Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels

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Recommended: effects of media on perceptions of body image

As technology continues to advance in our everyday society, so does the effect that the media has on the American culture. Although a direct link between the advancing media industry and the impact it has on an average American’s life cannot be proven, many highly educated men and women believe they share a strong correlation (Dittmar). During the ages of 12 to 25 young adolescents are in their most impressionable stage of life (The Media). When young women are being constantly bombarded with images of what the “ideal” body and appearance is for a woman to be considered “desirable” in American society, it leaves a lasting impact on their fragile self-esteems (The Media). As a result of the consequences that the media has on young women, stricter rules should be placed on the media involving the size and weight of models they use in all public campaigns.

From a young age, girls are brought up in a culture that embraces role-play and activities involving playing with dolls. One of the most influential dolls in society is the Barbie doll. It has been popular with many generations of young girls, and continues to be one of the best selling items in stores today. Although not every young girl that plays with Barbie dolls develops low self-esteem or an eating disorder, the doll does have an impact on their self-image. The dimensions of a Barbie doll allow girls to perceive that, that is an alluring body type and one that should be aspired for. This idea leaves girls with a false identity of beauty because the concept of looking like Barbie is impractical and humanly impossible. It is understandable that the Barbie products cannot be blamed for every case of low self-esteem or an eating disorder, but it can be linked to young girls ...

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...a. "The Impact of Media Images on Body Image and Behaviours: A Summary of the Scientific Evidence." National Eating Disorders. 13 September 2011 .

Hellmich, Nanci. "Do Thin Models Warp Girls' Body Image?" 25 September 2006. USA Today. 13 September 2011 .

Poulter, Sean. "Size zero diets 'ruining girls' health' warns watchdog over teenagers copying celebrity role models ." 10 February 2010. Daily Mail. 13 September 2011 .

"The Media." 1998. Something Fishy. 13 September 2011 .

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