Body Image, February 3, 2010

Another work for my community college, this time English 1B.  I am left to assume that these assignments were primarily intended to express opinions.

Body Image

With the fashion industry and the media focusing on women and men who have bodies beyond the realm of possibility for the average person, unrealistic expectations have been set for young, impressionable girls and boys.  While clothing no doubt looks better on a lithe figure, the use of these images in magazines, movies, and the media have caused body image distortion.  This is particularly apparent in young girls, who may become unhealthy as a result of trying to meet these excessive standards. 

As a young women in this society, I find this practice to be harmful, but not the only cause of self-distortion.  Women in magazines and Ads are often too skinny.  This leaves girls with the idea that it is unacceptable to be a natural healthy weight, but occasionally these images are offset by fit, powerful women who are not outrageously thin.  It is important for young people to understand that the women in these magazines are not average, and should not be emulated to the point of extremes.  Magazines and media are not the sole cause of unhealthy body issues, however the expectations they set are harmful to young women.  Instead of advertising absurdly unhealthy women, magazines should focus on women who have healthy, fit bodies who would be good role models for young people everywhere.