What are three main media messages that women get about beauty, health, and their bodies?

Here is the topic statement and question:
All around us are commercial images of the feminine beauty ideal. What are three main media messages that women get about beauty, health, and their bodies?
In writing your essay, consider the following questions, and organize your essay to address each:
1. How are the messages similar between each type of media?
2. How are they different?
3. Do these messages tend to apply to both cis and trans women to follow? What’s your opinion?
4. Are these beauty ideal messages changing in any way? How?
5. How do these messages affect women’s self-esteem? Do you know anyone (a friend or a family member) who believes in these messages? How do you know she believes them?
Important Instructions: You must use at least three different types of media sources. You must include a bibliography or Works Cited page, and have at least three sources on your Works Cited page. Some examples of different types of media sources would be:
magazine sites
tv shows/streaming content
any movies
music lyrics/music videos
books/literature
TikTok influencers/Youtube channels/Instagram/fashion/celebrity/lifestyle sites

ANSWER
When analyzing media messages related to the feminine beauty ideal, it becomes evident that these messages often convey both explicit and implicit expectations regarding beauty, health, and body image. This essay will address three main media messages that women receive about these topics, while also exploring their similarities, differences, potential impact on cis and trans women, evolving trends, and their implications for self-esteem. Additionally, real-life examples will be provided to illustrate the influence of these media messages.

**Message 1: Unattainable Beauty Standards**
One prevalent media message revolves around the promotion of unattainable beauty standards. Across various forms of media, such as magazines, TV shows, and social media platforms, women are bombarded with images of seemingly flawless models and celebrities. These depictions set unrealistic expectations by emphasizing flawless skin, slim figures, and symmetrical features.

**Message 2: The Connection Between Beauty and Success**
Media often conveys the message that beauty is intrinsically linked to success and happiness. This message is pervasive in literature, movies, and TV series where attractive characters are more likely to achieve their goals, find love, or lead fulfilling lives. This correlation reinforces the idea that one’s worth is determined by their physical appearance.

**Message 3: The Influence of Beauty Products and Weight Loss Solutions**
Another common message is the relentless promotion of beauty products, weight loss solutions, and cosmetic procedures. Advertisements in magazines, on TV, and across social media platforms suggest that women can attain the beauty ideal by purchasing and using specific products. This perpetuates consumerism and can lead to women feeling inadequate if they do not invest in these products.

**Similarities and Differences**:
– Similarities: These messages all emphasize the importance of adhering to societal beauty norms and ideals. They collectively contribute to the notion that a woman’s self-worth is heavily tied to her physical appearance.
– Differences: The media messages differ in their presentation and intensity, with some being more subtle while others are overt and explicit.

**Applicability to Cis and Trans Women**:
While these messages generally target cisgender women, they can also affect trans women. Trans women may experience additional layers of complexity related to their gender identity, but the media’s beauty standards and associations with success are applicable across genders.

**Changing Trends**:
Media messages regarding beauty and health have evolved over time. The rise of body positivity movements and increased diversity in media representation challenge conventional beauty ideals. Social media platforms have allowed individuals to showcase their unique beauty, fostering a more inclusive definition of attractiveness.

**Impact on Self-Esteem**:
These media messages often have detrimental effects on women’s self-esteem. Unrealistic beauty standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. Many women internalize these messages, and this self-criticism can have long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences.

**Real-Life Example**:
Consider the case of a young woman who constantly compares herself to the flawless images she sees on Instagram. She believes that unless she attains a similar appearance, she cannot be successful or happy. This constant comparison erodes her self-esteem, leading to anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, media messages about beauty, health, and body image significantly impact women, shaping their self-perception and self-esteem. While these messages are pervasive, changing trends in media representation offer hope for a more inclusive and diverse beauty ideal. Nonetheless, media literacy and self-awareness remain crucial in navigating the complex relationship between media messages and women’s self-perception.