Argumentative Essay - GSWS 2225 PDF(1)
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Final Essay: Kim Kardashian's Influence on Teenage Girls’ Body Image and Girlhood GSWS 2225F Professor: Andrea Burke Ashlee Dixon 251171969 December 5th, 2023 Word Count: 2392
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Introduction: Celebrities are quite powerful in this era of social media dominance, especially concerning young people. Famous for her influence on numerous areas of popular culture, Kim Kardashian is a social media and entertainment personality who has attracted a lot of attention. Potential effects on teenage girls' body image and the construction of their girlhood are among the most important worries regarding her impact (Sicardi, 2021). Through an examination of the larger societal backdrop and the impact of social pressures, throughout this essay, I will argue how Kim Kardashian's public persona and media presence often contribute to forming young girls' body image and experiences of girlhood negatively. Body Image and the Media In today's world, body image has become a major worry for many, especially young girls. The media, particularly social media sites, is a major factor in how people view beauty and define ideal body types. In today's media environment, Kim Kardashian, who is renowned for her luxurious lifestyle and curvy physique, has gained iconic status (Sicardi, 2021). The continuous exposure to her social media photos, lifestyle, and beauty standards can have a significant effect on how teenage girls view their bodies (Sicardi, 2022). Kim Kardashian Body Image: A Cultural Phenomenon Kim Kardashian's body image has become a cultural phenomenon, establishing unquestionable criteria of beauty (Sastre, 2013). The appeal of her hourglass body and lush curves have influenced opinions about beauty in many areas of popular culture (Sastre, 2013). But I would contend that the drastic means required to cultivate and uphold such an image are frequently left unsaid. Kim Kardashian's lack of disclosure regarding any severe dietary
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limitations she could have placed on herself, like solely eating salads or fasting for days in preparation for a photo shoot, reinforces an unattainable and possibly detrimental ideal of beauty (Sastre, 2013). Young girls may internalize unhealthy relationships with food and form irrational expectations about their bodies if they view their eating habits as an example to follow (Sastre, 2013). This paints the picture to young girls that they should prepare for photo shoots in the same way as she does, which is very unrealistic and harmful to their bodies (Sastre, 2013). The matter is made more problematic by the lack of transparency surrounding the considerable cosmetic operations she might have undertaken. Kim adds to a culture that idealizes an inherently unachievable physical image by keeping her body treatments and adjustments hidden. There are concerns over the possible effects on adolescent girls who view her as a beauty icon due to this omission. Her unreachable idealized appearance may encourage problematic body image fixations in young women, making them think that drastic measures are required to adhere to social standards of beauty (Pomerantz, 2009). The potential detrimental effects of upholding an unattainable beauty ideal without also disclosing the sacrifices and treatments necessary are another cause for concern. Adolescent girls in particular could internalize these standards and endanger their physical and emotional health to achieve an image that could be impossible to achieve without drastic means (Gonick, 2006). It highlights how crucial it is to advance a more inclusive and realistic definition of beauty, one that values variety and recognizes the different routes that lead to confidence and self-acceptance (Gonick, 2006).
I will argue that the great attention paid to her looks and body might unintentionally perpetuate another set of unattainable norms, putting undue pressure on young girls to adhere to
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a particular aesthetic (Gonick, 2006). I believe that when you have the money and tools to make your body the way you want it and you look like Kim Kardashian, it is easier to accept your body. I do not have access to a personal trainer, stylist, or hair and makeup artist and as a result, I often guilty about not measuring up to the body expectations of celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Social Media Comparisons A steady stream of carefully chosen photos from social media sites, especially Instagram and Snapchat, gives users a peek into the lifestyles of celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Adolescent females frequently discover themselves engrossed in a virtual environment where comparisons are unavoidable (Pedalino and Camerini, 2022). Teenagers feel pressure to live up to the glossy lifestyles they see online when they are constantly exposed to idealized images, which affect how they view themselves. The social media persona of Kim Kardashian, loaded with pictures of her opulent lifestyle, high-end attire, and carefully manicured moments, may exacerbate the "social comparison theory" phenomena (Pedalino and Camerini, 2022). This idea holds that people evaluate their own social and personal worth by comparing themselves to other people (Pedalino and Camerini, 2022). As a result, I argue that teenage females become dissatisfied with their bodies and lifestyles because they are constantly comparing themselves to influencers and celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Making them believe that if they do not have what she has, they are not successful or worthy, which is not and should not be the case. The Kardashian Effect: Cosmetic Procedures and Beauty Standards The "Kardashian Effect" has been linked to an increase in cosmetic procedures, especially those done to get the famous Kardashian look. Speaking from experience, individuals grow up wanting to have Kim Kardashian's physical attributes such as her butt or waist. This
