The High Cost of Cool - Assignment Example

The High Cost of Cool Task: The high cost of cool The linkage amid the lecture s, the weeks assigned reading and the synopsis on the PBS.org website are sex related concepts. Obviously, self-image influences an individual sexual behavior. Media outlets around an individual massively perpetuate the concept of self-image. The course lecture notes discuss contraception. From the notes, it is clear that there is an inadequacy in the treatment of the topic as a whole. It is evident that contraception is a mere means of fertility control through avoidance of pregnancy.

The two writers consequently denote the eight factors considered in the selection of a workable contraception method (Westheimer & Lopater, 2002). Concurrently, Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus (2002), outline these eight factors as convenience, cost, moral acceptability, sharing responsibility, safety, reversibility, protection from sexually transmitted illness and effectiveness. The notes offer a vivid explanation of these factors and the various risks and percentages of success associated with each commonly used contraception method (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2002).

The weekly-dispensed reading is on body image. Infocus portrays the body representation and the role it plays in sexuality. The article offers an exhaustive tale on the media’s obsession with creating impracticable body images to their audience. Suggestions on how to improve one’s image are given. The article notes numerous problems allied with undesirable body image. These include eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, use of steroid and superficial operation. Infocus notes weight, weight allotment within the body frame, one’s discernment of physical appearance, individual impression of excellent physical look, ethnic backdrop, and in people around us.

Notable in the article is the fact that that body appearance influences an individual’s confidence and sexual behavior. A majority of women suffer from the pressure of not having an outstanding body image (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2002).According to Infocus, the elusive perfect body linked with athletes and models is not as faultless as contemplated. The article terms the ideas advanced by the media that only a few individuals are of exceptionally physically gift as fallacious. It points at the fact that some of these images, presented in the media, undergo numerous manipulations before final presentation to the viewers.

The article observes that the coveted female and representations in the media outlets that are so coveted is idealistic. Frontline notes that most of the so-called "mooks" and “midriffs" are media creations aimed purposed for advertisements and marketing. According to Frontline, "mooks" and “midriffs" have considerable influence in the development of teens and children. The article indicates that midriffs are young girls and women whose behavior the media tailors to appear sexually provocative.

Infocus reports a viewer obsession with virtually everything presented by the given outlets. In Frontline’s synopsis, this is cool in view of the unsuspecting teens. The result is a bunch of young women who believe that they are sexual objects. Tens emulation of mooks, results in Rude and angry young men who are indifferent to any virtuous deeds. Frontline notes that the modern child feels so isolated and lost. This is attributable to media’s advocacy of such acts as cool (Frontline, ND)Infocus notes that the media’s influence on an individual’s self-esteem is massive.

The article gives the illustration of a fuller photo of actor Kate Winslet that appeared in a U.K magazine. In spite of having defended the facade of fuller- figured women, she angry reacted to this photo, claiming falsification by the magazine. Infocus denotes that this is the general feeling a bout the image individuals aims to present. Both the media and Individual opinion affects one’s self esteem. The media still defines how we relate sexually. Infocus notes that the definition of what is sexy and what is note is a function of the media outlets (Infocus, ND).

The midriff is still there, although with minimal modification. Infocus takes note of several fashion shows that constantly dictate one’s taste in fashion. Young models are frequent presence in advertisements and modeling shows. The images presented to us by the media are so perfect that one might think seriously about his own image, notes Infocus. However, the article indicates that producers of movies and commercials do a lot of editing work in order to present us with the perfect images. ReferencesFrontline. (ND.). Synopsis. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/etc/synopsis.

htmlInfocus. (ND). Body Image. Retrieved fromhttps://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7XVW5lSJqKHMGJhNDk5M2YtZjJiZi00MmRkLWFjMWUtYjVkNWZmOGEyZTA1&hl=en_USRathus, S.A., Nevid, J.S., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2002). Human sexuality: In a world of diversity. Boston, MA: Allyn & BaconWestheimer, R.K., & Lopater, S. (2002). Human sexuality: A psychosocial perspective. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.