Media Perpetuation of Unrealistic Female Beauty - Research Paper Example

College: Media Perpetuation of Unrealistic Female Beauty Introduction The modern society is made up of widespread pervasion of the media, as is evident from the far the well known social communication platforms and other ordinary forms of conveying information. As a result, people live in an environment where they are continuously being observed, particularly in the way they appear. Girls and women are perhaps the ones that have borne the greatest impact of this kind of over exposure, since they are prone to romanticized images of beauty. The media has played an important role in portraying unrealistic female images. Further, images of female beauty portrayed by most advertisement, communication, and interaction platforms, make women to adopt unhealthy living habits, as they strive to meet the over exaggerated standards of being beautiful. This trend has brought about research by various scholars into the effect of media on women’s view of beauty, pointing to reduced self-esteem, among other negative issues associated with unrealistic body images. This paper explores and critically analyzes existing scholarly evidence, showing the relationship that exists between media and the rise in women’s unhealthy habits like eating disorders, as they practice beauty. The subject bears a huge impact, given the pervasive nature of media and accompanying socio-cultural expectation of women to be symbols of physical perfection. Body Image Prior to analyzing the effect of media in shaping the beginning of female beauty and body image, it is important to first understand the meaning of this aspect. According to Luff and Gray (133), body image refers to “the inner representation of a person’s outer appearance.” This means that one’s body image is a reflection of both physical and abstract views about their appearance. These scholars also emphasize that body image is linked to the self-concept and self-esteem. For instance, a negative perception of one’s body image translates to highly reduced self-esteem and subsequent dissatisfaction with oneself. Body image is particularly of concern during adolescence and young adulthood, since it is in the course of this phase that individuals undergo numerous and rapid physical and mental changes that pave way for self-discovery. It is also during this important developmental stage that people, especially girls and young women become more vulnerable to external influence from peers and information sources like various forms of media. With coverage to media increasingly becoming prominent and provocative by day, body image is certainly a major topic of concern if negative effects of the same are to be reversed to allow women to live free of judgment. Media Portrayal of Body Image Judging from observation of various media platforms, it is clear that female beauty is largely defined by the degree of slenderness among women. Luff and Gray (134) refer to this trend as the widespread ‘thin ideal’, where a broad range of media from print media such as magazines and paper adverts, to television and social media, all bring about the idea that “women have to be slim in order to be seen as beautiful” (Luff and Gray134). In most movies and television shows “ugly” women are shown to be overweight or masculine in appearance. In contrast, thin females that grace the covers of fashion magazines, runways showcased in live TV, and in most social media platforms, are seen as the most beautiful. Such female models are further portrayed as being extremely feminine through use of make-up and image change techniques such as photo shop. This idea that thin and blemish-free women are more beautiful than those with relatively bigger bodies is further strengthened by advertisers of slimming and beatification products. Serdar (par.11) notes that, the aggressive use of various platforms to market the above mentioned products effectively conveys the message that being relatively stout, masculine, and with some blemishes is not appealing. The history of this idealization of the female body can be traced back to the early 20th century. For instance, between the 1900s-1910s an image illustrated by Charles Gibson referred to as The Gibson Girl, featured a slim lady with big hips, and was popularized as an ideal feminine image at that time. During the 1940s to 1950s, the image remained the same, with thin waists but relatively big hips. However, from the 1960s, after the sexual revolution, becoming slender with a boyish frame became popular and the ideal female image became even thinner in the 1970s until now (Anonymous par. 2-3). Grabe, Hyde and Ward (461), further point out that, female models in modern media platforms are considerably slimmer than those showcased in the past. Some women even go to the extent of going below the weight associated with anorexia. The latter is an eating disorder associated with severely lower than normal body weight. The recent upsurge in trending reality TV shows is another notable evolution in media, which has continued to show the thin and spot-free ideal of female beauty. An excellent example is the show America’s Next Top Model, which follows the lives of ordinary women and not models or actresses, as they contest for a position as top American models. Women in reality shows such as this one supposedly represent average women, thus showing the standards of beauty promoted by the media. In addition to being extremely slender, women in these shows continuously discuss concerns about not being adequately slim, hence talking about losing extra weight through dieting and exercising, as well as, using products or undergoing surgery to alter their appearance. The shows, therefore, continue to push unhealthy body image ideals, not only in the American society, but also throughout the world, as the supporters are globally recognized. Even though there are people who make an attempt to campaign against the message conveyed by such forms of media, they are too many to counter, and are highly favored because of trending popular culture. In further analysis of the influence of media in changing female beauty perceptions, the far reaching effects of the internet as well as the social media platforms it supports, cannot be overlooked. