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Media and body image

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Body image

 

Body image


We live in a world that sends us all sorts of messages about the ‘perfect’ body. We are constantly receiving image related messages from different mediums, both within the media and our surrounding environments, indicating what society views as ‘beautiful’. It is not surprising then, that instead of embracing and celebrating diversity in all body types, we concentrate on what can be dangerous and often physically unattainable perfection. As studies show, looking at fashion magazines for just three minutes lowers the self-esteem of over 80% of women (Dr Susie Orbach, 1986).

The reality is that both males and females come in all different shapes and sizes, therefore it is unrealistic to represent only one body type as beautiful. One in two Australian teenage girls have dieted and more than half are unhappy with their bodies (Girlfriend Magazine Body Image Survey, June 2005). The other reality is that these ‘perfect’ images to which we aspire are more often than not digitally enhanced (airbrushed) and manipulated before final production.

With so many physical and emotional changes occurring during puberty, it is normal throughout this time for youth to be more self aware. One in three young people say that body image is their top concern (Mission Australia 2008), and less than a quarter of Australian girls and a third of Australian boys are satisfied with their weight (Paxton.S.J. 2002, No.6 Body Image Research Overview).

Many people think that only females worry about how they look …
It’s true that many females have body related concerns and at times unfairly compare parts of their body with other women. But what many people don’t realise is that it is the same case for males. Today, more than ever, males are feeling the pressure to maintain or achieve high levels of fitness and physical perfection. Changing in sporting club rooms and going to the beach, as well as intimacy, can be extremely intimidating for many males today.

Males worry too
While it is widely known that some females worry about their appearance, most don't realise the degree of concern for many males. ‘Metrosexuals’ seem to be a new breed in today’s society, where it’s okay to spend time and money on your appearance. Eating disorders and low self esteem are prevalent with both males and females alike.

Eating disorders

As already outlined, it is normal that some people might not always feel fantastic about their body shape and size, particularly when their body is going through a number of changes. However, for some, a preoccupation with the way their body looks can lead to severe and dangerous behaviours which can really affect their quality of life; such as developing an eating disorder. 

A common misconception about eating disorders is that they stem from someone’s desire to look more beautiful; in actual fact an eating disorder is a serious and complex mental illness that can arise out of someone’s severely low self-esteem and negative view of the way their body looks. Eating disorders can affect people of any gender and age, no matter their body shape or size, although the reasons behind why someone may develop an eating disorder are highly complex, there is no one single cause.

There are 4 main ‘types’ of eating disorders:

  1. Anorexia nervosa
  2. Bulimia nervosa
  3. Binge eating disorder 
  4. Eating disorders not otherwise specified
People suffering with an eating disorder commonly share a distorted view of their body coupled with intense  feelings of anxiety, isolation and depression which may be expressed through their bodies and food.


Below are a number of tips to help young people wanting to build on their self-esteem and body confidence. 

Tips for young people

  • During puberty you may notice that your body is beginning to change, you may even notice that you are becoming more aware of the way your body looks; this is completely normal. If you are feeling really worried about something in particular, don’t be afraid to talk and ask questions about your concerns with someone you trust.
  • It can be self-destructive to feel ashamed of your body as a result of comparing yourself to images you see in the media. It is important to keep in mind that the images you see are often digitally enhanced, airbrushed and highly stylised pictures of celebrities and models, and therefore unrealistic and unattainable.
  • If you notice images in the media that focus on ways to alter your appearance, instead of picking apart your own appearance, it might be helpful to think about what the image might be trying to sell. Sit down with the family photo album and look at your family members at different ages and stages. You may notice that you have similar body traits to other family members. You might like to talk to about your similarities and how they make you feel. Talk to someone  about your body and how it relates to other body types in your family.
  • Have fun finding your own style. Search out the clothes that make you feel good and fit properly. 
  • Fashions can come and go quickly. It can be fun to experiment with clothes and make-up, but don’t let it rule your life.
  • Try to look at yourself in the mirror with an uncritical eye, as if you were your best (very supportive and loving!) friend.
  • When focus is only on the external form, it is hard to embrace the many qualities that make a human being attractive. Think about the unique (internal) attributes you have that make you special.
  • Ultimately, feeling good about yourself can only come from one place - inside of you.

Sexuality and the media


The media provide a necessary and valuable community service including: entertaining, providing news coverage, imparting information, displaying employment notices, advertising products and services, raising issues, advertising health messages and presenting personal notices.

  • The media are, however, responsible at times for misleading the community.
  • The mass communication media reinforces the many gender role expectations of society and often inaccurately portrays these gender roles.
  • Gender role stereotypes that exist in society are often insulting and discriminatory. Some of these include:
    • Men are sexual initiators and aggressors, while women submit
    • A man’s aggressive nature does not allow him to be sensitive to, or to respect, a woman’s sexual attitudes or needs
    • Men do not need affection, touch or comfort from others and should not offer it to anyone other than their sexual partner
    • Women assess themselves by their appearance and men assess themselves by how they perform. Men are not interested in their own appearance
    • Once a man is sexually aroused he cannot control his arousal
    • In a sexual relationship the woman should take contraceptive precautions
    • Men do not express feelings verbally but can express them through violenc

Resources


Websites

Training programs

  • BodyThink - A program to help young people develop their self esteem, body image and media literacy. Training is available for teachers.

Fact sheets