Sex and the Media

Sex is one of the main factors in fashion. Sex sells and so does fashion. Combine the two…and a success?

Advertising and media images are encouraging young girls to think more about looks and sexuality rather than inner beauty. This can be devastating to their emotional and physical health. Even barbies and dolls are becoming sex objects (Jayson). This is leading them to think of their bodies as sexual objects. Television, ads, and movies are factors that are influencing women and these young girls. Sexy images of half naked women are used for advertising all over the place.

The National Eating Disorders Association has said one out of every four commercials on T.V. is sending some sign of attractiveness. This is showing the viewer what is attractive. Even video games are becoming an issue. 38% of female characters in these video games are dressed “slutty” (Jason). Researchers have also said that these images make young girls treat their bodies as sex objects as well. These images have also been related to eating disorders depression and low self esteem.

These advertisements are showing girls that a person’s worth comes from girls or mans sexual allure. Bratz dolls wear miniskirts, fishnets, and short shirts which are very sexy and seductive. These dolls are for girls that are 4-6 years of age (Jason). Why are these companies making such provocative dolls, when they are being supplied to such young girls?

Cosmopolitan and Play boy magazines urge women to be sexy in bed, and to attract and satisfy their men. The media is misinforming people and stereotyping women. Many teens and kids turn to the media when wanting to learn about sex. In 2003, David Buckingham and Sara Bragg have proclaimed that two-thirds of teens have gone to the media when wanting to inform themselves about sex ("Sex"). The teens are only learning the positives about sex. They are being shown that need to be dressing provocatively in order to impress people.

My perspective on the whole situation is that sex really has been a factor in teen’s lives. Sex is being idolized now as if it is a thing that you must do to be in the “in crowd”. I think the media need to take a step back in sex. Even though sex sells, is it really worth brainwashing these children? Children should be taught the negatives and positives about having sex. It is being glamorized and accentuated. Sex is a delicate topic and it should be treated as such. It should not be exploited and it needs to be handled by older and wiser people that you trust and talk to.

So no…combining sex and fashion does not make a success. Maybe industry wise you will be more known but knowing that you are giving these kids a bad example of what sex really means, is just digging a bigger hole in your grave. Kids are going to be in our place one day and they will be setting an example for the younger ones. If the advertisements keep brainwashing these kids brains who will be there to set an example for the next generation?

References
Jayson, Sharon. "Media cited for showing girls as sex objects." USA Today. 02 Feb. 2007. 10 Nov. 2008 . http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-02-19-sexualized-girls_x.htm

"Sex and Relationships in the Media." Media awareness network. 2008. Media awareness network. 10 Nov. 2008 . http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_sex.cfm

Anorexia, the new fashion?!

The media in today’s world is one of the main factors why people are being influenced to concentrate more on outer beauty rather than inner. It sad how the media is getting into these young women’s minds. As an effect to this problem the epidemic of anorexia and bulimia is growing more rapidly more than ever before. Being skinny is now the fashion. Anorexia is a condition that is usually brought on by emotional disorders that lead a person to worry excessively about the appearance of his or her body (“Bulimia”). As a result, this causes a person to starve themselves which is known as anorexia or it makes them binge right after eating a meal which is known as bulimia nervosa. The media should recognize more normal people, rather than unhealthy, overly skinny models.

Fashion is supposed to be about dressing up and having fun with it. I never thought that fashion could also cause such a disaster. The media is presenting unrealistic images to girls who are feeling vulnerable (Clonts). These advertisements come to people from all angles such as television, magazines, and billboards. There seems to be an endless flood of ads telling the public what to think, what to eat, and how to look.

These factors have all promoted a distorted vision of what a beautiful person is defined as. Women’s magazines are full of articles urging that if they can just loose those last twenty pounds, they have it all-the perfect marriage, great sex, and a rewarding career (“Media”). The number of cases of anorexia and bulimia has doubled since 1970, and experts now estimate that 0.5 to 1 percent of all white females may be anorexic (“Bulimia”).Research indicates that exposure to images of thin, young, air brushed bodies is linked to depression, loss of self esteem and development of unhealthy eating habits in women as well as girls.

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute warn that weight control measures are being taken by girls as young as nine (“Beauty”). The most common age at which the disorder first appears is fourteen to eighteen years (“Bulimia”). Teen Magazine reported that 35 percent of girls six to 12 years old have been on at least one diet, and that 50-70 percent of normal weight girls think they are overweight (Beauty). Time and time again it has been proven that, for the long-term, regimented diet plans do not work, yet our society continues to buy into the idea that they do (“Media”).

It is unfortunate that so many young women and men are starving their bodies just to fit what the American culture has considered to be perfect. People have forgotten that what’s on the inside counts more than the outside. Our society needs to learn love and accept themselves the way that they are. We should all embrace ourselves and love our bodies. Fashion should be taken into such a negative point. Being skinny might be in fashion, but another thing that is more important in fashion is individuality. Fashion is about setting a trend not following others.

References

"Beauty and Body Image in the Media." Media Awareness Network. 2007. 20 Nov. 2007 http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_beauty.cfm.

"Bulimia & Anorexia in the Media." Bookrags. 2006. 20 Nov. 07 http://www.bookrags.com/essay-2004/12/13/185919/25.

