent years, viable physical education programs introduced in schools have had a positive response not only from students but also parents. For example, teasing those seen to be too thin or too fat has been on the decline. It creates a real and safe way for young people to improve their health and fitness.
Physical attraction has always been an issue dating back centuries ago. In recent years, this obsession has drastically increased, with the use of steroids. History as well as the interaction of individual and society, has an influence on the effect and extent that people go to attain standard image perfection.
In their research, Petrocelli et al provide personal insights of steroid users, their perspective and its effects (Petrocelli et al). This provides clear information on the hazy anabolic steroids and its involuntary use of both athletic performance enrichment and physical beauty.
Conversely, Hesse-Biber shows the growing concern about weight. She illustrates that it is important to provide people with healthy eating and physical activity habits simply because extreme dieting and eating disorder habits can be counterproductive to long term weight management (102). The definition of desirable body image has spanned for a long time across all genders. Although steroids can be used for therapeutic purposes, excessive use is harmful.
Petrocelli, Matthew, Oberweis Trish and Petrocelli, Joseph. “Getting Huge, Getting Ripped: A Qualitative Exploration Of Recreational Steroid Use.” Journal of Drug Issues Fall (2008). pp.1187-1205.
Hesse-Biber, Nagy Sharlene. The Spread of the Cult of Thinness. Oxford, Oxford University Press , 2006
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Home Essay Examples Psychology Body Image
Body Image As A Problem Of Young People
- Category Psychology
- Topic Body Image

Body image is a huge issue facing young people today. It can be described as the way that someone observes their body and the thoughts and feelings that comes from that perception. These thoughts and feelings can be negative, positive or both and are affected by social pressure, family, friends and the media. As a young female surrounded by social media, and several external pressures, this issue definitely resonates with me. To better understand body image as a youth issue, I have gathered information from several secondary sources.
According to The Australian Medical Association, body image is described as ”how an individual conceptualises his or her physical appearance. The body image a person has results from the interaction between the person’s thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours regarding their own body”. (Australian Medical Association, 2009). A poor body image can have serious impacts on a young persons’ health. Generally, someone with an unhealthy body image can feel the need to diet, has low self-esteem, low self-confidence and never feels like their body is good enough. It can also result in the development of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and obesity. Poor body image adds to anxiety, depression, issues in relationships, and the growth of substance abuse problems and as a result of this, several health problems. Someone with body image issues may have low self-esteem, therefore, they could have problems within their relationships and their workplace. A negative body image can impact a young person’s social health as they may avoid going out with their friends and family because they feel they aren’t good enough, which in turn leads them to feel isolated and alone.
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As stated by Mission Australia National Youth Survey “at least 1 in 4 young people have serious body image concerns”. This issue affects personal and community health by giving us false perceptions of how our bodies should appear, blurring how we feel about our physical appearance, changing the way we think and talk to ourselves about our bodies and how others perceive us. The responsibility for promoting a positive body image starts at home. Parents can be positive role models by accepting their bodies and having a healthy attitude towards food and exercise.
Society plays a large role in negatively impacting our body image in the media. Images of good-looking women are everywhere- magazines, movies, shows and television. The media has been known to make us feel inadequate with our current shape, therefore making us feel that we need to change to fit this unrealistic perception. We are constantly surrounded with images of superficial, thin women, who at times have been modified and airbrushed to create an illusion of perfection. This is having a detrimental effect on our youth and is creating complex mental health issues, which is highlighted in the dove ad.
Our school system has a strong responsibility for addressing health-related priorities in relation to this issue. The theme topic is current and an accepted topic of discussion. To make this a priority, schools educate us about self-esteem, self-confidence and validating that we are always enough. Although schools are unable to control what’s happening on social media, they do not tolerate bullying of any nature, which would impact the situation negatively.
The New South Wales Department of Health coordinates a health campaign known as “Live, life well”. This initiative assists children and parents to increase levels of physical activity, improved dietary intake and assist young people with the necessary body aims to coordinate healthy body imaging.
Obesity is the main reason for a poor body image. Not only is it able to impact the individual on a social level, but on a physical level can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes and has links with sleep apnoea, arthritis and liver disease. In 2014 to 2015, the majority of Australian adults (63%) were overweight or obese, as indicated by the Australian’s Health Association. In 2017-2018, the Australian Bureau National Health Survey showed that this figure had dropped overall by 3% to 60%.
