Westernization In The United States
Westernized
There are approximately seven billion people living on this planet, and the United States has over three hundred million people. Up to eleven million of these people are suffering from eating disorders while approximately seventy two million people are obese (Kirby). The individualistic, Western culture that envelops the United States is a supportive environment for this negative body image epidemic that is taking place.
Individualistic societies have loose bonds between individuals; every person is expected to look after his or her self and immediate family only. Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and the obese individuals in question are held solely responsible for their life situation. In the United States …show more content…
In a collective society, people are integrated into a strong cohesive group from birth. This group continues to protect them through life in exchange for their unquestioning loyalty (Geert). In collective cultures, like China, they are predisposed to think in terms of “we,” and emphasize group harmony and loyalty. But, “as many Asian countries become Westernized and infused with the Western aesthetic…a virtual tsunami [is swamping] Asian countries” (Bordo). Eating disorders are spreading through Asia, a place least expected because they have always been known for their thin physiques and small frames. “Little fatty” used to be a term of endearment in China but now, like the United States; it has taken on a new, negative …show more content…
In the islands of Fiji, it was always thought that the people living there were above the societal desires and media pressures and of thinness. “Going thin” was considered a health concern and having “skinny legs” was an insult, not a compliment. The women were all seemingly comfortable with their bodies, no matter what size or shape and body image wasn’t a concern. In 1995 however, the television was introduced to the islands, and Western influenced channels were the only ones that aired. Within three years of Western influence, Fiji conformed to the Western idealizations of the attractive body image, and eating disorders and binge eating disorders alike began to appear along with poor body image and lowered self-esteem.
Not only are anorexics and bulimia victims given sympathy, they are respected. The disease itself is romanticized because of the social status and beauty that accompanies it. It’s not uncommon to hear adolescent girls relay their respect for anorexics. Young girls respect anorexics because they exercise self-control to the degree of obsession. It’s not easy to refuse your body food for normal functioning; starving is hard. It’s a disease that girls
There are approximately seven billion people living on this planet, and the United States has over three hundred million people. Up to eleven million of these people are suffering from eating disorders while approximately seventy two million people are obese (Kirby). The individualistic, Western culture that envelops the United States is a supportive environment for this negative body image epidemic that is taking place.
Individualistic societies have loose bonds between individuals; every person is expected to look after his or her self and immediate family only. Obesity is rising at an alarming rate and the obese individuals in question are held solely responsible for their life situation. In the United States …show more content…
In a collective society, people are integrated into a strong cohesive group from birth. This group continues to protect them through life in exchange for their unquestioning loyalty (Geert). In collective cultures, like China, they are predisposed to think in terms of “we,” and emphasize group harmony and loyalty. But, “as many Asian countries become Westernized and infused with the Western aesthetic…a virtual tsunami [is swamping] Asian countries” (Bordo). Eating disorders are spreading through Asia, a place least expected because they have always been known for their thin physiques and small frames. “Little fatty” used to be a term of endearment in China but now, like the United States; it has taken on a new, negative …show more content…
In the islands of Fiji, it was always thought that the people living there were above the societal desires and media pressures and of thinness. “Going thin” was considered a health concern and having “skinny legs” was an insult, not a compliment. The women were all seemingly comfortable with their bodies, no matter what size or shape and body image wasn’t a concern. In 1995 however, the television was introduced to the islands, and Western influenced channels were the only ones that aired. Within three years of Western influence, Fiji conformed to the Western idealizations of the attractive body image, and eating disorders and binge eating disorders alike began to appear along with poor body image and lowered self-esteem.
Not only are anorexics and bulimia victims given sympathy, they are respected. The disease itself is romanticized because of the social status and beauty that accompanies it. It’s not uncommon to hear adolescent girls relay their respect for anorexics. Young girls respect anorexics because they exercise self-control to the degree of obsession. It’s not easy to refuse your body food for normal functioning; starving is hard. It’s a disease that girls