Chapter 11 Body Image Disc

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due Nov 7
PATRICK MCGEE
Chapter 11-Body Image

PATRICK MCGEE
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2. For this discussion please reply to the post and share your thoughts and opinions
regarding the topic. As always, please discuss freely, please do not feel as if you need to
limit your response.
3. How has the portrayal of body image in the media served to create an unrealistic
expectation for people to maintain. What impact and influence have resulted from
these impossible expectations on society, youth and gender? What can be done to
limit the negative impact of these expectations?
4. There are no "wrong" or "incorrect" responses here, but I do ask and request that we
maintain a mutual respect for everyone and their right to express their ideas and beliefs.
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ReplyReply to Chapter 11-Body Image
 Collapse SubdiscussionErick Sandoval
Erick Sandoval
Nov 1, 2021Nov 1 at 7:05pm
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I think the media has created and helped reinforce an often unrealistic and unattainable body
image, one that usually focuses on one type of body shape that can’t be attained by everyone
because of genetics. This ideal body image is different in both genders, from what I’ve seen, the
body image that is portrayed for women is one that has soft facial features and good
symmetrical face proportions, as well as being thin but at the same time having full breasts or
butts, and in the case for models, having long legs. For men, the ideal image that I have noticed
has been the one of having chiseled facial features, such as a strong jaw line, and being
muscular and ripped. The media has used multiple forms to get this image into people’s heads,
such as commercials, posters, billboards, you name it. From this constant exposure to this,
society and youth have been affected by thinking that they should have a body similar to the
one portrayed by the media in order to achieve success and fit into what people see as
attractive. The youth in particular may feel self conscious because they don’t fit into that ideal
image, young women for example can feel self conscious because they don’t have that waist
size or breast size that the popular women in the media have. For young men, I have seen a ton
of social media “influencers” that are other guys, who are muscular, successful, and rich who
get into the minds of these self conscious young men that those bodies are attainable when
they aren’t really unless they are willing to do some form of performance enhancing drugs, and
even then the same results will not be reached as everyone is different genetically. I think
teaching people to be happy with themselves is a good way to limit these continued
expectations, everyone has their good features about them and ones that they think are bad.
Even if they don’t fit into the typical beauty standard, people should accept their flaws and
accept that that’s what makes them who they are and unique. Also, if people wish to change
their image, they should do research and find the best and most authentic ways to do so, for
example if someone wants to gain muscle and lose weight, they should find people who are
reputable and have shown to be trustworthy, not those who are where they are because of
product promotions and performance enhancing drugs.
Reply Reply to Comment (1 like)
o Collapse SubdiscussionPATRICK MCGEE
PATRICK MCGEE
Nov 2, 2021Nov 2 at 8:34am
Hello Erick! I think you have made a number of outstanding observations. The media has been
very influential when it comes to shaping the minds of young people and especially as it relates
to body image. I absolutely agree with your perspective that we must start teaching the youth
to be happy with themselves and celebrate all individuals for their uniqueness. We don't all
have to be shaped the same nor do we all need to look "alike" to be loved and accepted.
Thank you for sharing, well done!
Reply Reply to Comment
o Collapse SubdiscussionMareory Castillo
Mareory Castillo
Nov 3, 2021Nov 3 at 12:35pm
i like where youre going with this because there can also be body shaming and then there can
be people behind the screen getting your attention but you can be catfished instead and then
while being catfished, you can be drugged or anything like that
o Collapse SubdiscussionMarieke Cahill
Marieke Cahill (They/Them)

Nov 7, 2021Nov 7 at 11:37pm
I agree overall, however, I want to point out that there are more than two genders and some
people don't identify with gender at all. People who are transgender and nonbinary can also
experience gender dysphoria due to these unrealistic body images. I'm nonbinary (genderless)
and the only body image issues I occasionally experience have more to do with gender
expression. I sometimes wish I could appear androgynous or masculine, but my body is very
clearly feminine and a chest binder won't do a whole lot to help. My feelings have more to do
with how *other* people see me and misgender me than a specific dissatisfaction due to an
unattainable body image.
These issues do affect the queer community but in different ways.
 Collapse SubdiscussionMareory Castillo
Mareory Castillo
Nov 3, 2021Nov 3 at 12:33pm
this topic is one of my favorite to talk about. body image is something that everyone is the most
talked about these days because body image has something to say about themselves and their
body in general. everyone in their life goes through a phase where our bodies are forming into
different body figures, our bodies transform like how a butterfly would after they transform
into a caterpillar to a butterfly. i like to have these conversations with a friend or with my
significant other and whenever i go on social media i see these influencers posting their bodies
with or without clothes and i look at the comment section and i like to think of myself ''why do
so many girls nowadays have the audacity to post their body out in the public and get people's
attention?''
the impact that these people have is that i find it very wrong that they post themselves on
social media like that, because i used to do those kinds of stuff and then i had people telling me
why did i do that for or anything that has to do with body image.
girls should post less about their bodies or not post at all because they can get criticized and it
can stop you from doing anything.
PATRICK MCGEE
Nov 3, 2021Nov 3 at 2:46pm
Hello Mareory! I too believe this is an important topic that needs to be regularly discussed,
especially with our youth. We all grow, mature and even learn at different rates and times. The
better job we do emphasizing this with young people the better chance we have to help them
experience a level of acceptance and heathy growth. It is often difficult to limit the outside
influences and naturally make comparisons to these "influencers" and that can be detrimental
to one's mental health & well being.
Thank you for sharing your response!
o Collapse SubdiscussionErick Sandoval
Erick Sandoval
Nov 5, 2021Nov 5 at 3:53am
Hey Mareory, yeah it’s pretty crazy how many girls post such images of themselves on social
media. Honestly though, I think they do it for attention and it’s an easy way for them to get
more followers and more potential money from these followers. There are a ton of men who
eat that sort of stuff up, and while there’s a market of something then for sure there will be
people who take advantage to make profits. I think people should realize the impact of these
pictures before they post them.
o Collapse SubdiscussionMarieke Cahill

