Medias effect on body image is a big issue. The popular media have been affecting many females because the ideal body image for women is increasingly thinner than before. 1992 study found that womens magazines contained ten and a half times as many advertisements and articles on weight loss as mens magazines. (Anderson, 1992). This gives us a message that the media has been supporting weight loss for women, and why is that? Also a 1996 study found that an adolescent watches soaps, movies, and music videos associated with their body, and trying to be thin (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 1996). When we research closely at the people children look up to, the ideal role models for them are thin. Its amazing to see how much body image in the media has been influencing women. In addition, it upsets me to see how there are only few role models in the media who are not ideally thin. You dont have to be thin to win, remarked Rosie ODonnell. 
Rosie ODonnell wasnt always on the large side. Growing up as a teenager, she was thin, and was even the prom queen at her high school. However, weight has been a issue for her as time passed on, and it has been a problem she struggled through. However, she realized that weight shouldnt be an issue for women. In her interview with the Radiance Magazine in 1997, she remarked, "I looked in the mirror and said, this is who you are, and this is where you are. You are okay in this body, and youre great, healthy, lovable and loving person, and go forward with love." Rosie has been a role model for many women as she admitted her body image, and her support for other women who have been struggling with their bodies. In April, she started her own magazine, "Rosie". She is also raising her three adopted kids, as a single mother. She supports her children, and is highly supportive in Childrens organizations. 
In addition, Star Jones, who is a co-host of the television show, "The View" has been a positive influence on women and body image. She has a positive attitude towards her work, and her great self-esteem is one of the good things about her personality. She explains that her parents have been positive role models for her. She pointed out, "I was just encouraged to be the best "me" that I could be. That is the greatest gift you can give a child; the freedom and self-confidence to be themselves." Although Jones didnt grow up in a high-income family, her parents worked hard and instilled a sense of pride in her. Not only that, she was always educated well by her parents, and learned that its important for her to become involved in the community by giving back to the community. In 2000, Jones joined the efforts of Girls, Inc. for a national self-image building campaign aimed at young women. She is also part of Gods Love We Deliver, Dress for Success, and East Harlem School at Exodus House.
I hope to see more of Rosie O'Donnell and Star Jones in the media. I also hope that there will be more positive role-models in the future like these two women. |
