America’s Obsession with Body Images Essay Example

the various ages since the turn of the 20th century indicate the notion of beauty has been popularly determined and the public especially women have been striving to conform to the idolized image (Tattersall 1999). Each and every culture and society has its own idea of beauty which is bound to change with time. Another reason why American culture is obsessed with body image is brought about by the fact that media plays a profound influence in this aspect.One of the major reasons for the present Americans obsession with beauty is the urge to conform to the images being idolized by the media (Wykes & Gunter 2005). Media stereotypes of beautiful bodies are being held as the truth and men and women are struggling to conform to the said images.

Media is imposing its own idea of beauty and the traditionally held perceptions of beauty are being shed with each passing day. American culture is greatly influenced by peer group opinion leaders who are being controlled by the media.Media is seen as one of the key culprit behind the spread of drugs, casual sex and violence amongst the teenagers due to airing of programs that tend to glorify such practices. Recently added to the list is the influence on the eating habits of the audience.

One way through which the media achieves this is by exerting “some influence primarily through peer group opinion leaders. ” (Curran 1987) Opinion leaders are people regarded to have authority in a particular subject. A nutritionist may give credence to a certain eating habit terming it as the perfect way to lose weight and live healthily.Finally, the media has overtaken

all other institutions as the sole authority that defines beauty and fashion trends.

The popular view of fashion and beauty is inculcated into the audience. A look at most teenagers for example today indicates that their role models are the key prominent individuals that frequent news and television programs. They dictate the types of clothes to be worn, haircut and hairstyles to be adorned, body weights to be maintained as well as the cars to be driven. Their influence extends to eating habits and other lifestyles (Curran et al 1987).

Indeed, the current obsession with beauty in America can be traced to the media, family and peers. The media however remains the biggest influence in this. The media today is glorifying beauty and is emphasizing on beauty. Being the leading opinion shaper hence the audience has to conform to this trend. The family is also obsessed with beauty and parents pass such ideals to their children. Peer groups are also important in this and peer members have to conform to the set beauty standards to fit in their groups.