I've been mediated for as long as I can remember- most of us
have- and (whether I'd like to admit it or not) it has had a huge part in
molding me into the woman I am today. I have come to understand and accept this
but I'd like it to change, at least in terms of how it makes me feel about
myself and other women- and men. You see, when I absorb three to five thousandadvertisements a day, all of which are telling me I need to be thin, tall,
blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and covered in make-up- not to mention perfect- it
makes me feel like something is wrong with me; this is because I am none of
those things. Yet, I am encouraged- if not forced- to try to adhere to such an
image in order to be happy; to be fulfilled. This is why I'm so excited
about the Media and Public Health Act (MPHA). It is important to me for a lot
of reasons: it can dispel unrealistic goals of beauty, raise consciousness,
allow media and pop culture to be truly reflective of our society, and it would
greatly improve the future of our generations, including our self-esteem.
Most girls and women, myself included, look to the media and pop culture for instructions as to how to look, act, and feel- it has that much of an impact; it is a means of socialization. We turn to magazines, billboards, and television for guidance (even if it doesn’t seem that way). What we seldom remember is that these images are not real or accurate; they have been altered. Altered so precisely that not even pores are visible- blemishes and wrinkles are simply out of the question. This gives not only women but men as well, the idea that this image is attainable when the reality is that it is not. It makes us believe that if we keep changing, striving for such beauty, we can be fixed, valued and therefore accepted and desired. This gives to the notion that there is something wrong with us. There is nothing wrong with us.
Most girls and women, myself included, look to the media and pop culture for instructions as to how to look, act, and feel- it has that much of an impact; it is a means of socialization. We turn to magazines, billboards, and television for guidance (even if it doesn’t seem that way). What we seldom remember is that these images are not real or accurate; they have been altered. Altered so precisely that not even pores are visible- blemishes and wrinkles are simply out of the question. This gives not only women but men as well, the idea that this image is attainable when the reality is that it is not. It makes us believe that if we keep changing, striving for such beauty, we can be fixed, valued and therefore accepted and desired. This gives to the notion that there is something wrong with us. There is nothing wrong with us.
 | |
| The label on the image would only have to read: This Image Has Been Altered |
The MPHA- although not looking to get rid of photo shopping altogether, the goal is simply to admit to doing it- is a huge step towards turning the detrimental effects around. It has the power to raise awareness about what exactly it is we’re consuming and it’s a perfect example of media literacy- something which we should all be familiar with; it allows us to not only analyze what we're absorbing, but it gives us the tools to communicate on what it is we're demanding as more than an alternative but as what should be part of our dominant culture. If girls and women knew that these images are altered, they’d understand that looking that way is unrealistic. If we began to see real women whom actually look like us we’d be more confident and happy with our bodies. In a country where 50% of 13 year olds are unhappy with their bodies, I’d say this is a huge issue and will only escalate if nothing changes; especially because as we age, this percentage rises.And if you think this issue on body image is exclusively for women and girls, you are mistaken. More and more it is affecting men and young boys as well- I’m sure you’re well aware of the hot, muscular guy that keeps re-appearing. No one is exempt from these extremely negative effects.
As
a young woman and an older sister I truly believe that the media-as well as
society-must take responsibility for its actions and perpetuation of such
images and ideals in order to move forward, in a positive direction. If the
Medias job really is to give us what we want, then it’s time to listen. It’s
time to be truthful; otherwise we’re the ones who get hurt in the process.
We’re the ones with our health at risk. We’re the ones who are losing. We can
still do something about it, for ourselves and future generations. We can
demand that the media and advertisements do something as simple as label their
work as being altered. We can ask that celebrities change their contracts so
that their images won’t be altered- this is possible. After all this country is
said to be a democracy, governed by the people, for the people; it's time we
start acting like it.
Written By: Zury C.
Well articulated point of view. We have a responsibility to be the example that we wanna see in the youth.
ReplyDeleteI really like this! The media needs to stop making these celebrities who are just like us, look like perfect barbies. There is no such thing. No one is perfect. Giving that image to young naive girls/women is wrong because it isn't possible.
ReplyDeleteThis article was awesome! Will definitely share with a few friends :)