An Evaluation of the Effects of Modeling and Advertising Standards Upon the Average American
Sarah Silaski
Instructor Smith
Honors English 10-2
16 March 2012
An Evaluation of the Effects of Modeling and Advertising Standards upon the Average American As the obesity percentage and the amount of overweight Americans has been skyrocketing among the United States population, models in the fashion and advertising world have been growing thinner and thinner in size (“Thin Fashion Models”). “People who are already large are getting larger and on the other side is the shrinking ideal” (“Models”). The beauty standard in modern American culture is an idea that the majority of adolescent Americans are buying into, and the image is that of severe thinness (Frissell 37-38). “Supporters also challenge the assertion, by opponents of weight regulations, that thin models are an inseparable part of fashion” (“Thin Fashion Models”). Thus the question arises: in what ways and to what extent do accepted contemporary modeling and advertising standards differ from the reality of the average American body type today and why?
Adults of healthy weight have become a marginal part of the population; obesity among children and adolescents is at its peak, and approximately one third of adults are obese (Wexler 1). “Although awareness of the obesity problem is on the increase, the number of overweight and obese Americans continues to rise” (“Update: Obesity”). Thirty-four percent of adults were measured to be overweight in 2008, and thirty one percent are classified in the obese category (“Obesity”). “An analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor surveillance system reveals that the obesity epidemic affects men and women of all ages, races, ethnic origins, smoking status, and educational attainment” (Wexler 1). Data shows that citizens of the United States have earned the title as the most overweight people in the world (Gay 7-8). A large fraction of researchers hold the two American exports of cheap fast food and high technology responsible for the obesity problem in
Instructor Smith
Honors English 10-2
16 March 2012
An Evaluation of the Effects of Modeling and Advertising Standards upon the Average American As the obesity percentage and the amount of overweight Americans has been skyrocketing among the United States population, models in the fashion and advertising world have been growing thinner and thinner in size (“Thin Fashion Models”). “People who are already large are getting larger and on the other side is the shrinking ideal” (“Models”). The beauty standard in modern American culture is an idea that the majority of adolescent Americans are buying into, and the image is that of severe thinness (Frissell 37-38). “Supporters also challenge the assertion, by opponents of weight regulations, that thin models are an inseparable part of fashion” (“Thin Fashion Models”). Thus the question arises: in what ways and to what extent do accepted contemporary modeling and advertising standards differ from the reality of the average American body type today and why?
Adults of healthy weight have become a marginal part of the population; obesity among children and adolescents is at its peak, and approximately one third of adults are obese (Wexler 1). “Although awareness of the obesity problem is on the increase, the number of overweight and obese Americans continues to rise” (“Update: Obesity”). Thirty-four percent of adults were measured to be overweight in 2008, and thirty one percent are classified in the obese category (“Obesity”). “An analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor surveillance system reveals that the obesity epidemic affects men and women of all ages, races, ethnic origins, smoking status, and educational attainment” (Wexler 1). Data shows that citizens of the United States have earned the title as the most overweight people in the world (Gay 7-8). A large fraction of researchers hold the two American exports of cheap fast food and high technology responsible for the obesity problem in
Cited: Franks, Katie. I Want to be a Supermodel. New York: Rosen, 2007. Print. Frissell, Susan. “Body Image and the Pressure to be Thin.” Eating Disorders and Weight Control. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1998. Print. Gay, Kathlyn. Am I Fat? The Obesity Issue for Teens. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2006. Print. Landau, Elaine. The Beauty Trap. New York: New Discovery, 1994. Print. Moerdyk, Chris. “Advertising Alone Cannot be Blamed for Childhood Obesity.” How Does Advertising Impact Teen Behavior? Ed. David M. Haugen, Detroit: Gale, 2008. Print. Moerdyk, Chris. “Television Advertising May Play a Role in Childhood Obesity.” How Does Advertising Impact Teen Behavior? Ed. David M. Haugen, Detroit: Gale, 2008. Print. Nakaya, Ed. Andrea C. Obesity: Opposing Viewpoints. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven, 2006. Print. Packard, Vance. The Hidden Persuaders. New York: McKay, 1957. Print. Stearns, Peter N. Fat History: Bodies and Beauty in the Modern West. New York: New York UP, 1997. Print. “Thin Fashion Models”. Issues and Controversies on File. 9 Mar. 2007. Facts on File News Services. Web. 11 Jan. 2012. “Update: Obesity”. Issues and Controversies on File. 19 Jun. 2007. Facts on File News Services. Web. 11 Jan. 2012. Wexler, Ed. Barbara. Weight in America: Obesity, Eating Disorders, and Other Health Risks. Wylie, TX: Information Plus, 2008. Print.