This suggests the initiatives are productive. Government initiatives assist schools by other health initiatives to focus on lifestyle changes, such as smoking, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol use and stress management. The “Quit now” website provides information and resources and alcohol intake as well as links to current and previous campaigns which in turn relates directly to body image.
There are companies on social media that are trying to change the definition of beauty and The Dove Campaign Real Beauty is a great example of a body-positive campaign that focuses on self-esteem and inner beauty. In year 6, our class watched an advertisement developed by their company in 2013. Dove collaborated with a company called Real Beauty Sketches, to create a 6-minute video that explored the gap between how others perceive us and how we observe ourselves. Many women were asked to describe themselves to a forensic artist, Zamora. Zamora instructed the women to tell him about her features, the whole time a curtain separates the artist from his subject, the women negatively described themselves, with comments like big jaw; that when she smiles, her chin dips a little bit and that she has a fat, rounder face. He repeated this same process with three women. Privately, the women were asked to describe the other women they met, their features etc. The forensic artist then brought the women back into the room and showed two different sketches- one of her self-described image and one of how someone else had described her and what they found was they were completely different. The image described by others was more beautiful, open, friendly and happy.
The purpose of the experiment was to demonstrate that often our self-perceptions are very harsh and unflattering and that often it is not how the world sees us. We are so focused on our imperfections and things that aren’t quite right when we should be grateful for our natural beauty and put our attention into what we do like. I was upset while watching this short film because it disappoints me how little self-esteem women in this society really have. We all need more self-love and acceptance of ourselves. At the end of the day though, only you can really define your beauty, people can have their opinions, but it is you who decides what is right and wrong about the way you look. Unfortunately, the issue is significant and 90% of young people are unhappy with their bodies.
In summary, the responsibility of promoting a healthy body image starts at home – parents can easily be a positive role model by accepting their bodies and by having positive attitudes towards exercise and food. The community are responsible for negatively impacting our body images as we are constantly surrounded by superficial, thin women, creating unrealistic expectations of what we should look like. The school system also plays a large role in positively affecting body image as we are educated about self-esteem, self-confidence and the validation that we are always enough. I believe that we all need to accept our bodies as they are and no matter what shape, size or package we come in, we all deserve love and to feel like we are enough.
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Media And Body Image Essay

Show More Magazines, television, ads, wherever you look you may find images of tall, light skinned, skinny models that the media believes to represent the perfect body. What exactly is the ideal body? “Nice tits, sizeable butts, thin, cute.” This is what many women and teenagers try to achieve. They crave to be able to have that ideal body that the media says to be because many think that is the definition of beauty. These images of the perfect body affect teenagers and women in many aspects. The media should not only allow thin models to represent their ads, but also women of many different sizes. Low self-esteem has become a common problem that women and teenagers face every year, or daily. While some learn to love and accept the way they are, others …show more content… It is saying that women or teenagers who do not look like these models do not have the perfect body. It is showing the meaning that you must have the perfect body to be able to be beautiful. Women and teenagers that do not look like these models feel as if they are not beautiful and that they do not fit in. Jean stated “women feel shame and guilty when they fail”, referring to when they try to get ideal bodies like models. This ad makes you want to have that image to be able to feel satisfied with yourself. Many women and teenagers harm themselves just to fit in with the media’s definition of beauty. As Jean Kilbourne stated “being hot becomes the new way to success”, which pushes women and teenagers to try harder to get that ideal image. According to Jean’s statement “men are scared to speak up for women”, men prefer to judge like the rest of society instead of speaking up for women. Society and ads are obtaining the goals, which Jean stated, “cutting girls down on sizes.” Images like the ones on these ads, “stay with us and we process them” Jean said in one of her conferences. Even Jean states these ads are “more prone to eating disorder, and
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An inspirational essay on body image from someone who has been through recovery
You were not born wishing you could change that one feature of yourself, you were not born pulling, tugging, scratching at your skin, longing to climb out of your body. Nor were you born destructively comparing yourself to other or concealing, hiding or correcting your imperfections. You were not born religiously putting yourself down every time you glance in the mirror. But if we were not born like that, how is that is what we have become?
