[I answered this question some weeks ago. Today, I am so happy to say that the concerns I expressed in my response to this young person can now be considered in the entirely new perspective of the heroic efforts of "ordinary people" following the terrorist attacks in New York, on the airplane in Pennsylvania, in D.C., and all across our great country, as once again we learn that pulling together keeps us from being pulled apart! Amen, and God bless America and all those who in the past days have worked TOGETHER to save us! - jw]

Dear Jean:

What effect does the media's portrayal of the perfect body image have on adolescent and family development?

Jean responds:

Hi,
Thanks for visiting at www.parentingadolescents.com, and for sending in a question.

Your question is so comprehensive it would take a book (or two) to answer it! We have known for some time that anorexia in young women seems to be related to the portrayal of a false (and impossible) body image in the media. But I guess I end up saying also that somehow we are all at fault in a basic way
in producing these media portrayals because they would not be produced if they did not appeal to something IN us.

My best guess about what the something in is may be is perhaps expressed by Susan Faludi in her book "Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man."

According to Ms. Faludi, America gradually became, after the Second World War, a nation that worshiped individual "stars," rather than one that valued the kind of teamwork that won that War. Today it seems too many of our young people knock themselves out -- and anyone who may stand in their way -- in order to "stand out," garner the attention of the media. Get on TV or be in
the movies or on the front of a magazine -- that seems the ultimate goal for many of our youth, rather than a goal such as growing up to be like their father or mother, or like a respected adult in their community, one who knows how to lead and how to follow, who knows how to work towards and achieve a goal, along with others.

These days, it hardly matters for WHAT you may be recognized in the media, as long as you ARE recognized. Look at the talk shows in which
people are invited to expose (and hurt) themselves and others: for what? For their 15 minutes (or less) of "fame?" Ach, it makes me sick. And my guess is, it's making a lot of us "sick," literally.

So there you have my diatribe. Hope it helps you think a little.

Jean.

Disclaimer: Ms. Walbridge's response to your question is intended to be educational and informative. It is not a substitute for face to face consultation or psychotherapy with a mental health professional.

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