In typical Susan J. Douglas fashion, she comments on and criticizes the modern media machine. The chapter entitled Lean and Mean takes an in- depth look on how the media creates a cycle of leanness and meanness. Her discussion begins with an analysis on the cosmetic surgery phenomenon. Television shows such as The Swan and Extreme Home Makeover idealize and glamorize plastic surgery. They also portray and disperse and unattainable vision of beauty. Unfortunately, these shows truly highlight the narrow idea of beauty that women are supposed to subscribe to. Watching these shows also lets the viewers see how far women will go to transform their body and conform to standards. Surprisingly, women who receive breast implants have a suicide rate twice as high as those who do not. Magazines are notorious at helping to spread this ideal of beauty. Publications such as Cosmopolitan and Vogue are constantly sending messages that bolster the notion of enlightened sexism. For instance, Vogue released an issue that was dedicated to all different types of women's body shapes. At first glance one would expect to see a plethora of body shapes and sizes. However, the magazine in true fashion only displayed models that were a size two - even the pregnant one. When readers complained about the misleading article and its lack of diversity, the editors responded by saying that the models are thin because it is a healthier lifestyle. Other magazines such as Glamour also offer misleading articles. A few of them emphasized the need for their readers to love and accept their body how it is. Yet, they display thin models doing butt and leg exercises to transform their bodies into the ideal version.
These strict beauty ideals and standards also feed into this mean girl phenomenon that is occurring in our society. In the past decade or so girls have transformed from meek and shy roles into uber- bitchy sluts. Most of the bullying takes place in the cyber realm, such as texting, internet and social networks. Douglas discusses how girls have learned to enforce their own oppression. If a girl isn't slim, pretty, popular or well dressed than she is outcast by her classmates and made fun of. This reinforces the norms and ideals of beauty. Instead of girls getting together and standing strong against these norms they all decide to conform. Body image and self esteem is one of the major problems that girls 11- 17 of age face. Shows such as Gossip Girl also have an interesting role in promoting these beliefs. Some of the characters in the show epitomize catty bitches, such as Blair Waldorf. Many scenes consist of social networking wars in which one girls tries to destroy the other. At the same time, the show is so dramatic and farfetched that it is almost ironic and self mocking. However, one message that is crystal clear is that of appearance. In the original books the character of Vanessa is bald, emo and artsy. Yet, in the series she is portrayed by a beautiful, full hair of head actress. Similarly, all of the other characters are gorgeous. So despite the self- mocking and ridiculous nature of the show, one thing is clear, we should want to look like these people.
When I first began to read this article I found myself rolling my eyes at some of Douglas' arguments- probably because I did not want to admit that the media has definitely influenced my life style and body image. But what really got me upset was her discussion on Victoria's Secret. I love this store! Douglas discussed the implications that go along with companies telling us what sexy should look like- which is what she claimed Victoria's Secret does. I was initially upset because I wanted to believe that I could just buy the merchandise and live above the influence. Now, just so you know I have a Blackberry and receive emails from several sites that I subscribe to. Literally as I was reading this chapter I got an email from Victoria's Secret, with the heading "What is Sexy? Take a peek..." So there you have it. I concede- Douglas got this one spot on.
Haha I absolutely agree with drew in this case. Douglas perfectly assesses the way in which commercial advertisement and media portrayal of women are major influences in a woman's search for sexiness. Is it such a crime to want to conform and look good for yourself? Is it bad to want to be skinny and enjoy the way you look and the way you feel? No, that's perfectly acceptable. But it is the messages that women face everyday when it comes to our body image that make us think we just aren't good enough. I think that the media and celebrities play a big role in the dissatisfaction of your average woman. In our minds we feel we need to achieve the ultimate beauty, or those hot new jeans, but really, we don't. NO ONE needs to do anything they don't want. However, that's difficult to say and even harder to do.
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