Essay on Media and Weight Loss - 2200 Words

Thinness equals success is the notion that many college-aged, upper-middle class, white women looking to become part of professional society hold today. The Culture of Slenderness has many ways of exerting its influence and fulfilling its aims effectively (Toro, Cervera, Perez, 1988, pg.136). This message has been exploited by the media and by societys professional work force. Since the womans arrival into professional society, a new norm has been set by white professional men that has begun to affect a new generation of white women leaders. Not only do they feel that it is necessary to maintain an intellectual edge, but also a slim figure to succeed. The Figures This target group of women are striving to reach often†¦show more content†¦Being a desirable norm of this society, these women entering the professional world are trying to fit this and other norms and end up living dysfunctional lives through no fault of their own. The Process White women are socialized from a very young age to believe that it is important to be slim and maintain a certain body image (Sally Jessy Raphael Show, Aug. 17, 1990). Young girls often begin the treacherous cycle of diet and exercise by trying to win the affection and respect of their fathers. This is particularly true of the daughters of professional white men. These men know what it takes to achieve success in professional society and often instill the same values in their daughters. Research indicates that fathers who do not believe their daughters to be very intelligent tend to want them to be slim, so that they present the image of an intellect (Silverstein, Perdue, Peterson, Vogel and Fantini, 1986, pg. 907). Not only do young girls begin internalizing these norms in their homes, but also in school. Many young white girls consistently compete for the attention of young men. These girls feel that they must look like models in magazines and be thin to attract boyfriends. I just want to have a boyfriend, says one anorexic teen (People, 1996). Searching for social acceptance, young girls often take theirShow MoreRelated Weight-Loss and the Weight of the Media Essay1729 Words   |  7 PagesWeight-Loss and the Weight of the Media      Ã‚  Ã‚   The media bombards us with advertisements and articles about weight-loss supplements. We cannot turn on the television or radio without seeing or hearing an advertisement for Dexatrim, and we cannot flip through a magazine without seeing an advertisement or article about Metabolife. The manner in which different media sources treat weight-loss supplements greatly influences the publics perception of these products. 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