If you have a negative self-image (whether extremely negative or only generally negative), and note, SO MANY PEOPLE DO (it’s shocking!), it can be, well…destructive. Very destructive. It shapes the way you think, the way you interact with others, what you spend money on, your health, and (this is the important part) your HAPPINESS.Most girls, no, make that most people, are not fully aware of exactly where their less-than-perfect self-image comes from —or about how to “fix” it.
Some people might even think they were born with a poor self-image, but the truth is that today (every day) we are bombarded by the media with messages that tell us we’re not tall enough, skinny enough, curvy enough, or that our skin’s too dark or too light or that we have too many lines and blemishes.
I am, however, NOT exactly an expert in matters of self-image and the negative affect the media has on it, but let me tell you, I know some people who are! So allow me to give you, here, a fairly thorough introduction to some people who will help you get your head around what it is you need to know; help you to stay focused on the right things; help you to develop a really positive self-image; and to learn how to defend yourself from some very unhealthy issues.
First, meet Dr. Jean Kilbourne. Dr. Kilbourne is an expert on the media’s treatment of women in advertising, and has done amazing critical studies that include alcohol and tobacco advertising too.
See her bio here. See her remarkable film called “Killing Us Softly,” by clicking this link. It’s in our video library too. This should be required viewing for every woman (and man) in the nation.
Next, watch the craziness that goes on in the DOVE commercial that shows how much work goes into making a model look like a model. It’s an eye-opener. See it below.
The goal of all this material?
It’s to help you look deeply at your own thinking and to be aware of what is going on around you.
As a person, you’ll be 100 times safer and smarter knowing more (rather than less) about self-image and media issues —and you might even be able to help others who are struggling with negative self-image as well.
