The documentary Miss. Representation explains the influence of media on women who knowingly or unknowingly believe the outputted representations of women and there expectations in our worldly society which is very disappointing to know considering we as women don't realize these transgressions until someone shows us statistics and facts just like the in film.
Media's effect on female body image even affects those who should never have to worry about such things at certain ages. A survey stated that "40 percent girls between the ages of 9 and 10 years old have attempted to lose weight." This is a percentage that should be at zero and should not be affecting those at that age so drastically because they are just beginning to grow into their bodies. We are leaving our children to be raised by media by allowing it to enter every aspect of our lives and finding it okay for them to join us in viewing. They are watching every commercial from weight loss pills/ programs, make up, and clothes. Which in turn gives our next generation the new normal from what we experienced as children.
Everyday we walk into grocery stores supermarkets and see magazines that are appealing and attention grabbing. They reach their audience by using bright colors, big bold letters and stars that we see in everyday life. This is affecting children negatively because when we were growing up they weren't as appealing, they also had things for children to read like brain teasers and puzzles because media was not as exposing yet. These covers are always at the check out line eye level to children and use words that are easy to understand so as to get their message across. which makes it easier for children to be influenced and pulled into this world of media.
Hi Ariel,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you the magazines. I have a 16 year old daughter and have had to throw a few of those away over the last couple years. There seems to be no filter on what they publish. Magazines that were once meant for teens, are now more of a "sex how to's" than anything else. I know having a daughter I would have the challenge of guiding her to not focus on self image but I had no idea it would start as early as it did. I think she was in 4th or 5th grade the first time I heard her talk about dieting. It definitly seems a social norm these days. So very sad!