Why The Media's Body Expectations Are Unrealistic
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why The Media's Body Expectations Are Unrealistic

As humans can take simple steps to fight against it.

51
Why The Media's Body Expectations Are Unrealistic
Fanpop

Everyone has at one point encountered an image in the media of what a man or woman is "supposed to look like" but these expectations are unrealistic and often destructive.

It all started with “America’s Next Top Model,” getting it into everybody’s heads that people need to have spooky creatures on them to look cute. But finding spooky creatures to cover yourself with proves to be a time-consuming, and sometimes dangerous process. If you're looking for a cute furry accessory, ditch the tarantula and go for a faux fur bag.

There is often a desire in people, especially in men, to have more “useful,” “cut” bodies. And while working out and trying to find ways to be healthy is a good thing, it is harmful for people to expect too much out of their bodies. The truth is that you will never be able to trim shrubs with your bare hands, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t reach for more realistic goals: like being strong enough to move furniture by yourself.

Many of you have probably seen a painting or photo of the iconic,

Frida Kahlo and her sought-after unibrow. However, not enough people notice how rare a defined unibrow actually is. Try not to beat yourself up if your brows don’t look like this, and if you really want to appear as if you have a single eyebrow, try using a brow pencil to define those peach fuzz-like hairs between your brows.


I myself have often watched the movie “Cars” and thought to myself, "I want to have the body of a 2006 sky blue Porsche." But after several years of counseling, I’ve finally come to a place in life where I’ve accepted that I will never look like an expensive sports car. And that’s okay, because I’m beautiful just the way that I am.


To all of the men out there reading this, society lied to you when it told you that you need to look like a bee to be in a romantic relationship. The truth is that, unlike in “The Bee Movie,” there is a woman out there that is just waiting to settle for a human-looking guy like you!



Time and time again, women as well as cartoon characters have been told that they need to wear a bow on their head if they want to be perceived as a woman. But women should have the power to walk into the streets without a bow and still get treated by cars and pedestrians the same way as if they were wearing a bow.


Lastly, we’ve all seen how the media is trying to objectify women. But we as humans can take simple steps to fight against it. If you’re a woman, try looking your most human today so as to not reinforce the stereotype. And if you’re a man and you notice how human a woman is looking, feel free to compliment her on it.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

92450
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

70976
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments