Visible Secrets

I found each of these images on http://postsecret.blogspot.com/  and found it quite disturbing that so many secrets are sent in about negative body image. What do you think about these postcards? I wonder how many women (or men) feel the same way as those who sent in such secrets? Eating disorders, perfect lives, and thinness are not related. One does not give you the other. Being thin does not fix life's problems, but why do so many of us think that it will? How many more women out there have these same secrets? 

The Skinny on Stereotypes

Right away this article points out that using the female body to sell products is no longer common-it is the norm. Everywhere we look there is a tall, thin, beautiful woman trying to sell us something. Oftentimes, however, instead of seeing the product, women see the image of someone they are expected to look like. I went into my local grocery store and counted how many magazines had weight loss tips or body critiques. Out of all of the women's magazines, only two did not. We are thrown into a world where the stakes for beauty are at unreachable heights. Rarely do readers think about the airbrushing and photo editing  that went into that photo to make that women so beautiful. All we see is something we aren't. Unhealthy eating habits develop, and satisfaction is hardly ever attained. 

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_beauty.cfm

The Media Awareness Network is a great cite for support AND information

Self Esteem Workshops, a Thing of the Future?

Over the summer I saw a commercial for Dove. Instead of trying to sell me something, it showed a little girl being exposed to various forms of media showing her what she is 'supposed' to look like. It then described the new confidence-building campaign Dove is launching. They are spreading the word that beauty stereotypes are an extremely negative influence on women. Dove is stepping in and trying to help girls and women everywhere overcome these stereotypes and love their bodies, no matter their shape.

Here's the link to the Campaign for Real Beauty, so check it out and love that gorgeous bod! http://www.dove.us/#/cfrb/