Thin-ideal media...



How is the way we are portraying different body types affecting society? In media, protagonist women are almost always portrayed as having unrealistic body types. They are usually thin, have flawless skin, and perfect facial features. However, plus size women are often cast as the antagonists which gives society the misguided idea that different body types aren't as good as thin bodies. This damages children's, especially young girls', perception of what their bodies should look like. This can be very harmful as they enter puberty, and their bodies start to change. When they need nutrients to grow and develop into young adults, they are being negatively influenced by the media's portrayal of women. So many young girls are affected by disordered eating and it makes me wonder how much the media plays into that...

Comments

  1. AveryMarch 18, 2024 at 12:45 PM

    Not to play devil's advocate, but I wonder if the pendulum will swing too far in the opposite direction. In the future, will we see an increase in obesity as the result of normalization of overweight bodies. With that being said I do think it is extremely important that we change the way that bodies are portrayed in media.

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    Replies
    1. Lexi LindmanMarch 20, 2024 at 2:15 PM

      I've noticed a similar trend. Any extreme in body portrayals can be dangerous. It is my belief that true health should be encouraged not severe body acceptance or hatred. Our bodies can only be happy if they are given what they need (food, water, exercise, rest, etc.) not fad diets, excessive validation, or encouragement of the unhealthy.

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