Body Image & Society

Body Image & Society

Body Image and Society
What is reality of body image? Reality by dictionary definition is the state or quality of being real. Simply put, what is true, existing or occurring as fact, rather than imaginary, ideal, or fictitious. Society often has ideals and expectations of the human body image that are not always reality. These ideals and expectations that indicate to be accepted your body must be a form of perfection, are not always considered healthy or acceptable by those who live within the reality of the real, imperfect body. So, who makes up the society? Society is a group of individuals, who share common interests or traditions. Society is all around us; there is no escaping the ideals and expectations of the perfect body that as a whole has been placed upon humankind. Over the past century the ideals of society in terms of body image has undergone dramatic changes. From a time when being plump was perfectly acceptable and a sign of wealth, to a time of the same body type being unacceptable and a form of social leprosy, the views on body image are changing for the worse. The media has become society’s top advocate in promoting the ideal body image, broadcasting to those as young as two years of age. The images portrayed show rail thin females with large bust lines, and muscled well groomed men, both who happen to appear to be perfect in every way, and adored because of the so-called perfection. Billions of dollars are being spent every year on various lose-weight-fast ideas. Pills, meal plans, gym memberships, and even drastic surgeries are being undertaken to achieve what society thinks of as ideal in perfection of the body. When these expectations are not met, when diet plans fail, it can cause depression, eating disorders, and even suicide among the ones who struggle with achieving the perfect body.

Over the past century the ideals of society in terms of body image has undergone dramatic changes. From a time when being plump was perfectly...

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