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder but if so, why has the society we have grown up in ingrained into us what beauty is? Why has society become our most influential beholder?
A beholder that displays a variation of body types so poorly. A beholder who shames and discriminates. A beholder who made me grow up thinking I wasn’t beautiful as I didn’t look like our beholders girl, thinking because I wasn’t a size six I wasn’t beautiful, thinking I was ugly because my skin was less than clear, thinking that the only way I would be beautiful was if I looked the way our number one beholder dictated.
And I grew up not being the only one. A New Zealand study showed that one in ten men are unhappy with their bodies, three-quarters of young women (75.5%) and nearly a half of young men (42.3%) are worried about gaining weight. Over a third of young women (33.7%), and a quarter of young men (24.3%) reported having been teased by other young people about their weight.
I don’t blame us for feeling insecure, ugly and worthless considering what our number one beholder has brainwashed us into thinking. Beauty is; thigh gaps and protruding hips OR curves in all the right places. Long legs, flat stomachs, photoshopped flawless skin. Beauty is detox teas, waist trainers, skipped meals, c ya later cellulite cream and drop 20kg’s in a week pills. Beauty is steroids and supplements, v-lines and abs, clear skin, jaw-lines, pulled muscles from too heavy weights.
Our beholder’s definition of beauty is unattainable, unhealthy, unrealistic and unmanageable. And that stereotype is destroying us one teenager at a time.
And the time is ticking. So here are five reasons to not be the next teenage victim of our of beholders brainwashing.
According to our number one beholder fat is the biggest f word. Since when was fat the worst thing you could be? You could be selfish and narcissistic and treat people terribly but at least you’re not fat. If someone calls themselves fat everyone is quick to jump in and reassure them that they’re are not. Why is it then that when someone says they are skinny no one objects? Skinny, fat, tall, short, are all just adjectives to describe a person’s body. A person’s body of uniqueness, health and love. A body that can fight off sickness, that can sprint you over the finish line, or walk you down the Isle. Your body grows and adapts to your height in a way that keeps you healthy. Everyone has a different height and build and nobody will ever look identical to you, which is pretty special. Our beholder’s portrayal of fat and weight has had a huge negative impact on us. Despite times may be changing, there is still negative judgement, labels, and separation. The modelling industries attempt at inclusiveness acts almost as an oxymoron as they say they are including broader sizes yet label them separately, thus brainwashing us into believing that they are different and should always be separated. That if you’re larger than a Victoria’s Secret or Calvin Klein model your beauty is different and they will never forget to remind you that.
Number two. Having any normal body attributes are out of the equation. Pimples? Cellulite? Lower belly? Get rid of it. It’s troubling to believe that we are brainwashed into thinking completely normal body attributes are imperfections. Why is our number one beholder making us feel insecure about a part of us that is natural? Pimples. Every teenager will get them. It’s puberty, a part of growing up and the only reasons it’s not shown is because it’s either covered in makeup, treated with expensive products or photoshopped out. Cellulite. 90% of women have it. Even people with a very low-fat percentage, so it astounds me why it has been photoshopped away, hidden, judged or removed.
Number three. Our beholder profits from our self-doubt, Literally. Your insecurities are their passport to profit. Our beholder makes us insecure about our bodies and then sells us products to “fix” these insecurities. Waist trainers, detox teas, weight loss pills, cellulite cream, hair growth cream, hair reduction cream, and steroids, the list goes on. For starters, these products are very expensive and harmful considering what they are fixing never needed to be fixed in the first place.
Number four. Beauty is skin deep. A superficial view of beauty is so obsessed about that if you are beautiful on the outside “what’s on the inside” no longer matters. Or in reverse, if you are not beautiful according to our number one beholder despite having an amazing personality it still does not make up for your lack of “beauty”. Our role models are no longer people we want to be but people we want to look like. If I asked you who you thought the most beautiful or handsome person in the world was who would you say? Kendall Jenner, Emma Watson, Justin Bieber, Zac Efron? All of whom are handsome and beautiful but when I asked my mum of a different generation the same question, she spoke of people who had done good in the world. I asked my grandma, she said this; “My idea of beautiful people is not necessarily beautiful looking but beautiful within. Kind thoughtful, cheerful & generous” I think that shows how much damage this beholder shoving beauty expectations down our throat is doing and how appearance obsessed our generation has become. My grandma and mother were not raised among a social media frenzy so their definition of beauty is more than skin deep. It’s the compliments you give others, the big genuine smile that covers your face, the goals you set, the amazing things you do and your presence.
