|
Feature Articles: Food, Fitness and Body Image
Body Image AdvertisingLinda Rellergert, Nutrition Specialist, St.
Charles County, University of Missouri Extension |
|
Our culture seems to be obsessed with physical appearance. Men
and women, teens, boys and girls—all segments of society tie
identity to the way people look, to body size and shape, to
clothes and hairstyle. Is it any wonder that the way we view our
body (body image) can have a tremendous impact on the way we
feel about ourselves. For most people, especially young people,
body image is strongly influenced by mass media and advertising.
Advertisers try to persuade us that something is wrong with us,
that something needs to be “fixed,” that by buying and using
their product, we will be more attractive, have better social
skills, have more friends, be happier! While we might think of
this as a relatively recent development, examples of
advertisements that use this same approach have been around for
more than 100 years. The quotes below are from an 1891
advertisement for a weight gain product:
"Don’t look like the poor unfortunate on the left who tries
to cover her poor thin body.” (Notice how thin was associated
with poor.)
“Don’t suffer from the tortures of inferior devices that
artificially fatten with inflationary devices and pads.”
(Imagine—the goal was to have the female body look larger. The
female body never seems to be socially acceptable without
changes.)
“In just 4 weeks I gained 39 pounds, a new womanly figure,
and much needed fleshiness.” (Forget the saying I’m not fat, I’m
fluffy. Make it I’m not fat, I’m fleshy!)
From advertisement for Professor Williams famed Fat-Ten-U Foods in an 1891 advertisement for Ritter and Company, Dealers in Fine General Merchandise.
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
