Blog #4

In Naomi Wolf’s novel, The Beauty Myth, she discusses how images of beauty in the media are used against women. Through the media, the beauty myth enforces the idea that to achieve “flawless beauty,” is to have a thin physique. Wolf also talks about how the modern woman has more freedom and power than ever before and that this successful woman has put fear into male-dominated institutions. After the Industrial Revolution, technology improved and advertisements were able to be mass-produced. The media has created a false image of what they believe women are to look like.

Wolf discusses the differences between a female model and an average American woman. The article states, “the weight of fashion models plummeted to 23 percent below that of ordinary women,” which has led to a rise in eating disorders. The average American woman weighs about 160 pounds and stands at about 5’4” tall. The average model in fashion advertisements weights about 130 pounds and stands at about 5’10” tall.

The female models in fashion advertising are usually seen as sex objects. They use their bodies to attract attention and tend to make the female reader feel bad about themselves. After seeing these perfect, but usually photo shopped or airbrushed advertisements, women become self-conscious. Introduction to the beauty myth begins at a young age. Barbie is an example of this myth because young girls grow up playing with Barbie dolls and they become acquainted with this ideal tall, thin and blonde image. A beautiful, plus-sized model, that many women look up to and idolize, modeled in a photo shoot to argue the beauty myth. She is seen with plastic surgeon’s dotted lines all over her body to show what would need to be cut away to have the body of a Barbie doll.

Victoria’s Secret models are another obvious example of how the media displays this myth. Victoria’s Secret has become a major fashion industry that now appeals to girls of younger ages. The models are called “Angels,” and the models have a very similar image to that of a Barbie doll. The models are shown as confident, tall, thin and feminine women. The text on one Victoria’s Secret advertisement says, “No one’s perfect. Until now.” The brand is creating the idea that women who wear their new “Perfect One” bra are perfect.

Another advertisement has text in small print that says, “nothing to hide.” Six models are lined up wearing only stiletto heels and black gloves. They are also covered in diamond necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. Each of their hair is the same length and looks as if it is blowing in the wind. Most of the models have very seductive facial expressions. The women are nude, but covering themselves with their arms and legs. This shows how female models can be used as sex objects.

Fashion advertisement portrays images of what they believe to be the ideal woman. Of course most women would love to look like these models, and although these advertisements make women self-conscious and can lead to self-hate, but I believe they can also give women hope and determination.