We are in the midst of discussing the media and body image in Body Image class. While I love every week in Body Image class, this one is especially fun because we spend so much time really examining images that are projected to us in the media that I feel like my students’ eyes really change overnight. One day, they come into class buying everything they see. They leave class with a whole new lens and become so adept at spotting media manipulations in just 30 minutes of our playing “Spot the Photoshop.”
During this media class, we also go over some essential lessons. Such as…
#1. We are fed unreal images BECAUSE they are unattainable and if we buy-in to the messages, then we must constantly consume to try and get there (never mind that we can’t get there because they are false images, as long as we buy-in, we are on the ride and someone can make money off of us).
#2. If you are obsessed (with how you look), you are oppressed.
#3. Before the media will change, we have to change. The media gives us what we want. Every single time we reward their messages by buying the product or watching the show, we tell them they are giving us what they want and they keep giving it to us (because we reward them with cash).
#4. We have to make the conscious commitment to resist the messages we are sent.
#5. You can vote with your time, dollar, and voice. Never forget that you have the power to effect change but it takes changing to do that.
Now, for the latest round of Little Photoshop of Horrors.
What do you think of this latest round of Little Photoshop of Horrors? What surprised you? What are you learning about the images we are fed by the media?
Non of this surprises me (altho sad about Taylors abs..lmao ) . its one of the reasons I stopped buying magazines yrs ago.. the other is every one of them HAD to have something on weight lose. as teen I loved looking at all the pretty clothes and reading tips on make up.. now its If u don’t buy this (very expensive product) U’re ugly.. When the truth is its not the cream or make up that’s making these women/men look flawless, its a computer!
You are absolutely right, Yvette! So much negativity fed to us in those “aspirational” pages!
It is very refreshing ( and fun ) to look back at ” Jackie” magazines from the 1980s… in the UK many of us grew up with those magazines and learned about hair styles and makeup from them. Everyone in them looks so NORMAL…especially the “Photo Love ” photo stories!
Those were the days, when fashion and beauty were FUN, not about trying to be perfect. I feel really sorry for young women nowadays.
Go on eBay and buy some 80 s teen magazines! 🙂
Love that idea, Sarah. I did love Sassy back in the 1980s! I’ll have to look for an old copy of Jackie. Thanks so much for sharing!