Introduction
Body image has historically referred to the overlap between the objective form of the human body and its subjective perception in society, culture, and, frequently, the arts. It is a notion that represents a person’s overall attitudes toward their body, including both outwardly expressed sentiments and internalized attitudes. Body image is centered mainly around appearance and perceived beauty in practice, even though it technically may overlap with the concepts of health and body autonomy (Hogue et al.). In contemporary culture, women and girls, in particular, are exposed to the prevailing ideas of what is seen as beautiful. Therefore, a person’s body image results from a frequently unconscious comparison between what they see in the mirror and what is deemed desirable in their culture and time.
Discussion
Due to their precarious status in society, women and girls are more likely than men to experience negative body image issues. It has been related to many severe and persistent mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphic disorder. Even though it is arguably a completely different subject, the harmful loop that links eating disorders and a negative body image is present in the semi-dangerous pop-culture landscape (Mills et al.). Confidence, security, and emotional stability are all impacted by persistently low self-perception. The body positivity movement has emerged due to women’s pervasive negative body image. This school of social activism maintains that everyone has the right to respect, regardless of whether they meet modern beauty standards (Tiggermann and Isabella). In recent years, there has been a growing movement of body positivity and self-acceptance. This movement is helping to challenge the narrow and harmful ideals of beauty that are so prevalent in our culture. If someone is concerned about the impact of popular culture on body image, a few things can be done:
- Limit exposure to ideas and messages that make the person feel bad about themselves.
- Surround the person with people who support and accept who they are.
- Remind the person that they are a unique and valuable human being, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.
It is widely accepted that the media plays a significant role in influencing the way women perceive their bodies. The media use images of thin, beautiful women to sell products, and these images can create a sense that this is the only acceptable body type. This can lead to inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s body and contribute to eating disorders and other mental health problems (Mills et al.). However, it is essential to remember that the impact of popular culture on body image is not always negative. In addition, how women respond to the images and messages they see in the media is often shaped by other factors, such as their self-esteem, body image history, and support system. As such, not all women will be equally affected by popular culture’s portrayal of the “ideal” body type.
Several factors contribute to the impact of popular culture on body image in women. First, the media often presents a very narrow definition of beauty, leading to feelings of inadequacy in women who do not fit this ideal. Second, the media often portrays thin and beautiful women as happy and prosperous. In contrast, women who are not delicate and beautiful are often described as unhappy and unsuccessful. This can create a false belief that being thin and beautiful is the key to happiness and success, leading to negative body image and eating disorders (Hogue et al.). Third, popular culture often glamorizes unhealthy and dangerous behaviors, such as smoking and extreme dieting. This can make these behaviors seem acceptable and even desirable when they are not in the real sense. Fourth, the media often presents unrealistic images of women’s bodies, leading to a distorted view of what is considered normal and acceptable.
Finally, how women are portrayed in the media can vary depending on cultural factors, such as race and ethnicity. This can lead to different levels of body dissatisfaction among women of other racial and ethnic groups. Popular culture’s impact on women’s body image is significant and complex. On the one hand, popular culture can be a powerful force in shaping how women see themselves and their bodies. It is commonly acknowledged that the film industry and the media are strong forces that can affect how people perceive reality. In addition, it is a means for the artists to transmit their messages and worldviews for the audience to assimilate when examined as separate pieces of art (Cohen et al.). Nevertheless, if there is a deliberate effort to do differently, movies and television shows frequently wind up reflecting bigger and subtler ideas, reflecting the consensus on essential issues.
The media sector offers a particular intersection of art and commerce, where individual innovation is acknowledged and reflected, but most frequently when it is also quickly commercialized. To reach as many people as possible, studios allocate their cash and other resources to the projects that are likely to sell. The visual on which the movies are based, especially when dissociated from the plot’s details, is typically one the filmmakers believe would garner much positive attention (Tiggermann and Isabella). In conclusion, media portrays what is now liked in society; that is, what is deemed appealing, fascinating, and desired. The impact of popular culture is often mediated by several factors, including individual differences, family and peer relationships, and the larger social and cultural context. It is important to remember that the media is just one-factor influencing body image.
Women’s body image is affected by their family and friends, personal experiences, and the larger social and cultural context. As such, it is essential to consider all of these factors when trying to understand the impact of popular culture on body image in women. Maintaining a positive body image is challenging due to popular culture (Mills et al.). The norms of publications, television shows, and society are destroying the idea of a teenager’s body image to the point that it can never recover (Tiggermann and Isabella). Women may experience self-consciousness, be aware of how they differ from their social group, worry that others may begin to label them, and sometimes even feel worse about themselves.
According to this essay, socioeconomic inequality causes people to stray from their former selves. In addition, it can make young children still trying to figure out who they are in the world feel confused. The way women view their bodies is significantly impacted by popular culture. The media portrays unrealistic standards of beauty that can lead to body image issues and eating disorders. It is important to remember that popular culture is not reality. The images in magazines and on television are often airbrushed and edited to create an unattainable standard of beauty (Cohen et al.). They should all strive to be healthy and happy, regardless of the dress size or the number on the scale. By becoming more aware of the impact of popular culture on body image, women can change how they see themselves.
Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can have devastating consequences. Any individual struggling with an eating disorder should seek professional help. Viewing psychology, medicine, and health sciences, as well as cultural and ethnic studies, will help one understand the impact popular media has on one’s body image. Obsessing a special appearance causes them to become aware of how imperfect their bodies are. One may start noticing flaws they had never seen before and compare their body to others. It is important to remember that everyone is unique and that no “perfect” body type exists. Focus on being healthy and happy rather than achieving an arbitrary standard of beauty. If one is concerned about their body image, they may speak to a trusted friend or professional for help. Popular culture has a significant impact on the way women view their bodies. The media is full of images of “perfect” bodies, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Hogue et al.). As social mirrors, popular culture, social media, and the film industry promote public awareness of the accepted definition of beauty.
Conclusion
Even conventionally gorgeous women usually fall short of the standards they present. This fact relates to the reality that a look in a film or media production results from a team effort involving the actress herself, a costume designer, a group of hair and makeup artists, and even a cameraperson. Even on a smaller scale, photo manipulation and filters on social media platforms like Instagram drastically change the final image, frequently divorcing it from reality. Media negatively affects women’s and girls’ self-esteem by showing these glorified images frequently and without providing many alternatives (Mills et al.). Since it is today inextricably linked to the majority of media consumption, the exposure starts early and lasts throughout women’s lives. Diversification efforts have been made in the entertainment sector over the past few years, but more is needed to change the status quo.
Works Cited
Cohen R., Jasmine F., Toby N., and Amy S. “BoPo on Instagram: An experimental investigation of the effects of viewing body positive content on young women’s mood and body image.” New Media & Society. vol. 21(7), 2019, 1546–1564.
Hogue, Jacqueline V., and Jennifer S. Mills. “The effects of active social media engagement with peers on body image in young women.” Body image, vol. 28, 2019, 1–5.
Mills, J., Sarah M., Lindsay W., and Marika T. “Selfie harm: Effects on mood and body image in young women.” Body image, vol. 27, 2018, 86-92.
Tiggemann, M., and Isabella B. “You look great!: The effect of viewing appearance-related Instagram comments on women’s body image.” Body image, vol. 27, 2018, 61-66.