Media Affect- How Women View Their Bodies

       Blog #3  

            Primarily, I hold the media responsible for the ultimate demise of our culture. Before you think my statement a hysterical oversimplification, hear me out.

I believe the media has overstepped its boundaries. Media images have corrupted the hearts and minds of our society. Unknowingly, we have willingly participated in the purchase of this faulty bill-of-goods. It all started with consumerism. The marketing of products lead to the objectification of women. Once women became nothing more than sex toys, they were easily manipulated into believing the only way they would be wanted would be if they stood out from the others so they should aspire to become the most sexy!  The way to do that is to be thin…skinny! Okay, the next hoop you women have to jump through goes like this: You must stay perpetually young.

Let us take a closer look at the affect the media has had on women and how they feel about their bodies. Most people in our culture would admit the American standard of beauty requires a woman to be sexy, thin and young! The problem with this standard is that is leaves out the vast majority of the female population. Furthermore, the standard is unattainable. Countless women have developed disordered eating, and even died, in an attempt to achieve, and maintain, unnaturally low bodyweights. That is the American standard of beauty. Not only is it unattainable for most, it is unsustainable for all.

The seductive powers of the media’s messages hide in the unspoken promise: If you do this, look like this, be this…you will be loved! The pay-off is, love. Ultimately, however, the reward backfires as self-hatred emerges. The self-hatred fuels the quest to be something other than.

Perhaps, a woman temporarily wins the affection of a desired male. Unfortunately, that pseudo-love will not last, simply because, youth does not last.

            Considering men, we realize they too have been brain washed. And like women, they have integrated the media’s lies, as well. Increasing numbers of men believe the only women of value are beautiful (reads: young, thin, sexy) women. Successful media strategies have resulted in the following: (1) women who strive to be other than, due to self and body hatred, (2) men who have been taught to objectify women as sexual tools, (3) and base a woman’s value only on the number of her years and the number she registers on a scale. The media clearly communicates that the sexual tool (a female) is no longer of use when it shows signs of wear-and-tear or its bones cannot be seen. Get rid of it. Get a shiny new one. That is how we consumers do it …is it not?

Responsible advertising agencies could bring health educators on board as consultants when designing campaigns. Schools, churches and women’s groups could also be proactive and educate boys, girls, men and women. It is a helpful combatant just to become aware of the power media messages on our culture.

Thanks to the women, whose outraged voices called-out the media on their relentless bombardment of lies. A few companies heard the out cries and responded admirably. The Dove and Kellogg are two such companies. Both have introduced new advertising campaigns. The new ads emphasis the reality that beauty lives in a diverse array of ages, sizes, colors, styles and looks. In my opinion, they could go one-step further, and incorporate the various internal components of beauty, as well.

Never the less, Bravo! Dove and Kellogg! You are leading the march.