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phenomenon prompts questions about the possible health dangers connected to cosmetic treatments and the influence of celebrity culture on the normalization of cosmetic modifications. Within the framework of girlhood, the obsession with Kardashian's body obscures the significance of honouring girls for their intelligence, distinct abilities, and desire for self-
development. This narrative's emphasis on physical attractiveness may instill in young girls a sense of obligation to put their outward appearance before their intellectual growth or the discovery of who they truly are (Bae, 2011). The overshadowing effect reinforces stereotyped expectations by restricting the concept of what it means to be a girl to a restricted and superficial one (Bae, 2011). It emphasizes the idea that the female body should revolve around the wants and desires of the male gaze (Bae, 2011). When that is the case, teenage girls are subjected to peer pressure to prioritize appearance over other qualities, which perpetuates the myth that a girl's physical attractiveness serves as the primary measure of her worth. Developing a feeling of agency in young girls entails motivating them to value personal development, accept their uniqueness, and follow their passions (Pomerantz, 2009). Society can help create a more welcoming and powerful environment for the upcoming generation of women by expanding the narrative to include the vast array of experiences and abilities inside girlhood. It is important to stress that understanding one's full range of potential; which extends well beyond the boundaries of outward appearances, as well as appreciating one's traits and ability to learn are the keys to achieving true fulfillment in girlhood (Pomerantz, 2009). Parental and Educational Roles: Nurturing Healthy Perspectives Adolescent females' opinions are significantly shaped by their parents and teachers. It's crucial to have candid conversations about issues like body image, self-worth, and the effect of
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celebrities like Kim Kardashian (Pedalino and Camerini, 2022). Promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills enables adolescent females to successfully navigate the intricate world of social media and celebrity culture (Pedalino and Camerini, 2022). In addition, expanding the definition of girlhood can be achieved by promoting varied representations of success and appeal. Through examining diverse role models with varying physiques, abilities, and achievements. The public can be encouraged to embrace the idea that each female is special and valued in ways that go beyond her physical look (Pedalino and Camerini, 2022). Kim Kardashian’s Brand Impact: Shaping Beauty Standards and Body Image for Young Girls Using a variety of brands that each focus on a distinct part of lifestyle and beauty, Kim Kardashian has increased her impact on young girls' self-esteem and body image. Her successful business venture is the shapewear and loungewear line SKIMS. SKIMS has been promoted as a way to get the ideal silhouette and body shape, frequently highlighting smooth features and curves (Kato, 2022). Shapewear may help some people feel more confident, but it can also encourage specific body standards, which could lower the self-esteem of those who don't naturally meet these ideals (Bae, 2011). For young girls, it sets a precedent that their body should be smooth and curvy and if it isn’t they should buy shapewear to fix that “issue”. In my opinion, I believe that SKIMS pushes teenage girls to transform themselves and their bodies into a new sense of self, pushing them to be someone they are not (Bae, 2011). Under Kim Kardashian's management, "KKW Beauty" is another brand that specializes in makeup and beauty items. Kardashian supports beauty regimens and makeup goods, which adds to the beauty culture that emphasizes outward appearance. Her frequent use of filters and cosmetics in public photos may give the impression that she is flawless, which could negatively
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impact young girls' self-esteem and lead to unattainable standards of beauty. Ultimately, young girls are promised a sense of false reality from the commercialization of products (Bae, 2011). They are only buying it because it has Kim Kardashian’s name attached to it, not because they want to or like it. Kim Kardashian has expanded her beauty and shapewear business to include skincare through "KKW Skin." The promotion of flawless and bright skin is a common marketing strategy for skincare products (Bae, 2011), which contributes to the perception that having perfect skin is an essential component of attractiveness. This begins to negatively affect young girls' self-esteem since they may feel under pressure to have a perfect complexion. It's important to remember that, despite the potential benefits and drawbacks of these enterprises, Kim Kardashian and the larger culture that creates and adopts these beauty standards share some of the blame. To lessen the possible detrimental influence on young girls' self-
perceptions, it is crucial to promote various representations of beauty and critical thinking skills (Pomerantz, 2009). By doing so, teenage girls would have the agency to decide how they want to live their own life, and how they want to portray themselves (Pomerantz, 2009). Without being pressured into buying commercialized products because Kim Kardashian says so. The Kim Kardashian Effect on Girlhood As a pivotal period in the life of a young woman, girlhood is closely linked to self-
perceptions, social expectations, and the forces that mould personal identities to fit into a defined role of womanhood (Gonick, 2006). Kim Kardashian's impact on adolescent girls goes beyond body image; it also affects how their girlhood experiences are constructed. The culture's emphasis may permanently impact teenage girls' perceptions of their values, relationships, and
