Many women are aware of the consequences that come with the influence of media in combination with the standards of society. Often times, the ideal women is described as skinny, large breasts, a large butt, tall, beautiful… the list goes on. What most people do not understand, are the side effects that come with these images of the ‘ideal woman’ shown through the media every single day.
Often times, the stigma around the perfect body causes many young men and women to feel ashamed of their body type. Miss Representation is a document highlighting the power and influence the media has over young women versus viewing women as having a higher status of power. The media is constantly selling the idea that a young girl or woman’s value comes from their youth, beauty, and sexuality. Some statistics are listed below from the Miss Representation documentary highlighting the negative influence the media has on women.
- Women in their 20’s and 30’s make up only 39% of the total population, yet make up 71% of characters on TV.
- Female characters in G-rated movies are just as likely to wear revealing clothing as in R-rated movies.
- Cosmetic procedures on youth under 18 years of age has tripled in a decade.
- About 65% of American women have an eating disorder.
- One in six women are survivors of rape or attempted.
- 1 out of 2 girls as young as 6-8 years old want to be thinner.
- Women are very likely to show signs of self-objectification through anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
- 25% of women report abuse by a partner during their lifetime.
- American teenagers spend more than 10 hours a day consuming media, most of it filled with content that objectifies women and distorts their bodies.
- 53% of 12 year old girls feel unhappy with their bodies, 78% of 17 year old girls feel unhappy with their bodies and 65% of women and girls have an eating disorder.
- Rates of depression among girls and women have doubled between 2000 and 2010.
While these statistics and facts can be quite disheartening, it is our job as a society to recognize that this is a prominent issue.
BANISHING THE STIGMA
The body positivity movement is one that encourages women to challenge the social stigmatization around body image and to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own skin. The movement advocates the acceptance of all body types no matter the form, size, or appearance. In order to spread the word about body positivity, independent practices are a great start.
Pure Romance is an independent practice that encourages women in an entertaining format. This practice places a large emphasis on sexual health, sexuality and body positivity. It takes on a more empowering lead for women and helps “pep up the ladies.” This practice encourages women to feel comfortable in their own skin and to take charge of their sexuality.
Another source of independent practice can include how stores and companies choose to display their clothing and models. Some examples of body positive companies that are changing the fashion industry are Aerie, Old Navy, and Dove.
In this video, a man sketches an individual’s description of themselves in comparison to the description an individual that a stranger gives. The differences are shown, and the sketch of the original explanation is much different than that of the strangers. The just portrays the negative thoughts one has about themselves and their appearances. This campaign was done to show that individuals are more beautiful than they perceive themselves to be.
In this video, the body positivity movement is explained in simple terms. Many individuals were asked to answer specific questions in regards to what it means to be “plus-size” and which celebrities have nice bodies and why. It also explains that body positivity includes all genders, race, and how one chooses to identify.
Overall, the mainstream media needs to converge from body negativity to body positivity. The media is starting to make strides in the proper direction, however, the greater society must be involved in order to create change. Women and men are constantly feeling pressure from society and the media to objectify how they look in order to please the general crowd. The statistics prove how damaging this can be to one’s physical and mental health. Body positivity can help banish the stigma and allow people to be confident in their own skin.
For more information on body positivity, how YOU can become body positive, and how you can get involved, visit http://thebodypositive.org.
Bibliography
https://bust.com/style/13791-these-6-brands-are-embracing-what-real-bodies-look-like-and-we-re-loving-every-second.html
https://korevoices.com/new-articles/2018/10/29/20-eye-opening-facts-from-miss-representation
https://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthaettus/2011/10/21/25-alarm-bells-for-women-sounds-from-miss-representation/#699723b96240