Media And Body Image Analysis

Discomfort and anxiety are issues that are prevalent in nearly all of humanity- even in those who appear self-assured and level-headed. The Media is a major facet in exposing these cynical emotions. Body image has increasingly become an extensive concern and disturbance in many individuals. The media is ubiquitous, and portrays images of societies standards through captivating physiques and embodiments of beauty; what people neglect is the authenticity of these depictions. Encompassed with unattainable guidelines and expectations of beauty and normality society has deprived individuals of confidence and distinct, unique components that shape their character. The media renders unrealistic and unhealthy body standards for the population.
Standards
Increased spending in an economic aspect is typically utilized on items such as diet pills, gym memberships, exercise equipment, or the costly prices of wholesome and nutritious constituents of a healthy diet- rather than fast food. According to Statista: a website dedicated to statistics from over 18,000 sources, “The cosmetics industry brings in over $55 billion annually, as of 2014” (Rawes). With billions being concentrated on the purchasing of products to enhance our appearance and refine our beauty advertised by the critical media, individuals dispose of money that could be wielded towards other commodities. Hilary Rowland, activist and founder of Urbanette Magazine defines the enduring effect of the media on body image stating, “Obsession with thinness seems to be sort of a domino effect”(Rowland). This statement signifies the dangerous and lasting influence the media retains. Being surrounded by the media worldwide, published ideas of perfection and toleration regarding body image accompanies the populace
Generally speaking, some argue that the media can be ignored, specifically Dr. Sally Driscoll, who is mentioned previously and claims that humans, psychologically are to blame by stating, “Something inside their minds created an illusionary lie of the mirror” (Driscoll). This evidence implies that ‘we are our own worst critics’ and produce these false perceptions aside from the media. In the same article titled, Body Image Is Influenced By Many Factors, Not Just The Media author Sally Driscoll continued to explain, “Vulnerability stems from pathological behavior” (Driscoll). Pathological behavior is said to be caused by a disease and Driscoll claims that is to blame, rather than published and broadcasted images of others. Psychological behavior and independently misconceived impressions of ourselves, are to attribute to self-esteem and confidence