Nov 7, 2021Nov 7 at 11:42pm
On the flip side, I'm fat, and I have done this (and appreciate others who have done this) in
order to normalize fat bodies, post-baby bodies, and so on. I don't think it's always wrong. For
some people, it can give a sense of personal empowerment and provide representation for
bodies that don't fit into society's beauty standards. I had people judging me for my choices,
but I don't regret them. I made them mindfully.
 Collapse SubdiscussionJessica Rocha
Jessica Rocha
Nov 4, 2021Nov 4 at 9:35pm
Social media has a way of manipulating individuals and perwaying them to critique their bodies.
On social media, celebrities and influencers seem like perfectionists and seem natural.
Therefore, followers are forced to change physically and mentally to look “gorgeous”, “in
shape”, and or “wealthy”. This unrealistic image social media portrays is very detrimental
menatallt. Especially for the youth and gender. They can have or develop self esteem issues
over time. Or the constant need of approval from others through social media. Rather than
trying to focus on perfection we should be able to embrace our own personality and self image.
To do so individuals mush step away from social media and rely on themselves and loved ones
to build their confidence.
o Collapse SubdiscussionErick Sandoval
Erick Sandoval
Nov 5, 2021Nov 5 at 3:56am
Hey Jessica, I agree with you completely that celebrities and influencers post pictures that make
them seem like everything in their life is perfect, including their bodies. In reality though, many
of them edit their pictures and some don’t look at all like they do in those photos, and there are
some who fake it all completely, including their lifestyle. These people take advantage of the
young people who think that everything they see is the truth. These people should definitely
embrace themselves and instead of comparing themselves to someone else, decide to improve
or accept who they are.
o Collapse SubdiscussionEthan Calabretta
Ethan Calabretta
Nov 6, 2021Nov 6 at 7:32pm
Hi Jessica I agree with you, it is hard to see many go down this road to try to make themselves
different instead of being unique and true to themselves. You should not need approval from
others or feel the need to look like other people.
 Collapse SubdiscussionBrianna Be
Brianna Be
Nov 4, 2021Nov 4 at 10:14pm
A lot of social media influencers have portrayed an unrealistic expectation body image of having
an "hourglass" figure to be beautiful. These unrealistic expectations can lead to eating
disorders, unhealthy lifestyles, depression, and many more. The media loves to use photoshop
and facetune which can make the photo real and believable to others. It's crazy what you would
do for the extra likes not knowing how it can affect others. These days there are filters on every
application. Some filters make your eyes bigger or your nose smaller and it makes you feel
pretty at the moment. But once you take that filter off you become disappointed and ask "Why
can't I look like that?" Putting these expectations in our head is unhealthy and we should be
appreciating what natural beauty is.
o Collapse SubdiscussionEthan Calabretta
Ethan Calabretta
Nov 6, 2021Nov 6 at 7:07pm
Hi Brianna I agree with you. I think that this perspective that many have of the "perfect" body is
a wrong mindset to have and it is really unfortunate to see how many people's mental health
has suffered because of expectations and standards like this.
PATRICK MCGEE
Nov 7, 2021Nov 7 at 5:26pm
Hello Brianna! You make a great point about the "influencers" and the impact they have on
society as well! Thank you for sharing.
 Collapse SubdiscussionRomina Garibyan
Romina Garibyan
Nov 4, 2021Nov 4 at 11:35pm
The issue of body image expectations is a hot button topic for me, I can go on and on about it.
I’m not sure how long this has been an issue for, I know lately it feels as though it has gotten
worse but I’m sure it was similar 20, 30 years ago but we were too young to understand. Might
have been an issue from the beginning of newspaper ads and television but this unrealistic
body image really impacts us all weather we realize it or not. First off, let me start by saying
that every single photo, every single commercial, every single ad, and every single social media
post has been edited. It is so pathetic these days that the “edited” versions are so bad that it
clearly shows it’s been edited to make skin look flawless, belly to be flat, eyes bigger, hair
shinier, eyes and lips bigger, etc etc. even the average person who doesn’t have a makeup artist
24/7 or someone to edit all their photos can put a simple filter on their photos and look like a
completely different person. Since when have people stopped appreciating our unique selves
and wanting to become the usual plastic big lips, big butt, tiny waist that we see everywhere. I
appreciate everyones differences and it saddens me every time I see a girl doing work to try to
“fit in”. Don’t get me wrong, if someone does something to make themselves happy that is a
completely different issue, but people who change themselves to look like someone they see
on tv because that’s how they think they have to look is not okay. I am mature enough to
understand that all media does is mess with our heads. I’m sure on a subconscious level it
affects me too but I don’t think the most vulnerable population (teens) should be exposed to
this garbage. That’s particularly where body shaming, eating disorders and self confidence
issues arise from.
I have seen the rise of “plus size” supermodels lately which is a huge step in the right direction
