Culturally Constructed Body Image

A major part of the “ideal” body image has been constructed by the media. Take magazines for example. I dare anyone to find one recent magazine that has healthy sized women as models, not the airbrushed waifs that are featured on almost every page. Nearly every advertisement, whether it be on television or on a billboard features people with society’s “ideal” bodies. Even young children are being exposed to recent trend. For instance, before I left for school, I went to the mall with a few of my friends. As we were shopping, we walked past Limited Too, a clothing store for young girls. I was shocked at what I saw. Skinny mannequins sported miniskirts, tube tops, and low cut shirts for nine and ten year olds. Even I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing some of that stuff. I remember when I used to go there as a kid, everything seemed much more modest than what the ideal image has become today. I have a feeling that these new fashions have appeared due to society’s huge influence on potential buyers. I also know that this barrage of images of the ideal body can cause many horrible effects, like bulimia and anorexia. On the other hand, I don’t think that the media needs to cater to overweight people either. A middle ground needs to be reached.