Research And Highlight The Media Depiction Of Beauty (Essay Sample)

Flawed Media Depiction of Beauty
The media is a powerful tool in today’s society and is by far the greatest shaper of trends and perceptions in every aspect of daily life. It sets the agenda and creates a mirror into which society reflects itself. As thus, media has had far reaching influence on what is perceived as normal by creating it for the world to conform. It is however more important to note that the power of media and its financial muscle is driven by advertising. In this respect, the media aggressively persuades its audience to make decisions in a subtle way for its own profit. As a result, media advertising is a multibillion industry world over. Questions however abound as to how much the depictions in media advertising are ethically ideal and responsible for the genuine welfare of the audience and not a drive at cementing long term financial gratification through manipulation and social engineering. One of the most controversial aspects of media in this regard is the representation of the notion of beauty. Such portrayals are not only unattainable and unrealistic but also come with profound negative social and biological repercussions and unsustainability in the short and long term.
To begin with, the impression of perfection in the media, some of which is mere manipulation and photoshop is not real as it puts pressure on both women and men to look in a particular way to pass as beautiful and socially desirable. People are not genetically similar so the fact that these depictions purport to set a standard to beauty in such a narrow and unrealistic way is morally wrong. In fact, the media virtually sells an image and not any inherent value since even people who marginally achieve these false standards are not necessarily fit and healthy as good health and welfare encompasses a much wider scope than looking in a particular way. The media therefore widely misses the mark since the concept of beauty itself is widely relative and the concept of an idealized image does not accurately represent its true image.
Another consideration in review of the incorrect media reflection of beauty is the dire health consequences associated with this false image. In general, such advertisements propose such practices as smoothing skins, erasing wrinkles, enlarging muscles, slimming waist among others. The pressure to achieve this false perfectionist standard to beauty as depicted in the media exposes the subjects to a wide range of health hazards and unhealthy practices in an effort to project and enhance their appearances to these standards. These have led to unhealthy lifestyles and a sharp rise in lifestyle diseases as a result. In addition, the unfeasible image sold by the media has created a sense of desperation that has driven people into taking shortcuts to chase this mirage. Huge financial resources have been spent globally to acquire enhancements to beauty despite obvious intrinsic he...