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The Influence Of Body Images Between Men And Women

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Whether you are watching a show on television or reading your favorite magazine, you will notice that there is a specific body image of men and women portrayed in America today. Women are very tall, slender hourglass figures with no visual imperfections on their bodies. Men are muscular and have a general reputation of being powerful. Through body images seen on television, a trend has been set by Americans to achieve these body types, and the effect is detrimental to society today because it increases eating disorders, mental illnesses, chronic health issues, and unhealthy lifestyles with men and women.

When you look back at the history of body images among women, you can see that the size fluctuates between curvy, and very thin. In the 1920’s women were more of a boyish figure with minimal curves and smaller breasts. These physical features composed the image of a flapper who was seen as carefree and more outgoing. In the 1950’s women had a curvier body type with larger breasts and this was considered to be glamorous. A popular icon during this time was Marilyn Monroe, who would have been considered a plus-size model in America today. The body image of a man has fluctuated over history as well. In the 1920’s the ideal image came from the strong man at the circus that could hold multiple men on a wooden plank with one hand over his head. As of today, the man’s ideal body image is composed mostly of a combination of …show more content…

Women are seen as very slender, with flawless bodies on shows about dancing, reality television, and even sitcoms. In magazines, you view models who are picture perfect in the newest swimsuits and other popular clothing lines. You even see the ideal body image set by top singers in the pop culture. American women are driven by physical appearance and when the pop culture sets a new trend women will want to know how to achieve it the fastest way

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