Consider Disciplining The Way In Which Women Essay Example

these common eating disorders are females.1 It is interesting to observe that the desire to conform to the "thin ideal" is not exclusive to adults. According to Tebbel's study conducted in Australia (2000), 60% of girls engaged in moderate dieting while 8% underwent severe dieting due to their aspiration for better dating opportunities. This reflects a dangerous belief shared by many women: the notion of being flawed. Ultimately, seeking beauty on some level is a desire held by most individuals whether they acknowledge it or not.

We all experience self-comparison to others, particularly in regards to physical appearance. Regrettably, advertisers and the media take advantage of this human inclination by targeting our low self-esteem with a focus on "beautiful people" who promote consumer products including makeup, gym memberships, diet pills and other goods that aim for profit. Tragically, we often become victims of their tactics.

Our 'idols' and 'friends' are the ones we turn to for support when we're down, and we trust them not to deceive us for personal gain - such as with skincare products. However, a shocking 31% of Americans are obese. Advertisers attempt to address this issue by promoting various products and programs through infomercials featuring real-life success stories. Unfortunately, the media's emphasis on thinness primarily serves as a means of profit, exploiting people's self-perception.

Inevitably, human greed will always be present whenever money is involved. The majority of young adults, particularly males, believe it is necessary to maintain a good physical appearance in order to capture the interest of their desired gender (or gender preference). This typically includes becoming lean or building up a muscular physique, resulting in desirable traits such as

'ripped abs' or a 'trim 6-pack'. This notion of being slim serves a dual purpose.

The notion that thinness is essential for attracting men is heavily imposed on women and girls. This belief becomes extreme when they witness famous actresses and catwalk models flaunting their emaciated physiques, leading many women to strive to achieve the critically acclaimed size 0 in the US (size 4 in the UK and European size 30). This often creates an unrealistic and unattainable ideal of beauty that hinders many women from feeling confident or achieving success. Despite attempting to meet these standards, most of us eventually come to terms with the fact that it's impossible because we lack the physical traits, wealth, or accomplishments associated with these ideals. Additionally, for some of us, it may not even be feasible due to differences in ethnicity, sexuality, or age compared to the celebrities who perpetuate these beauty standards.

Our society often tries to emulate the lifestyles of celebrities, evident through the use of their logos and images on clothing to appear 'cool'. According to Jutel (2001), our preoccupation with our weight stems from the belief that physical flaws reflect inner inadequacies. Kate Moss is a prime example of a celebrity who conforms to media's standards of thinness, even creating a clothing line limited to a UK size 6. Conversely, some parents criticize Moss as an idol for their daughters and express disdain towards companies such as Top Shop for promoting 'too thin' celebrities.

Although there are minor criticisms, the primary goal of these businesses is to make money and meet the needs of most customers. Top Shop illustrates the fashion industry's attitude toward size

zero by using mannequins and slender models during manufacturing, highlighting a preference for women with comparable body types.

Throughout history, societal standards for women's body size have fluctuated. However, currently many men view a size zero frame as excessively thin and unhealthy. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a BMI score of 18.5 as the lowest 'normal' range. Following the death of model Luisel Ramos during a fashion show, three major fashion cities - New York, Madrid, and Milan - prohibited runway models with a BMI below 18.5.

In the past, women with a waist measurement of at least 16 inches were considered confident and attractive. However, in modern times, many men prefer skinny women who often appear unhealthy and receive excessive media attention. According to Vandewater's (2004) research, increased media consumption among children leads to reduced physical activity levels which are linked to higher rates of obesity. The media has two negative impacts on kids' weight problems - it influences their dietary choices (such as McDonalds, Burger King and Pizza Hut) and promotes sedentary activities like video games culture and YouTube that discourage exercise. Regrettably, children aged 8-18 spend more time in front of screens for computers, televisions and gaming devices (44.5 hours per week) than any other activity except sleeping.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation (2005), desiring a size zero body indicates dissatisfaction with one's weight, but pursuing such a goal can result in dangerous disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The media plays a significant role in shaping consumer perspective. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's, famously believed that taking care of consumers leads to business success, which can be interpreted as advertisers' responsibility towards

their audience. Advertisements heavily promote idealized versions of femininity and masculinity, leading individuals to view themselves as never-ending projects that require various body-enhancing improvements.

Thanks to celebrity endorsements such as Uma Thurman promoting Lanc�me products and George Clooney appearing to use "Nivea for Men: Moisturizer", people flock to Boots to purchase branded products. Although un-branded alternatives are available, we are willing to spend more because we aspire to live like the rich and famous, even if it is just during our morning bathroom routine. While it is socially acceptable to be thin or fat, extremes of either become media debates, and the past decade has been marked by alarming obesity statistics and efforts to reduce their number.

According to a 2004 report, media coverage on obesity increased by almost 300% in the five years leading up to its publication. France addresses the issue through medication, while the US points to educational factors and the UK blames the media, prompting calls for regulations in advertising, promotions, vending machines, and food labeling. Recently, "Living UK" broadcasted a documentary showcasing famous individuals regarded as 'extremely thin' such as Mary Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie, highlighting their alarmingly slender physiques.

The internet enables girls with anorexia to find support from others and uphold their gaunt bodies, in addition to the media's role in promoting the disorder. Some individuals feel invisible due to the disease, likening it to obesity.

The sentiment expressed by an anonymous poster on an Anorexic Forum highlights the lack of recognition and invisible presence felt by individuals with anorexia. This feeling is further intensified upon visiting pro-anorexia websites, where the overwhelming concept of "thinspiration" is prevalent. Despite claims of

providing support for combating these illnesses, many of these sites are clearly in favor of promoting anorexia, with gut-wrenching comments from members. These websites are targeted towards those who willingly have anorexia.

It is unclear from these websites whether girls who comment have chosen to become excessively thin due to media influence or if issues such as school and bullying are the cause. It seems that battling depression is the current issue. One website's comments included sentences like "...".

My only desires are to excessively consume, purge, and weep..."

. I am pleased with myself today because I only consumed 200 calories.

"I've consumed a mere 45 calories today, which is significantly less than the daily recommended intake of 2000 calories for women."

Despite not having a choice, many girls suffering from bulimia and anorexia turn to pro-anorexia websites and social networking groups, such as Facebook and Bebo, for comfort and support. These websites offer a sanctuary from the harsh judgments they receive in the real world. One company that has taken a stand against unattainable beauty standards is Dove. Through their 'Campaign for Real Beauty', Dove has pledged to refrain from altering any images to create unrealistic beauty expectations. Studies have shown that exposure to unnaturally thin models in fashion magazines can lead to unhealthy dieting practices and dissatisfaction with one's body among adolescent girls.

Readers may only encounter issues related to self-dissatisfaction or depression. The media's control over adherence to trends in teenage magazines and shopping center billboards is incomplete. Family and friends have a significant influence on both "ultra slim" and "obese" individuals. Peer support is often necessary along with willpower for those who want to

lose weight. Alternatively, individuals seeking improved popularity or self-esteem through weight loss rely on positive feedback from friends about their appearance.

Parents play a pivotal role in their children's lives, as they can positively impact their self-esteem and skepticism of media messages by discouraging judgment based on physical appearance such as weight, skin color, clothing style, etc. The media frequently promotes unrealistic beauty standards that may trigger the desire to imitate those with "better" attributes, which can result in eating disorders or cosmetic procedures. Nonetheless, individuals must ultimately decide what is right for them, and it would be unjust to solely attribute responsibility to the media for their choices.

Although the media may encourage us to pursue unrealistic aspirations like a specific profession or physique, and convince us that we have just one opportunity in life, it is our own responsibility to make choices and not attribute them to external factors.