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram, among others have made it possible for people to share many photos online, without any limitations. As a result, women get the opportunity to compare themselves with their friends and renowned celebrities. In addition, there are many sites from which women can get dieting and exercising tips, which may not necessarily be authentic. Even though social networks do not necessarily bring about body image problems among women, they strengthen the present issues. This is because the internet based social networks have made it possible to regularly examine and criticize each other’s bodies, thus promoting continuous self-assessment, negative self-perception, and overall image dissatisfaction. Social media is perhaps the most influential of all forms of media in promoting the impractical version of female beauty not just due to its universal accessibility, but also as a result of its popularity that tends towards addiction. Implications of Media Portrayal of Body Image One of the key implications of the portrayal of an idealistic female body image in the media is that it promotes unhealthy habits. Of particular interest are the poor feeding tendencies adopted by women in pursuit of slenderness, which is considered as the ultimate beauty determinant. This explains findings by Serdar (par. 4) that, “eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa have increased significantly over the past two decades.” The researchers are keen to note that the major rise in cases of eating disorders is not only linked to females in their teenage and young adulthood, but diagnoses have been made in middle aged women between the ages of thirty and forty. The trend serves as further proof that cultural importance on being slim and physically fit as a representation of beauty, enabled by modern media, has contributed greatly to eating disorders. It would be advisable for parents to regulate what young girls see, because they are the most vulnerable to external influences. Women should also make an effort to avoid focusing excessively on other females’ appearance, thus developing self-discipline to avoid exposure to the unrealistic images. Other scholars, Stice, Spangler, and Agras (270), put emphasis on the psychological effects of the worrying issue. For individuals suffering from anorexia, they continually despise themselves for their body weight and as a result, they avoid food with the purpose of losing more weight. This leaves them thin, with a completely confused mindset where they persistently try to look even thinner. Further, the effect of negative body image leaves such women feeling unacceptable and unworthy. Women, who often compare themselves with exaggerated versions of others, end up suffering from notably reduced self-esteem and acute body unhappiness. Given the physical and psychological effects of buying into the media built concept of unrealistic beauty, it is vital for women to embrace their bodies and learn how to be comfortable with their appearance irrespective of “flaws”. Continued attempt to attain perfection as showed by various media channels only sets up girls and women for final failure, since everyone is unique. The process of accepting oneself can begin by recognizing that one does not have to be like others. This can be accompanied by getting professional help from therapists or counselors. Nutrition specialists can also enable affected individuals to understand the most suitable body weight for their body frame, and the proper diet program to maintain healthy weight. Media cannot be blamed entirely for rising cases of eating disorders and occurrence of women’s efforts to attain idealistic beauty. However, research clearly demonstrates that body image, self-concept, and self-esteem are certainly affected by diverse forms of media. This is evident from the fact that women compare themselves with models or other females portrayed in various platforms, and they end up experiencing feelings of shame, self-resentment, and overall frustration. Such unpleasant effects should not only concern respective women, who may be tempted to pursue ideal beauty while risking their physical and psychological health, but also other stakeholders like media houses and social media platforms. These institutions should take responsibility for the images that they avail to their audiences, by initially taking into account the possible impact they are likely to have on target populations. It is only through society-based efforts, that people can change the manner in which they perceive beauty, thus protecting girls and women from adverse health consequences both physically and psychologically. These could include measures such as campaigns advocating for unique and not universal beauty, media accountability, as well as, help programs for affected persons. Conclusion Media in modern day has important influence on the way people identify themselves and others, especially in terms of physical appearance. The major influence is primarily attributable to the global channels conveying the information, whereby a trend in one location rapidly spread throughout the world. This explains the persistent misunderstanding that female beauty is defined by slenderness and flawless skin or body features. Women are going to great extents to achieve this appearance, including adoption of extreme exercise and diet regimens, as well as, undergoing corrective yet unnecessary surgery. Further research into this issue is necessary, in order to formulate practical measures that would aid in self-confidence and respect return among women who feel like they do not meet beauty standards set by media. Men should also participate fully in advocating against unrealistic expectations of female beauty. This because the media also relies on male perception of beauty to create adverts that appeal to men. Works Cited Anonymous. Womens Body Image and BMI: A look at the evolution of the female figure over 100 years. 2014. Web. 15 November, 2014. Grabe, Shelly, Janet Hyde, and Monique Ward. The Role of the Media in Body Image Concerns among Women: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental and Correlational Studies. Psychological Bulletin 134.3 (2008): 460-476. Luff, Gina, and James Gray. Complex Messages Regarding A Thin Ideal Appearing In Teenage Girls Magazines From 1956 to 2005. Body Image 6.2 (2009): 133-136. Serdar, Kacey. Female Body Image and the Mass Media: Perspectives on How Women Internalize the Ideal Beauty Standard. 2005. Web. 15 November, 2014. Stice, Eric, Diane Spangler, and W. Stewart Agras. Exposure to Media-Portrayed Thin-Ideal Images Adversely Affects Vulnerable Girls: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 20.3 (2001): 270-288. Read More