4) What role does the media play in how we feel about our bodies? How can health educators help to prepare effective messages that counter some of the negative images and ideas generated in the media? Do you think that the media is embracing more diversity in body shape, size and color than what was "acceptable" years ago?
There are many sources of influence and what amounts to as mass manipulation aimed at the girls and women of all ages. As these influences combine they powerfully redefine what is considered beautiful, glamorous and worthy of love and appreciation. Including the media we have examples of this unhealthy “thin is beautiful” view from various sources. “Branding”, the early instilling of ideas or values” starts when our young daughters play with unrealistically proportioned dolls like Barbie or Brat dolls, or read stories of fairy tale princesses, some anime cartoons, ballerina dancers, actresses, models, the list goes on. By the time our girls are teenagers, they are convinced that they need to be thin to be loved. The thinner they are, the more they believe they will be accepted. Unfortunately, all too often, that belief is reinforced when the feedback they receive validates that belief. Chubby girls don’t seem to get as many hugs or signs of appreciation in this culture of thinness. This has to stop! It is slowly changing here and there. In Toys R Us, some dolls are available with normal body types. In some cartoons and after-school TV shows, we see more normal shapes, sizes and ethnicities now represented. Even mannequins in other countries are increasingly representing more normal body types. This is a big step, but more is needed, starting in the home. Teaching our children that the “true beauty” that never fades is inner beauty and character. Teaching them early to not only accept but appreciate their own body and their own uniqueness; that there are many kinds of physical beauty, each with its own “magic.” As a society we need to work together to reinforce these concepts.
There are many sources of influence and what amounts to as mass manipulation aimed at the girls and women of all ages. As these influences combine they powerfully redefine what is considered beautiful, glamorous and worthy of love and appreciation. Including the media we have examples of this unhealthy “thin is beautiful” view from various sources. “Branding”, the early instilling of ideas or values” starts when our young daughters play with unrealistically proportioned dolls like Barbie or Brat dolls, or read stories of fairy tale princesses, some anime cartoons, ballerina dancers, actresses, models, the list goes on. By the time our girls are teenagers, they are convinced that they need to be thin to be loved. The thinner they are, the more they believe they will be accepted. Unfortunately, all too often, that belief is reinforced when the feedback they receive validates that belief. Chubby girls don’t seem to get as many hugs or signs of appreciation in this culture of thinness. This has to stop! It is slowly changing here and there. In Toys R Us, some dolls are available with normal body types. In some cartoons and after-school TV shows, we see more normal shapes, sizes and ethnicities now represented. Even mannequins in other countries are increasingly representing more normal body types. This is a big step, but more is needed, starting in the home. Teaching our children that the “true beauty” that never fades is inner beauty and character. Teaching them early to not only accept but appreciate their own body and their own uniqueness; that there are many kinds of physical beauty, each with its own “magic.” As a society we need to work together to reinforce these concepts.
Good post Nora, I agree. Although my husband and I have not ever said anything to our children about their weight, we have had family members that have done so. I have three beautiful daughters that are all built differently. My husband’s family, aunts, cousins, etc., are big built women. When my oldest daughter was about 3 years old she once told me during her meal that she didn’t want to eat anymore because she didn’t want to get fatter. One of my husband’s aunts had told her that she was fat and needed to go on a diet. Of course she was only teasing her, but my daughter didn’t understand that being only 3 and this was a common discussion amongst family his members. Needless to say I was not a happy camper about this. I have been very fortunate to never have to worry about my weight or even think about it until the last couple of years with peri-menopause issues, but two of my daughters aren’t so lucky. They are built like my husband’s family and think about it all the time as teens and young adults. I have always tried to down play any of the rude comments by family members, but also reassure them that they are perfect no matter how much they weigh. We eat healthy and are a very active family so this makes the weight issue much easier to handle and control.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Nora. The media's idea of a beautiful glamorous woman is one who is "paper thin". Then as soon as she becomes too thin, then they'll start to blast her. In a society to were there really is a no win situation of stereotypes to what Americans believe is beautiful or not, people just have to learn to accept the uniqueness that they were blessed with. They'll find themselves a lot happier that way.
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