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goals on physical attractiveness (Pomerantz, 2009), which is exacerbated by the Kardashian Effect. Girls go through a crucial time of self-discovery and identity construction during adolescence. What it means to be a girl in modern culture can be shaped by the impact of public celebrities such as Kim Kardashian. A limited view of girlhood results from the idealization of particular body types and beauty standards, when physical appearance supersedes other aspects of identity. As a result, there are higher odds that girls will have emotions of inadequacy and self-
doubt, which will negatively affect their general well-being and self-esteem. The influence that Kim Kardashian has on girls' goals and professional decisions is not limited to just those areas. A concentration on one's physical beauty unintentionally fosters a culture that prioritizes physical appearance over accomplishments, intelligence, and ability. Adolescent females might take in the idea that being recognized and successful are directly related to physical attractiveness, which could discourage them from pursuing hobbies and professions that are different from traditional ideas of beauty. As females go from adolescence into early adulthood, it becomes increasingly evident how influencers like Kim Kardashian continue to shape girlhood. The pressure to live up to idealized standards and definitions can lead to the emergence of unhealthy coping strategies (Gonick, 2006) like disordered eating patterns or an obsession with physical appearance. These problems can have a significant and enduring impact on mental health, influencing a young woman's life path as she works through the challenges of adulthood. To address how Kim Kardashian has influenced the girlhood of teenage girls, it is important to create an atmosphere that values diversity, promotes self-expression, and
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undermines social conventions. Recognizing the complex relationship between various factors that shape adolescence, we may establish a nurturing atmosphere that empowers young girls to flourish and value their individuality. How Has My Body Image and Girlhood Been Influenced by Kim Kardashian? Kim Kardashian hasn't always had a favourable impact on my body image and sense of self; there have been moments when her influence has made me feel bad about who I am. For example, whenever I browse her Instagram, I can't help but compare my physique to hers, especially in the moments when she flaunts her hourglass figure in tight clothing. While I negotiate cultural standards about beauty and body form, these comparisons cause me to feel inferior and disappointed. The emphasis on physical attractiveness as a sign of success in girlhood is a clear reflection of Kim Kardashian's impact. Scenes in which she displays high-end clothing lines, lavish parties, and immaculate beauty regimens may unintentionally reinforce a limited concept of femininity by attributing a woman's value only to her outward appearance (Bae, 2011). The previous examples sustain cultural influences that diminish the significance of personal development, accomplishments, and the variety of paths for fulfillment that characterize true femininity (Bae, 2011). Identifying these particular instances enables me to assess Kim Kardashian's influence on my body image and girlhood in a critical manner. I actively work toward developing a more positive relationship with my body image and adopting a more genuine and meaningful version of girlhood that goes beyond outward appearances and material indicators of success by analyzing these occurrences and comprehending their detrimental impact.
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Conclusion: In conclusion, there are numerous components to the complicated problem of Kim Kardashian's impact on adolescent girls' body image and sense of girlhood. It's important to understand the larger cultural framework in which these effects operate. With its never-ending stream of carefully chosen photos, social media greatly influences how people view beauty and fuels social pressures. Overall, throughout this essay, I have extensively argued that Kim Kardashian's public persona and media presence influence young girls' body image and experiences of girlhood in a negative manner.
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References Bae, M.S. (2011). Interrogating Girl Power: Girlhood, Popular Media, and Postfeminism. Visual Arts Research, 37
(2), 28-40. Driscoll, C. (2002). The Girl Market and Girl Culture. In Girls: Feminine Adolescence in Popular Culture and Cultural Theory, 265-302. Gonick, M. (2006). Between “Girl Power” and “Reviving Ophelia”: Constituting the Neoliberal Girl Subject. NWSA Journal, 18
(2), 1-23. Kato, B. (2022, January 26). Kim Kardashian’s “slim-thick” figure is “more harmful for Body image”: Study
. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2022/01/26/kim-kardashians-figure-
is-harmful-for-body-image-study/ Pedalino, F., & Camerini, A.-L. (2022). Instagram use and body dissatisfaction: The mediating role of upward social comparison with peers and influencers among young females. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
, 19
(3), 1543. https://
doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031543 Pomerantz, S. (2009). Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Un/Defining the “Girl”. Jeunesse: Young People, Texts, Cultures, 1
(2), 147-158. Sastre, A. (2013). Hottentot in the age of reality TV: Sexuality, race, and Kim Kardashian’s visible body. Celebrity Studies
, 5
(1–2), 123–137. https://doi.org/
10.1080/19392397.2013.810838
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Sicardi, A. (2021, February 16). The Kardashians changed the way we see beauty - for better or for worse
. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/the-kardashian-effect
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