So please, cancel your waist trainer order, give your skin a break from all the makeup, skip the gym to spend time with your family, wear those shorts or that crop top and please do not become the next teenager to be destroyed.
Because number 5 Your beauty is not defined by our number one beholder.
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Argumentative Essay On Body Image
Men and women nowadays are starting to lose self-confidence in themselves and their body shape, which is negatively impacting the definition of how beauty and body shape are portrayed. “...97% of all women who had participated in a recent poll by Glamour magazine were self-deprecating about their body image at least once during their lives”(Lin 102). Studies have shown that women who occupy most of their time worrying about body image tend to have an eating disorder and distress which impairs the quality of life. Body image issues have recently started to become a problem in today’s society because of social media, magazines, and television. Social media plays a big role in how society portrays body image. “Alternatively, an increased number of Facebook friends may provide girls with greater opportunity to rapidly make multiple social comparisons, itself shown to be associated with body image concern”(Tiggemann and Slater 82). According to the survey that was taken by Marika Tiggemann and Amy Slater, the more Facebook friends the girls had, the more likely it was that they had body image concerns. They were able to compare themselves to the other girls that they were friends with, which led to them to have an increase in their drive for thinness. “Further, these comparisons are likely to be with somewhat idealised images, in that girls mostly post photographs in which they look good or are doing something ‘cool’ (and can be digitally altered)”(Tiggemann and Slater 82).
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Susan Bordo Never Just Pictures Summary
Nowadays, society is obsessed with the way our body looks because it is now used as a way to portray what is on the inside. The ideal body image is socially designed as the ultimate goal that one can attain in order to fit-in and be acknowledged in today’s society. The image that society has on the “perfect body” that has been gathered through media, ads and culture, is something that most people have started to “idolize” and are setting
Body Image Of Women Essay
Have you ever looked at an image on Social Media, seen a movie, commercial, or show and looked at yourself and felt ashamed or unsatisfied. Many women around the world have struggled with their weight and how others see them. Media images of ridiculously thin women are everywhere – television shows, movies, popular magazines. The Media often glamorizes a very thin body for women. These are also the pictures that are being shown to teenagers at a time of their lives that they are particularly susceptible to peer pressure and looking good(Tabitha Farrar).
Media Body Image
The Media and Body Image One’s body is unique and everyone has their opinion about the ideal, healthy perfect body. In today’s society there has been a rise on obsessing over the thin ideal body which many people think that media plays a role to it. “The Role in the Media in Body Image Concerns Among Women” by Shelly Grabe, Janet Shibley Hyde, and L. Monique Ward was published in 2008 explains how the increase of thin-ideal body has greatly affected women's view on their body. While Amanda Vogel’s article Body Image: The Impact of Social Media published in 2015 explains the positive side of the issue.
Social Norm Research Paper
The presented image tends to display the updated fashion that society should buy and dress like. It is misconceived that oneself will be more acceptable and likeable if they are fashionable and appealing. Many girls wear excessive amounts of makeup via this same belief, the belief that they will be rejected or disregarded if they fail to fulfill this precedent. With this precedent, social media has sculpted the “ideal body” that people should strive for. On top of being fashionable and attractive, the ideal body is commonly fit and in shape.
Sociological Imagination In Social Media
Body image has become such a big issue among society especially females mostly. According to Mariana Gozalo, states “Using Will’s sociological imagination, I thought about how there are girls who wish to look skinny because it is what is being idolized on TV and magazines and online ads. “Social media make us believe that there is a “ideal body” shape. In my opinion, there is no such a thing as the ideal body shape, because everyone is beautiful in their own individual way.
Media And Negative Body Image
91% of women are unhappy with their bodies. 5% of women naturally possess the bodies that are regularly displayed in the media. 80% of ten year old girls in america fear getting fat. 7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough. As a result of my research I found that the body standard the media sets for adolescents leads to disorders, Suicide and self loathing.
