Society's Ideal Preference



Got a minute? That's all it takes to get a snap shot of how beauty has changed over history.



Whether it’s the kind of gum we buy, or the shampoo that we use; we all have a preference. As we grow older, our preferences can change just as our environment does. The environment we live in can have a huge impact on our ideas and assumptions based on society and its preferences. 

One topic that always seems to be a hot subject to talk about is what the “ideal” woman is supposed to look like. Young women today grow up in a society where flat stomachs, sun-kissed skin, and curves are considered desirable. Girls read magazines and see advertisements that sell this idea that in order to be desirable, you have to alter your physical appearance to be visually appealing to others. One of the most disappointing factors in this current situation is the fact that women of all ages buy into what society is selling them.

BuzzFeed, an American news media site, posted a video recently on the evolution of women’s ideal body image throughout history. The video goes through different eras such as Ancient Egypt (c. 1292 – 1069 B.C.), Italian Renaissance (c. 1400 – 1700) and many others for the purpose of showing more than one desired body type. Different societies from different eras had a much wider (literally) variety of what an “ideal” woman looked like.  Some of these “ideal” body types included curvy waists, pale skin, and boyish figures – none of these attributes even close to what is considered socially acceptable today.

This video just goes to show that it's impossible to fully fit the mold of the "ideal woman" because it is constantly in flux and ever-changing. And quite frankly, we shouldn't be trying to fit this ideal anyway. Body image should never be a trend and it's extremely disappointing that it has become one. 

Everyone should find beauty in their own bodies, their own image, and their own flaws instead of comparing themselves to society's trends or ideals. As corny as it is, beauty really is in the eyes of the beholder and this video proves this to be true based on the various desired body types shown.

Everything Has Beauty, But Not Everyone Sees It.

Body Image PSA


 This was a very powerful, eye-opening video. It had many remarkable but bizarre points to hear. What caught my attention the most was the statement that over $40 billion is spent on the diet industry per year. That is roughly equivalent to the amount the U.S. Federal Government spends on education each year. That is awful to hear, considering the fact that by 17, only 3 out of 10 girls have not been on a diet. There are people around the world who can't afford education or food, and we are spending our money on dieting when there are much more important and realistic issues occurring. 

 "What does it say to our kids that the very toys they play with have bodies that are absolutely bizarre and unattainable?" If barbie were real, she would have to walk on all fours due to her proportions. Today, female models weigh 23% less than the average woman. The average American male is 5'9" tall and weighs 189 lbs. The average American male model is 6'0" tall and weighs 153 lbs. So why do we all try to fit these unrealistic expectations? I think by now, people should begin to realize that you are more than your appearance. Also, that just because you see these kinds of people in magazines and ads, it does not mean that you should look that way. We should be appreciating the beauty that is in each and every one of us.

 "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."

-Confucius

Paparazzi vs. Celebrities?


       There have been countless complications and feuds between celebrities and the paparazzi.  Will these battles ever end?
       Oftentimes, both the celebrity and the paparazzi cross the line. For instance, in the video I watched of Iggy Azalea "loosing her cool", I think both her and the photographer were at fault. They both said inappropriate to one another which makes it clear that both of them crossed the line. It is surely true to say that just because an individual is famous, it does not give others the right to invade her or his privacy, and also that he or she can’t enjoy the quality of life as anyone else would.
http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/iggy-azalea-is-seen-in-beverly-hills-on-october-02-2014-in-news-photo/456567896?Language=en-GB
       I can say that it is wrong for the celebrities to "attack" the photographer, on the grounds that it is their job. Many celebrities have taken it too far, Iggy being one of those. It is safe to say that they must acknowledge and understand the fact that there are obviously consequences that come with fame and being well-known. Although the paparazzi should respect their privacy as a human being, just like us, they do what they have to do to make money.
       I understand that without a doubt, celebrities face this issue on a daily basis and they get fed up with it, making it hard to stay calm. Both sides can be at fault depending on the situation, but if I were to take a side, it would be the paparazzi. 

 You can see the video of Iggy here.
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