Growing up as a female in this generation, almost everything is about image. Tither you have the look or you don't. This generation has grown off of role models and celebrities who all look the same. (i.e. Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, Kim Kardashian) All of which resembles a mix between video vixen and a barbie doll. Although it's too late for us, we can still attempt to save the next group of children youngsters coming up.
DNews has a segment on how barbie influences body image. It introduces us to the "new barbie on the block" which is the Lamilly doll; a realistic fashion doll. This doll was created to show natural beauty and to prevent our youth from the distorted vision of beauty the public is trying to shove into their minds. The link above shows an experiment, seeing what children think of the realistic doll vs the Barbie with the impossible image. The results are impressive regarding the fact that these are children who may have already been introduced to the regular Barbie doll with the hour glass shape.
Dr. Rebecca Hains write an article giving us 5 reasons not to buy barbie, including that the doll promote a dangerously unhealthy diet and impossible image goals. This barbie alone has influenced a number of women including a woman, Cindy Jackson, a woman who was highly influence by barbie, and the famous barbie look-alike, Valeria Lukyanova. Al though Valeria Lukyanova used her publicity to display her spiritual beliefs, she still understands that it is the "look" she contains that attracts her audience. She also maintains her shape with an almost ALL liquid diet and rock climbing. Any teen or child following similar diets could be digging their own grave. We need to make sure our young girls do not go down the materialistic path our generation regrets. Let our children use their tooth fairy money for candy, not their pending cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Rebecca Hains write an article giving us 5 reasons not to buy barbie, including that the doll promote a dangerously unhealthy diet and impossible image goals. This barbie alone has influenced a number of women including a woman, Cindy Jackson, a woman who was highly influence by barbie, and the famous barbie look-alike, Valeria Lukyanova. Al though Valeria Lukyanova used her publicity to display her spiritual beliefs, she still understands that it is the "look" she contains that attracts her audience. She also maintains her shape with an almost ALL liquid diet and rock climbing. Any teen or child following similar diets could be digging their own grave. We need to make sure our young girls do not go down the materialistic path our generation regrets. Let our children use their tooth fairy money for candy, not their pending cosmetic surgery.
I like the idea of your article. It is relevant,critical and true in today's society. The analogy in the last sentence was perfect! It concluded the article in a advanced and entertaining way.
ReplyDeleteMore women should read this. Its empowering to them and tells everyone to be you and be natural and be happy.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is to late for a generation that is already corrupt to reverse damage that has been introduced to us from childhood. It is interesting to know that someone is doing something to change that in future generations. I agree with the creation of the Lamilly doll it will change what girls aspire to be in the near future.
ReplyDeleteYour view was very insightful on the topic of body image issues in society. I also liked how you used valerie lukyanova as an example because she is well known for being a human barbie
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your position! Many females, old and young, are affected by society's definition of beauty. This definition often leads to low self-esteem which is one of the leading causes of suicide. I wonder if this affects men in the same way. Great Job :)
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