Body Images

By Jessica DeAmicis

Criticism Continuum

• Women go through the daily struggle to perfect their appearance

• Are expect to be presentable at all times

• Given the illusion there is a “perfect” image to obtain

Perception and Performance

• Increased technology is shaping and reshaping our image as women

• Often judged by family, friends, coworkers and etc. about our body image

• It can be hard to accept the body we have

The Color of Beauty

• Beauty is embraced by color: the white ideal

• Women of color all around the world whiten their skin to try and achieve “beauty”

• Women risk potential harm to their body to change the color of their skin

Natural Hair

• Pressure is put on women to have perfect straight, silky, soft hair

• Natural hair should be embraced

• Women of color and certain ethnic backgrounds struggle with the dilemma– To keep their natural hair or

use all sorts of chemicals to change them into “beauty”

More Products, Less Regulation

• Cosmetics, fragrances and toiletries have little regulation on the components that make them

• Some components can pose a health risk

• Important to know expiration dates on cosmetics

Cosmetic Surgery

• The pressure to accomplish complete beauty, women change their body parts

• These procedures can damage the body more than help if used improperly

• Bullying and judgment can influence a women to change a slight imperfection

Media Distortion

• The consumption of naked bodies on all types of mass mediums can alter our reality of real life

• Can alter self-esteem in women in their future relationships and careers

Designer Vaginas

• Women are influenced to have perfect vaginas

• After labor, many contemplate getting surgery to tighten up the muscles and organs to please their significant other

Selling Insecurity

• Mass mediums reel in tweens and teens

• They are influenced at a young age of the perfect body figure

• Leads to self esteem issues and health scares in young ages

• Companies such as Teen Vogue and even Walt Disney corrupt teens minds into self conscious individuals

Fat is Normal

• Puberty naturally brings an increase in fat for women

• This increase in fat is crucial for menstruation and child bearing

Eating Disorders

• Becoming more prominent in younger ages due to the more technology created

• Primary prevention:– Teaching skills for

healthy nutrition and body acceptance

– Leadership and media literacy skills

– Range of coping skills for resisting unhealthy cultural messages

Healthy at Any Size • Encourage women to

stop focusing on body size and body weight and instead:– Accept and respect

the natural diversity of body sizes and shapes

– Eat in a flexible manner than values pleasure and honors internal cues of hunger, satiety and appetite

– Find joy in moving one’s body and becoming more physically vital

Building a Better Body Image

• The obsession with having the perfect body not only hinders the physical aspect of a person but it ruins the thought of living a vivid and fulfilling life– Forget what we enjoy

doing– Lose sight of our

passions– Need to stay away from

obsessing over calorie counting and over exercising and embrace a healthy lifestyle

Quote that stuck out

• “59.7 billion a year on diets that fail majority of the time”

It’s interesting because people are so obsessed with dieting when that isn't the answer to a healthy life. Eating balanced meals with moderation of unhealthy items and exercising regularly will lead to a successful healthy lifestyle. Being fit and healthy isn't just a diet and you stop it, it’s a way of life you need to adjust.

Discussion Question

What are your thoughts on the exposure young children are getting regarding the perfect image/body?