Clonts, Lauren. "Anorexia Possibly Fueled by Media Images." The Daily ToReador. 2007. 20 Nov. 2007 http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2004/11/18/LifeLeisure/Anorexia.Possibly.Fueled.By.Media.Images-1279856.shtml.

"The Media." Something Fishy. CRC Healthgroup. 20 Nov. 2007 http://www.something-fishy.org/cultural/themedia.php.

Costly Designers or a Cheap Knock off?

Many men and women are obsessed with designer clothing, but does it really make a difference? Do people change the way they act towards you, just by the name brand clothes you wear?

Designer clothes are clothes that are made by companies such as Gucci, D&G, Coach, Louis Vuitton and many more. These companies sell overly expensive clothes. People (mainly women) go crazy over items that have these designer names on them.

Some people think that wearing non expensive clothes lowers who you are. You must be wearing something expensive to show that you have “value”. When wearing something designer women think that they stand out more and that they are the center of attention. This can also increases their self esteem and boost their confidence. Wearing designer clothing helps you make a fashion statement. It may also help you feel more superior.

In my perspective, I do not think this is true. Even though I might be a bit of a “designer whore” myself, it is not necessary to be spending huge bulks of money on purses and clothes. I’ve seen many people ruin their credit and go bankrupt because of this. A few Louis Vuitton purses are not worth ruining your credit over. Sure, you’ll have a few nice purses but is it really worth that much?

If you are wearing good clothes that are in fashion but aren’t designer, it does not lower who you are. Designer clothes may help boost your self esteem but it does not make you any superior. It just shows people you spend way too much on your clothes ("Designer").

There are many knock off designer hand bags that are more than half the price of a real one! Unless you’re really rich or you just won the lottery you shouldn’t be spending huge bulks on real handbags. Buying a knockoff handbag will still show people that you have the latest fashion in the purse world ("Designer").

You can also get the same outfit that looks the same as the designer outfit for less. Stores such as Ross, Marshalls and Aj Wright are few stores to mention. They have designer brands such as Kathy Van Zeeland and Guess for a much cheaper price. The same bag at Macys would probably cost twice as much. When it comes to designer clothes, most of the time you can’t even tell what brand it’s from, without looking at the tag. It’s better to get items from different stores to make the outfit complete. It won’t be the same as the designer version but it will be close. Sure, it will take more time getting the outfit together, but it’s better than spending a $1000.

I used to spend a lot and use my parent’s money on purses that were $500 each. I realized spending that much is not necessary. A few designers’ purses are fine if you can afford them but consistently spending on them is not a good thing. Last year, I spent too much on designer stuff but this year I have changed. Ross has changed my whole perspective. These are the many ways you can stick to your budget and still fill your closet with great stuff ("Designer")!

Why go to Nordstrom when you can get the same purse from Ross for half the price!

So work hard and spend wisely…

References

"Designer Knockoff Handbag." Designer Knockoff Handbag. 8 Nov. 2008. http://www.theknockofflist.com/

Does the color of clothing we wear affect our mood?

Clothes do not only make you what you are as a person but it also affects your mood. Who knew clothes could have such an affect. During the winter time when it’s get colder, students turn to coats, turtle necks, scarves instead of wearing the short miniskirts they are used to wearing. Their wardrobe has dark colored clothing rather than the hot pink, that you would see during the summer. Students also come in wearing pajamas to class more so during the winter time (Finan). It’s like were hibernating too, just in a different way. We resort to dark colored clothing and being lazy rather than going to the sleep for the whole season. Winter is a like a slight depression that we are facing (Finan). It is full of dark skies, and dark colors.

When a special occasion comes along people make a bigger effort to look their best. They dress in fancy clothes rather than pajamas. This shows that one must feel good to dress good and vice versa. (Finan) Color theorists have said colors can also induce reactions. When you are wearing dark color, you may go into a slight depression. Bright colors like blue and green put you in a good mood as well as others that are around you. When feeling angry you should avoid colors such as black and red because this will only make matters worse (Finan). Instead, wear some light to lighten up your mood.

All colors have different affects on the body (Johnson)….

White is considered to be a summer color. Its light neutral and it goes with anything. Doctors wear it to promote sterility and brides wear white to symbolize their purity, beauty and innocence.

Red is a strong color. It makes u have a faster heart beat and faster breathing as well. It also symbolizes love. Red makes you get noticed and get attention. It also makes you appear thicker and bigger than you already are.

Blue represents peace, tranquility and it helps the body to produce relaxing chemicals. Fashion consultants say that it should be worn at job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty.

Green is the easiest on the eye. It can also help your vision. Green is used in hospitals to calm patients. It is a color of relaxation and calmness.

Yellow is a cheerful color. It also attracts attention. It enhances concentration but it is the hardest for the ye to take in (Johnson).

So when tomorrow comes along, don’t reach for the regular dark itchy sweater you always wear. Approach the day, in a positive way. And when you feel the breeze come along, reach for the colorful sweater. Your day will go much better and people will be affected positively.

References

Finan, Halle. "Clothes make the mood." Diamond Back online. 23 Nov. 2005. 28 Oct. 2008 . http://media.www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2005/11/23/Opinion/Clothes.Make.The.Mood-2323543.shtml

Johnson, David. "Color Psychology." Infoplease. 2007. Pearson Education. 29 Oct. 2008 . http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html