the stereotype behind models and eating disorders
Section One Why isn’t it possible for a society to view groups of people without labeling them with harmful stereotypes? Stereotypes, commonly unavoidable, members of society continue to accept them. In accordance, all young women that become paid models suffer from eating disorders to stay thin. This stereotype deems harmful because eating disorders develop into a dangerous disease, and need treatment before death occurs. No career should risk one’s health or life. Claiming that all young women that become paid models suffer from eating disorders is a stereotype that society develops a common misconception of. Paid models can be seen on the runways, on television, and even walking the streets. When designers dress these models in minimal clothing, their body structure becomes exposed for all to look at and judge. As a young woman walks down the runway with her small frame and bone structures sticking out, viewers are often quick to form a conclusion that an eating disorder explains their body structure. Although a number of models appear extremely skinny, another part of the model population includes healthy women with normal body types. Viewers and the media focus on the models that appear emaciated and malnourished, because the fashion industry becomes an easy target to blame. With the conflict of focusing on body image, aspiring models may take their actions to far and develop an eating disorder so that they can fit the image of a stick thin model. Physical appearance is a key aspect of being a model; so young women focus on it and take charge of their body to make it what they envision it as. Body images become distorted as these young women criticize their looks, which will push them closer to developing an eating disorder. America raises young women while being surrounded by influences that persuade them to recognize the importance of their physical appearances. Sources of media exposed to women include television shows, movies, and