Miata's Historical
The changing perception of beauty can’t be traced back to a specific time period, but it can be traced back to cultures with different standards of beauty. For example, in sixteenth-century Europe, the corset became very popular. The corset was invented so women could have a thinner waist because Catherine de’ Medici was opposed to women having thick waist during the 1550s. This trend has continued for centuries up until modern times. Medici was the fashion icon of her era in France.[1] Women during this time, as well as modern times, took orders from the queen because the queen had power and was thought of to be the most beautiful woman around. As the years have progressed expectations for women's body image has become a rising issue in all parts of the world. In modern day Europe models are constantly getting smaller and smaller. In the past decade psychological disorders have increased because women are not stratified with their appearance. Almost 50% of those with an eating disorder meet the criteria for depression.[2] Moreover, women are bombarded with sexual ads and beings made as only sexual beings. Jean Kilbourne explains in her documentaries “Killing Us Softly” about how the media and advertisements we absorb everyday really do affect us. We are exposed to 3000 ads per day.[3] [1] The Reign of High Heels. (2010, October 28). Retrieved from http://onthisdayinfashion.com/?p=7377 [2] Eating disorder statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/ [3] Killing Us Softly [Motion picture]. (2012). |
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In this video made by the staff at Buzzfeed.com several women with different body types model what the expected body type for women was during that time in history and now in modern.
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Ana's Historical
The impact of the media and its influence on our perception of beauty can't be traced back to a specific time period. Additionally, many cultures have different and distinct standards of beauty. The American culture has changed their perception and standards of beauty drastically over the last 100 years. Although most standards and perceptions changed some remained the same. In the 1900s through 1910s “The Gibson Girl” was the ideal perception of beauty.[1] The Gibson Girl is ideally tall and slender, has voluptuous breast and wide hips. During this time to achieve this “Gibson Girl” look one had to significantly pinch their torso and waist by using a corset which is a tightly fitted undergarment that is used to shape one's figure. Although, by the 1920s many women gave up the corsets and started looking more boyish, but due to women wanting to appear thin and have an enhanced appearance, as seen in advertisements, it caused women to diet and exercise to achieve their goals. After World War II the standards of an “ideal woman” changed. Women were perceived to have “a busty, voluptuous hourglass look”[2] and they’re also expected to have flawless skin like models such as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Many young girls, teenagers, and adults experience eating disorders and other physical and health issues from trying to meet those perceptions. 47% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures.[3]
[1] Women's Body Image and BMI. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rehabs.com/explore/womens-body-image-and-bmi/
[2] 1950s: Post-War. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rehabs.com/explore/womens-body-image-and-bmi/
[3] Prevention of Eating Problems with Elementary Children, Michael Levine, USA Today, July 1998.http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
[1] Women's Body Image and BMI. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rehabs.com/explore/womens-body-image-and-bmi/
[2] 1950s: Post-War. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rehabs.com/explore/womens-body-image-and-bmi/
[3] Prevention of Eating Problems with Elementary Children, Michael Levine, USA Today, July 1998.http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/