Introduction

A famous journalist by the name of Joel Yager once said “Every society has a way of torturing its women, whether by binding their feet or by sticking them into whalebone corsets. What contemporary American culture has come up with are designer jeans.” Media is arguably the most powerful social tool within our society.  Media is like a pastor who preaches to change values or a speaker who seeks to persuade.  Through the test of time, media has always had a profound effect on women in terms of how they view their bodies from a personal perspective. The images of female bodies are everywhere and they are able to sell everything from food to cars. Popular films and television actress are becoming younger, taller and thinner. Women’s magazine are full articles urging that if they can just loose the last twenty pounds, they’ll have it all- the perfect marriage, loving children, great sex and a rewarding career. Even though it’s tempting to blame media for perpetrating and glorifying unrealistic standards of physical beauty, the truth is far more complicated. Throughout history, the dominant political climate and cultural ideals always have shaped the public’s perception of the ideal female body type. In today’s culture, the use of media such as television, internet, movies or print has a powerful presence in today’s culture than ever before. Media is playing a tremendous role in how many females perceives her own identity. Media has the power to build a woman up or break her down. Throughout the blog, we will discuss and analyze the ideal body type throughout history, media influences, health effects on body image and the steps for a healthier lifestyle.