Role Of Beauty In The Media

Submitted By Resham7
Words: 623
Pages: 3

Plan of Action:

"Mom, when I grow up I want to have sun kissed flawless skin, be a size zero, have luscious long straight hair, and sparkling white teeth.” Growing up, this has been my perception of beauty. Despite all the influences of the outside world, my mother always corrected me by saying that I was unique and beautiful in my own way and it’s what is on the inside that matters more. However, I knew that the perception I had in my mind had to be true because every cover girl looked like that. After taking the “Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies” course, I have become more aware of how much of what is presented to us is in the media is altered through some form of technology. This has caused my perception of the media to change. The media clouds the definition of beauty for many women, thus affecting their self-confidence from a young age. I think that simple, but relevant steps need to be taken immediately to address this issue and portray a less ideal and more realistic role of beauty.

The models portrayed in magazines need to better be managed. There should be a certain number of models of all sizes. When women see other people of their size being featured in a magazine, they will be more confident. This will eliminate the misconception that acceptance to society is dictated by a certain dress size. Women hurt themselves by trying to be skinny. They go on diets so that they can look like the definition of people and look good for others. All this is being done due to the perceptions that magazines create. If magazines pitch the idea that healthy is the new skinny, this will drastically change the mindsets of women. Instead of dieting, they may convince them to want to go to the gym and want to eat healthy. The word "want" is key, rather than the perception that they “need” to look a certain way. We need to change their mindset and mentality. This will convince women to get fit and healthy in a way that is more realistic and sustainable. In addition to this, women of all colors and races need to be featured on the covers. Each magazine firm should have at least three different races of women on their cover in a year. This promotes equality and non-discrimination against various races, and will portray that colored women are beautiful as well.