Media Images Of Women In Media Summary

The article starts by discussing that the “aid of computer retouching and other techniques further increases the gap between media images of women intended to portray beauty ideals and the reality of most women’s appearance.” Engeln-Maddox explored college women’s ideas regarding their physical appearance and opportunities in life. She asked her participants to write a description of this culture’s ideal woman according to the media and then reflect on how different their lives would be if they looked like this woman. I thought this was a nice exercise for young women in college. In fact, this can be a tool used for social workers when working with teenagers who struggle with eating disorders. However, it is important to recognize that although evidence suggests that women are often striving to meet beauty standards by the media, most do not develop eating disorders (according to the article). Most women are able to recognize that the images portrayed are unrealistic and sometimes unattainable. Nevertheless, this does not change women wanting to “fit in” and meet society’s definition of beautiful, in my opinion.
I thought it would be a good idea to also write a list of what the media has taught me about beauty.
I am disappointed to say that I do not fit the description. Although it is not our fault that we have internalized these messages, it is our responsibility as future social workers to raise awareness on individuality. We are all unique and small children should be taught to embrace their genetics at an early age. We have been programmed as a society to prioritize on physical appearance. Men are no exception. Men have bought into this fantasy about women too – that sexy women have a curvy body, large breast, thick legs, long hair and clear skin. A lot of times it has been suggested to change the physical appearance of Barbie dolls but what good would that do if men continue to have erroneous views of women’s
beauty?
I think this issue goes beyond the media and magazine editors. What would happen if women realized that they do not need make-up to look beautiful? How would make-up companies such as MAC or Estee Lauder react to their sales declining? I think there is a connection between advertisements and portrayals of beauty. I read a magazine article a long time ago that explained how advertisement companies target people’s insecurities. In other words, we should question the products that we buy and use from time to time and analyze what fear, emotion or insecurity is being targeted.
“Many women are able to critique the media’s images and the beauty standards they present while still feeling bound by these standards,” according to Engeln-Maddox. This goes to show that awareness is not enough anymore. Why do women continue to feel bound by these standards? Would these feelings change if the media were to produce less photoshopped images in magazine and television shows would include heavier women? Maybe. It is hard to say what might work or not but the first step is for people to acknowledge there is a problem with society’s distorted perception of beauty.