Body Image, the media & self-image
Cole Music 1st Period
Body image and Beauty
Body image: How you look and feel about yourself compared to others.
Beauty: Combined qualities in a person that are aesthetically attractive
I think body image is very important to most people and it has a big effect on what a lot of people think of themselves. This has a large effect on self-esteem. Beauty can be a variety of different things that can be found attractive by anyone. A lot of people have beauty in their own way.
How are body images shaped and how we can avoid judging others
Body images are shaped by your personal view of your own body based on others around you. If you are surrounded by fit individuals and you are not fit then you probably don't have the greatest body image in your own mind. We should always avoid judging others based on their physical appearance. We can avoid judging others on their physical appearance by getting to know the person. This can also help you create strong friendships with people you may have never thought of being friends with.
Facts about self-image
- 89% of women in a study of 3,452 women wanted to lose weight
- Girls self-esteem peaks at age 9
- Girls are 3 times more likely than boys to have a negative self-image
- 80% of children who are 10 years old are afraid of being fat
- More than 90% of 15-17-year-olds want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance
- 46% of 9-11-year-olds said they were sometimes or very often on a diet
- 75% of girls with negative self-image participate in negative activities such as smoking, drinking, cutting, or disordered eating
- About 20% of teens will experience depression due to negative self-image before adulthood
- 7 out of 10 girls believe they are not good enough or don't measure up in some way
- A girl's self-image is more strongly related to how she views her own body shape and weight, rather than what she actually weighs
- Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you --running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.
- Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself -- things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.
- Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
- Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a whole person.
- Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.
- Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it.
- Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message.
- Do something nice for yourself -- something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.
- Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.