Pope Vines Work Of Art Essay Example

and this unhealthy representation of beauty is contributing to the recent rise in eating disorders.

The American research group Anorexia Nervous and Related Eating Disorders reports that one in four college aged women uses detrimental methods to control weight.

This includes skipping meals, self- induced vomiting and laxative abuse (James Lock). The demands to be thin are also influencing young girls. Statistics show that these extreme weight control measures are even being used by girls as young as five and six. (Daniel, El Grange). The obsessive need to be thin has also contributed to the rise in eating disorders such as bulimia.

Bulimia is the current binge eating and purging.

With this health disorder, comes chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation followed by peptic ulcers and pancreatic. The media may define beauty this way but not all cultures agree. Eastern culture's idea of beauty is not based on sexual attraction but rather what is appealing in society. Hence nudity is looked down upon. In India, women naturally have full bosoms and waists and they have persuaded men that this conformation is the highest degree of perfection.

However, the western view of true beauty could not be more opposite.

In the western world, beauty is seen to be a white, slender, sensual figure. The western world applauds women who are tan, tall and slender, have big breasts, small waists and delicate features (Sarah Mandrel, 23 April 2014). This cultural idea of beauty excludes those that don't fit the mold.

It is this that is leading to a loss of self esteem. However, cultural view on beauty depends on what kind of relationship one is in. In a 2004 Dove, Milliner

Beauty Brand, it was proven that ninety percent of women in happy relationships are more likely o be seen as beautiful (Judith Taylor).