but I think this should be done across all platforms. I think we need to stop with the
photoshopped images, I think we need to show and appreciate the blemishes on the “most
beautiful women”, show the cellulite, show the uneven complexion, show the grey hairs and
the wrinkles so that the average person is not trying so desperately trying to attain the
“perfect” they think exists.
 Collapse SubdiscussionEthan Calabretta
Ethan Calabretta
Nov 6, 2021Nov 6 at 7:05pm
I think that through the media many people have become very unconfident and ruined a lot of
people's mental health. With many impossible expectations it creates a negative culture where
people become unhappy with themselves and may be forced into feeling the need to constantly
change their body's appearance. I believe it is really unfortunate to see many in a poor state of
mind because of "standards" that have been set by celebrities and others. If people did not
spend time on social media or the internet as much then they would not have to be exposed to
beauty standards and they would not have such poor mental health if they were just able to
focus on themselves and not worry about comparing themselves to others.
 Collapse SubdiscussionMarieke Cahill
Nov 7, 2021Nov 7 at 11:29pm
When I was younger, I experienced the negative effects on body image that the media can
create. I wanted to be thin and fit and I even went so far as to try to find an image of someone
with my approximate height and bone structure to use as motivation to lose weight (it was
Scarlett Johanssen). But dieting NEVER worked. I tried drastic dieting methods through my
doctor, I tried Weight Watchers, other memberships, and more. I always ended up unhappy
with my body and even heavier than when I started. I look back now and wonder what in the
world I thought was wrong with me.
The biggest problem with all of this is that it feeds into the diet industry complex. The fact is,
according to research spearheaded by Dr. Lindo Bacon, author of Health at Every Size (HAES),
weight and body fat are only correlated with certain health issues; there is no research that
proves a direct causal link. Weight may actually be a symptom of certain health conditions as
opposed to the cause. In their book, Dr. Bacon discusses the heavy bias that exists within
weight-related research and that dieting is more harmful to the body than remaining at a
higher weight and making other choices related to health.
The factors that impact health more are nutrition and body movement. I have found that in the
past 10+ years since I stopped dieting, my weight has fluctuated (mostly due to childbearing),
but my body image and mental health have improved greatly. My overall health has remained
stable and I make better choices long-term with respect to nutrition and body movement. One
of the best things I did at the beginning was to inundate myself with images of larger bodies. I
followed all kinds of Instagram accounts of body-positive folks and fat liberationists. I followed
fat yoga instructors, fat dancers, fat models, and fat nutritionists. I unfollowed anything related
to dieting. I read books like HAES and biographies like Hungry by model Crystal Renn. It all
helped me deprogram myself from diet culture and relearn how to live in my body and enjoy it.
I believe that a change in representation is what we need. We need more fat people in TV and
movies without dieting or gags about overeating being a part of the plotline. Continuing the
move towards more diversity in modeling is important too. Even in things like comic books and
video games, it's important to have larger bodies represented as just existing, or being just as
badass as slender superheroes. I recently read the comic series Save Yourself by Bones Leopard
and Kelly & Nichole Matthews, which featured a plus-size (and queer) main character where
her size was never discussed.
Lastly, when it comes to sexuality, I don't have any major hangups about my body anymore,
despite being fat (I prefer that term and don't consider it a slur). I have a healthy, satisfying sex
life and what the book says about body image impacting sexual satisfaction bears out in my
experience. I also choose partners who enjoy me as I am and don't feel I need to change myself.
 Collapse SubdiscussionViviana Corona
Viviana Corona
Nov 11, 2021Nov 11 at 7:10pm
How has the portrayal of body image in the media served to create an unrealistic expectation
for people to maintain. What impact and influence have resulted from these impossible
expectations on society, youth and gender? What can be done to limit the negative impact of
these expectations?
The way body image is portrayed on the media is the standard fit skinny tall /short girl or body
with wide hips ,small waist ,and many girls see that , that is what people are paying attention to
and want to achieve that look because all the girls are looking like that, the impact that it has
on people is that many go to extreme measures to look that way ,and the media has made an
image or has praised this ideal image of a body , what can be done to limit the negative impact
is show that all body types are beautiful and that everyone comes in diffrent shapes and sizes .
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This is a graded discussion: 10 points possible

Chapter 11-Body Image

For your Response to at least 2 classmates due by Sunday, 11:59 PM:

 Be kind and respectful to others

Search entries or author

Marieke Cahill (They/Them)

Marieke Cahill (They/Them)

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