Body Image, Eating Disorders and Advertising
Body Image, Eating Disorders and Advertising
Body Image, Eating Disorders and Advertising We have all heard, “you are what you eat”; however, and maybe more importantly, you want to be what you watch or read. How does today’s advertising impact on your body image? The shaping of our concept of the ideal body image begins at a young age and continues though adulthood. It begins with our toys; that first Barbie you received on your sixth birthday; the one with the long blond flowing hair and the perfect curves that could wear any outfit. Thinking back to that day, I reflect on the times I stared in the mirror, wishing I looked liked my Barbie and knew if I lost weight I would attract my perfect Ken. As I matured and put away my Barbie the fashion models of the day became my new idol and goal. The latest fashion magazine defined what clothes I should wear. As I grew into an adult, I became comfortable with the body my parents gave me and realized that too often magazines entice prospective readers with strikingly beautiful models and tag lines that lead us to believe inside the magazine lay the secrets to beauty, happiness and fitness. For instance the woman staring back at me on the latest Runner’s World cover is not necessary a stereotypical female runner. In fact, she portrays an image the average American will always fall short of. The fit blue eyed blond woman appears to be in her twenties. With carefully crafted make-up, professional lighting, and a talented photographer her face conveys exquisite beauty and strength. Her tied back hair; open stance and pleasant smile give her the girl next door look. Her well developed shoulders, fit abs and toned muscular legs attest to her fitness. For an instant I long to look like her. I think to myself if I can lose 5 pounds in four weeks like the magazine tag line reads it would be a great accomplishment; but even so, I could never look like the woman on the cover. Bombarded by media depictions
Body Image, Eating Disorders and Advertising We have all heard, “you are what you eat”; however, and maybe more importantly, you want to be what you watch or read. How does today’s advertising impact on your body image? The shaping of our concept of the ideal body image begins at a young age and continues though adulthood. It begins with our toys; that first Barbie you received on your sixth birthday; the one with the long blond flowing hair and the perfect curves that could wear any outfit. Thinking back to that day, I reflect on the times I stared in the mirror, wishing I looked liked my Barbie and knew if I lost weight I would attract my perfect Ken. As I matured and put away my Barbie the fashion models of the day became my new idol and goal. The latest fashion magazine defined what clothes I should wear. As I grew into an adult, I became comfortable with the body my parents gave me and realized that too often magazines entice prospective readers with strikingly beautiful models and tag lines that lead us to believe inside the magazine lay the secrets to beauty, happiness and fitness. For instance the woman staring back at me on the latest Runner’s World cover is not necessary a stereotypical female runner. In fact, she portrays an image the average American will always fall short of. The fit blue eyed blond woman appears to be in her twenties. With carefully crafted make-up, professional lighting, and a talented photographer her face conveys exquisite beauty and strength. Her tied back hair; open stance and pleasant smile give her the girl next door look. Her well developed shoulders, fit abs and toned muscular legs attest to her fitness. For an instant I long to look like her. I think to myself if I can lose 5 pounds in four weeks like the magazine tag line reads it would be a great accomplishment; but even so, I could never look like the woman on the cover. Bombarded by media depictions
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