MEDIA AND EATING DISORDERS

1. Review two popular magazines, one primarily for women and one for men, which promote messages of thinness, beauty and happiness.

2. Summarize the messages of each magazine in the following way:

a. Describe the different techniques employed, i.e., using popular models, promoting happiness, a better life, etc.

b. Are these techniques convincing? Do they communicate their message effectively?  To what segment(s) of the population are these messages targeted?

c. Are these messages dangerous?  Why/why not?

d. Do you feel there should be any restraints on what is published in magazines as related to body image and eating disorders?  Fully discuss your answer, a simple “yes” or “no” is not sufficient.

SAMPLE PAPER

Thinness, Beauty and Happiness

For a long time, obsession with body image has been an issue for girls and women. It was unheard of for a man to suffer from anorexia or engage in binge eating in order to become slim. In the recent past, a new trend has been observed: men are becoming increasingly wary of their body image. Chawner (2019) gives the story of a celebrity by the name Christopher Eccleston who admitted to having an eating disorder. The article in the GQ magazine lists several other celebrities who have experienced the same thing: Elton John, Russell Brand, and Deniis Quaid. An interesting remark made in this magazine is that some men “don’t like the way [they] look [and are] not comfortable in [their skin]” (Chawner, 2019 para.4). Such a statement creates the impression that just like women, men experience anxiety about their body images.

            To convey the message that eating disorders are no longer a women’s only concern, Chawner (2019) uses a simple technique where he interviews a popular figure. Such a narration makes the message more credible in the sense that the sentiments presented in the article are obtained from a primary source. Because of this, the message that men, just like women, are concerned with body image, becomes more effective. Looking at the article, one may conclude that the message targets boys- especially the youth. The article challenges men not to be afraid of speaking out and seeking help if they feel anxious about their body shapes.

            Since the article is about a real-life experience, there is nothing harmful in the message being portrayed. On the contrary, it is a timely, valuable piece that ought to be read by everyone in the society. This way, victims of eating disorders will be accorded necessary assistance. In light of this, I feel there is need for placing restraints on the content published in magazines. As long as the topic is one that affects members of the society, it is alright to publish it; this way, members of the public will stay informed about pertinent issues affecting them.

Lexi Novak together with staff of the Allure magazine have written an interesting piece meant to help women to feel good about themselves using simple tactics. The article outlines seven simple steps that make women seductive. The authors use a very simple technique of outlining the points and providing a brief description of each of the points. The points raised by the authors are practical and convincing and are what most women use in everyday life. For example, it is common knowledge that wearing a perfume is considered feminine and makes a woman feel amazing. The authors also advise women to invest in sexy lingerie, embrace physical activity in order to enhance their body image, and make sure they have the right posture always. Although some of the ideas put forth by the authors are somewhat controversial, the explanations offered for each for the points is quite satisfactory and makes the articulation of the message effective. For instance, Novak and Allure Staff (2017) recommend regular sex, claiming that it increases one’s happiness while also improving his/her health. Similarly, the authors encourage women to be intentionally provocative. Much as they attempt to explain the connection between these actions and happiness, these messages seem dangerous and inappropriate especially when they are read by underage girls. In other words, while the message may be targeted for adult women, it could be dangerous if accessed by the group for which it was not targeted.

In light of the above consideration, I strongly feel that magazine editors should enforce policies to ensure that the information passed to readers is suitable for all age groups. Policies such as “unsuitable for a certain age group”, as seen in television programs may help to make sure that readers do not end up misled on things such as the ideal body image or that women exist to seduce men.

References

Chawner, D. (2019). Why don’t men talk about body image? GQ. www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/body-image-men-suffer-too

Novak, L. and Allure Staff. (2017). How to feel sexy right now. Allure. www.allure.com/story/how-to-feel-sexy



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