What can be done...?

Question

What can be done to combat the negative images of young women that are being published in magazines?

In nearly every teen/women magazine you look at the models are stick thin and beautiful. A lot of young people look at these images and aspire to be like what they see. Because the girls in the magazines are extremely thin and are often air brushed it is almost impossible for girls to look like this.

What do you think can be done about this? Do you think there needs to be more education in schools and at home? Or do you think the Government needs to step in?

Thanks =]

Answer 1

I don't think there is much that we can do but have more education in schools about eating disorders and that normal people (not models)  don't look like that and that they(the models) probably used some sort of cosmetic surgery to get their super thin bodies and pretty faces.

negative images are everywhere. read the 'too s**y too fast' article-I think its on the msn website

Answer 2

Actually, I think Dapiek is on to something. If people stopped buying magazines that highlighted girls who looked like that, they would get the message pretty quickly.  

Answer 3

Dear Sarah,

It is never a good idea, to allow any government, to impose values, or to curb free speech, no matter how repugnant, many, may find the values, or the speech.  However, I am not suggesting, individuals, and organizations, should not engage in appropriate counter measures.

Students, at your University, could publish their own, online, teen magazine.  I am confident, the requisite talent, can be found in the University's student body.  Given today's technology, it would not be a high cost venture.

The magazine, could be published under the auspices of the University, like a school newspaper, or, it could be completely independent.  If you go completely independent, you would need funding to host the website.  You could get it from select advertisers, and donations.

Larry

Answer 4

Like Meg said said. its every girl for herself. If you're that type of person who gets easily influenced, then most likely. you're going to fall in with the rest of this thing we called "society". And when i say society, i mean images, the media, fashion, and influences all around us, but I refuse to be that type if chick cause to me, I see things differently than my so called friends who started wearing makeup at the age of nine and ten. I mean, makeup isnt a big deal but the wanting to look good for your peers is kinda overrated to me. But good hygiene is a must, so brush your hair, brush your teeth, and take a shower, but dont worry to much on your looks and makeup.

in 10 years or so..its not really going to matter what you look like. I mean, look are important because s*x sells but they're not EVERYTHING you know? Most of the jobs/careers you're applying for basically hires you for the looks. And to answer your question, there's nothing you can do so yup, but seriously..who cares about everyone else and what they're doing with their lives. It's about you and how you decide to live and make choices.

My Philosophy is 'make choices you can live with"

Answer 5

we cant theres mothing we can do about a girl starving herself.young women need to have more confidence and self esteem and acept themself for who and how god made them to be. and they just need to be theirselves not someone else....

Answer 6

I think that people in school need to teach young kids (girls AND boys) that in the real world, not everyone looks like that. And that's okay. Some of the organizations are not careful with what they say. It's important to teach kids to be healthy, so as to not be obese, but to feel comfortable in their own skin, so as to not go over the top trying to be like what they see in the magazines.

The Government has bigger problems to deal with, though. Sorry to say, but it's true. With our declining economy, global warming and other environmental issues, and the wars and genocide everywhere it probably isn't even an issue to them. It's time for the parents & schools to pitch in.

It would also do a lot if magazines showed people of different body types.  

Answer 7

I think that how we think about our self is first learned at home. from our parents.Parents sometimes point out "imperfections " and forget to compliment the positive.Children who are raised in a positive and loving environment learn to be confident in not only their choices but in their appearance as well.As parents we must teach our children to  love them self.I think the media is also to blame for promoting an unrealistic standard of beauty.I think that the Dove company is one of the few companies to run a campaign that inspires females of all ages to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin."Campaign for Real Beauty"

Answer 8

I think it's every girl for herself. You really have to do mind over matter. Im not stick thin and I dont want to be. I have curves and I love them. Girls need to learn that those models arent healthy and its not safe.

Answer 9

Stop buying the magazines.

I find it interesting that the audience for the magazine are teens/women.   The best example is Vanity, since that is what we are talking about.

Answer 10

Wabby,

I think you are a great user on here, but some of your questions aren't for this category [ie: Little Miss Sunshine]  and I know I will get many thumbs down for this, but I don't think we should be doing your homework...

Answer 11

I think that parents can do a better job of cultivating healthy body images in their daughters and to be aware that girls, even young ones, pick up on cues from their parents.  What do you think it does to them when their own mothers obsess over every calorie, complain that their thighs look fat, talk about dieting all the time, and so on?

We should be focusing on teaching our children to be healthy, which means eating properly and getting the proper amount of exercise.  When you do that, a healthy body and a healthy shape should follow.  But we also need to stop raising girls to be so shallow, and to not focus solely on what is on the outside.  Think about the things you say to your daughters.  Do you praise and commend her for her hard work at school as much as you tell her she looks pretty or cute?  Do you encourage female role models with brain in their heads, or just the ones who are nice to look at?  Are you a good role model, conveying the message that intelligence, hard work, a sense of humor, and a good personality are traits to admire, as opposed to just focusing on how you look on the outside?

So much of the marketing that is aimed at teen and tween girls is superficial and shallow, and it only teaches them to worry about outward appearances.  Teach them about the media, how it tries to manipulate people, that the models in those ads don't really look that way in real life, and that there are more important things than having the right hair and the right wardrobe.  There is nothing wrong with taking a little pride in your appearance, but it shouldn't be the only thing that girls focus on.