media image blog

Men and boys are influenced differently by the media on body images than females. There are fewer magazines and television shows that target young boys than girls. The body images usually displayed are more forgiving and suggest more of a fit look than emaciation. Beauty for women is defined differently than what is handsome for men. Media is more typical to display a muscular or toned body as the stereotypical "attractive" male, while females are more commonly displayed through images of models that are tall and exceptionally slim. There is more of a lure set out for young women than men. Perhaps simply because women are more likely to invest in the purchase of a magazine, or more apt to watch a show on fashion.
Not to say that young men are not targeted or affected by the media and its false portrayal of it's celebrity bodies. Young men are struggling with their image whether it be their weight, acne prone skin, or just general appearance and how that impacts the way that they feel people view them. Business men in suits, buff athletes, sensual male models, male celebrities, all are highlighted in light to their physical appearance and how it pertains or even contributes directly to their success in the world. There is not much media I am familiar with that is directed towards the preteen boy. Girls however, despite their age, are viewing movies and magazines far beyond their years and comparing themselves to idealistic views of appearance and how they should age. This sets expectations for how they think they should look before it is even possible for their bodies to portray that image.