Representation Of Body Image

It has become noticeable that society has became obsessed with what constitutes beauty. As beauty standards change overtime, the message being sent is that its only acceptable to look like what is being portrayed in the media. From this, people begin to compare themselves to others (most of the time public figures such as influences and models) resulting in poor mental health. Nowadays, media products present an unrealistic picture of body image with super-slim yet curvy women and muscle-bound men gaining the most attention. Take images of influences for example used for social media, these are usually heavily edited to fit in to the unrealistic beauty standards. This can cause such a negative effect as many people, specifically teenagers, may feel the need and desire to live up to these expectations.

In the 2004 movie Mean Girls, judgements were made on other females based on their appearance, their style of clothing or their behaviour, all quoted in the 'Burn Book' creating disastrous results. This film accurately portrays the damaging effects of such behaviour on girls. This could be taken by the audience in two different ways. After watching the rest of the movie, the audience may view this part, as well as other scenes focusing on body image, as a key message to always be yourself and to not compare your body image and behaviour to others. Some may take this movie in as a realistic view of what teenagers face in order to be considered as pretty according to the beauty standards. This is explored with one of the main characters Regina George as she attempts to maintain a dangerously thin physique and remain a particular dress size. On the other hand, some of the audience may feel uncomfortable with they way their specific body image is portrayed.

This Muscle & Fitness magazine stars a male model who is a good example of what the beauty standards are for men. His muscles are highly defined and edited to show what's supposed to be the 'achievable perfect image'. These “false body image” ads, showing bodies that are not real at all or that are not very realistic or representative of the general population, have far-reaching effects. In health magazines like this the audience are sold idealised version of themselves to aspire to attain the unattainable. From this, the audience usually purchases things included in the magazine, for example, weight loss products and equipment.

Here is the 1st Bodypositive Fashion show organised by "Unique by Mode city" trade show. As we can see, there are women with many different body shapes, sizes, ages and, ethnicities modelling for swimwear. Positive affirmations are playing in the background such as 'I love my body' and 'I love my skin.' The effect of this is powerful especially to young women and girls who may feel like they are not what the mainstream media portrays as 'beautiful'. Seeing their body type being represented in the media can improve their confidence significantly. It help them feel more comfortable being in front of a camera as well as in public and it can provide them with opportunities to showcase their beauty.

Overtime we can see more different body types bring represented in the media. The term ‘Body Positivity’ started to explode in 2017, with over 4.3 million hashtags of #bodypositive, and 1.36 million of #bodypositivity on Instagram. For anyone whose ethnicity or appearance is not reflected by their physical community, the online community can give them a sense of belonging.

Traditional mainstream media such as magazines like Vogue continue to promote the idea that thin equals successful and beautiful and is the desirable norm. However, on social media platforms such as Instagram, the trend is now for more diverse body shapes, and the overall message is to be the best image of yourself.