Body Image Is Bad Essay
Skinny, beautiful hair, glowing skin and pretty clothes this style of a person is what the majority of us strive to be. But it sets such a high standard for people and leaves them unsatisfied with themselves. Then they are influenced by the way people treat them because of their size and the unrealistic expectation about how you should look like based on society's opinion. What is a body image? Your body image is how people picture themselves and how they think others picture themselves.
Body Stereotypes: Do Gender Differences
Because it is so difficult for the most part to obtain these popular goals, their self-perceptions and attitudes often become negatively induced. Also, according to sociocultural theory, the more an individual is exposed to media embracing the perfectionistic depiction of the human body, the less favorable and insecure an individual will feel about their body image and evaluations of their quality of life (Brennan, Lalonde and Bain, 130). Although both genders receive heat for nothing being up to the bodily standards of faultlessness, females are more heavily impacted than are males. In Jamie Santa Cruz’s editorial “Body-Image Pressure Increasingly Affects Boys” found on theatlantic.com published last March 10, 2014, an associate professor of pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Alison Field, and lead author of the study of body-image’s increasing effect on boys speaks about her very own opinions on this matter. Dr. Field makes valid points on the differences between the expectations of a female and male idealistic figure; females predictably want to be slimmer, and males are worried over gaining more weight to become muscular instead of losing it.
Internalized Body Image
A study that examined body satisfaction in Jordan girls between 10-16 years old showed that a big percentage of such young girls are not happy with their body. These girls are influenced by many factors including mass media pictures and magazines (Tamara Y. Mousa, Rima H. Mashal, Hayder A. Al-Domi, Musa A. Jibril 2010). Ferron (1997) compared sixty US and sixty French adolescent boys and girls to investigate how satisfied they were with their body image. The researcher found that 80% of the Americans believed that they could reach their ideal body with diets and exercise. Whereas, less than half of the French participants believed this to be true.
The Influence Of Body Image On Teenagers
Body image is how one perceives his or her body appearance, including their height, weight and shape. Issues in terms of body image is a common problem in this society, where unrealistic body ideals are being highly promoted on media platforms such as television and the internet. In the real world, companies seldom use plus-sized models in their roadshows, campaigns or even in their posters. Therefore, this creates insecurity and has a dismissive impact on teenagers who are easily influenced by media. There are both positive and negative body images, that are affected by individual and environmental factors.
Body Image In The Media
This shows that such portrayal can change the perception of its audience to be slightly prejudice against “fat” people. Participant B referred to the “best” body as the body that is most lean and healthy. Participant C explained that her definition of a “hot body” is to be slim and toned with a large pair breasts and a curvy rear. These perceptions have been shaped by the portrayal of body image in the media, telling them how what attractive people should look like. Subconsciously, this has been imprinted at the back of their
Negative Body Image
Social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram provide a permanent platform for comparing one’s physical appearance with his or her peers. This often fosters body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. Teenagers desire to look a certain way based on how their friends look. They starve themselves to become thinner in order to meet the benchmarks set by the members of their social circles. Media via magazines and television often regulates these standards.
Media Influence On Society's Perception Of Body Image
Body image is one of the most important things about one’s self. American men and women have obtained this certain body image that they think they need to achieve. For women it may be skinny with the right amount of curves, blonde, and beautiful. For men it may be wealthy, tanned skin, and muscular. Men and women, young and old, all have their own image of body.
Body Image Thesis
1. Introduction 1.1 Background. According to my understanding body image can be described as the manner in which an individual sees their body structure and their aesthetic features. A lot of women suffer from body image difficulties that are related to their self-image and self-esteem because of the pressures they are subjected to by the society, their peers, the media, how they engage with each other in the community and by the expectations of what a perfect body is and what it means to be beautiful.
Body Image In Mass Media
With the rise of mass media throughout the 20th century, the popular image of women in America has undergone a substantial change. From Marilyn Monroe to Kate Moss, the body shapes of the most admired models have remained consistently slimmer than that of the average American woman, representing a nearly impossible ideal. This has resulted in a severe rise in weight anxieties and negative body image among women and girls. Dissatisfaction with weight is nearly universal among women, while dieting is ubiquitous. This trend has likewise been reflected around the world wherever this media culture has become dominant.
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