With so many fashion magazines, bathing suit ads, alcohol commercials, etc., it seems as though it's impossible for a woman to escape the "ideal image" that has been predetermined for her. Ever since media has become more and more influential on the way we look, the way we feel and the way others feel about us, confidence in women is dwindling.
It is very difficult for women to feel comfortable in their own skin anymore. It's not right that there is this ideal image that a woman is seemingly supposed to live up to. Why is our society like this now? Why does every woman have to be skinny and a size 1? Why can't each woman just be comfortable in their own skin without feeling constantly judged or looked at?
One of the predominant problems is that in every single magazine, even a weight loss magazine, it's severely common that those people who are being shown, were photo shopped. In most magazines, you are not seeing the true model or celebrity in the picture, you are seeing an "idealized" photo of them that only appeals to our society. It is also very common for these models to not even look at all like themselves, even in the face. It's common for the person who does the photoshopping to also put pieces of others' mouths, eyes or nose on their face, in order for the models face to look the way they want it to look. To what person is this healthy?
Why was she even photoshopped? What was wrong with her actual looks? Absolutely nothing. No one is perfect, and magazines and ads are making it seem like these models are the way we should look. But then, that ideal image isn't attainable, or if it is, it may not be healthy. Even the models themselves don't look exactly as they are portrayed.
It is also common for women to be simplified into a sex object in order to sell a product. Sex sells, right? This may be something that has been going on for a long time now, but it is increasingly becoming more degrading. Sex can sell without it being degrading.
Now, this isn't solely a women's issue. Men are impacted in certain ways as well. They are told they should be masculine in every shape or form. The magazines show a "real man" being muscular, being dominant and being fit. This isn't ideal, either. Men's magazines are photoshopped as well.
On the other hand, there are now companies who are fighting this trend and using women who are comfortable in their own skin. They are using average, everyday people to model their clothing. Aerie is now refusing to use Photoshop and is showing their models in all their glory and has no problem doing so. They want women to be comfortable in their skin no matter how they look to society, because to them, they are beautiful.
The important thing to know is that whoever you are, whatever size you are, whatever number you see on the scale, it doesn't define you. If you are healthy and love your own body and love yourself, who's to say that's wrong? The only opinion of yourself that matters is your own. Love yourself unconditionally. Don't look at magazines and try to be the person you see in the picture, be the person you are without judgment. Life is about so much more than what's in the mirror. It's about the fun and adventurous times you have. It's about the love you form for others and a passion for a career. It's about so many other things. We are all made differently, all men and women. Embrace your differences and love your imperfections; we all have them. Be the real you, no matter who you, that's beautiful.
