Scarlett Johansson, more known for her super sexy body than her acting, has spoken out about implications made by the media (tabloids in particular) and deserves appropriate recognition for it.
It is about time that someone who knows their ability to influence speaks out against crappy publications publishing bogus lies about a star’s method of losing the envious (or not) 14lbs. In the Huffington Post, she admonishes these accusations and suggestions that she has used extreme dieting to achieve an ridiculous amount of weight. In her post, Johansson also takes the time to refer to National Eating Disorders Association figures to back up her statements, stating the statistics of how many people suffer at the hands of mainly media-enhanced, perceptions of beauty.
Just recently I posted a link to a video from Dove’s campaign for real beauty, which shows the digital enhancement and the lengths that models/actresses/singers and other people in the supposed limelight have to go to in order to achieve this ‘beauty’.
Do I really think that this is going to have an effect on the world? Probably not. But, surely every little helps. Pat on the back to Scarlett.
Do you think that a beautiful face can be classified by measurements? Or, do you think that there are certain characteristics that qualify a beautiful face?
According to a study at Regensburg and Rostock universities in Germany, there are certain characteristics which distinguish a more attractive face in comparison to an ‘unsexy’ face. The study recognises that throughout history perceptions of beauty have not been constant. But, yet they still insist on trying to classify beauty using both genders. Click here to have a look. There website states that you can find out “why some faces are more beautiful than others” and it gives you links to another website to see how your face would look if it had perfect symmetry, click here if you want to have a go.
Check out the study and let me know your thoughts.
This striking video makes up part of Dove‘s campaign to highlight the distorted image of beauty. It shows the transformation of a model looking particularly average into a billboard standard model.
Would love to hear your feedback and thoughts about this video and the campaign.
There are so many discussions out there concerning the way people view themselves. People often use parents to lay blame, but should they be doing more for their children from a young age to stop them becoming overly worried about self-image?
When speaking to people, some say that parents often shower their children with compliments about how beautiful their child is. But, I ask, what is wrong with this? Some say these parents are setting up their kids for a big fall – because they are failing to teach these children that ‘beauty isn’t everything’. But, I totally disagree – I think this is exactly what parents are doing by sending their children to school everyday, dressing them in the same uniform as every other child. They are going to school and learning the foundations and life skills, no?
DeolaSulola, from London disagrees at a recent debate he had a few words to say:
I think parents should educate their children to be open-minded and confident with their self-image. But, I do blame the media, like so many others for their perception of beauty. I can’t imagine children when they first join school bullying others because they’re not pretty – but, I think this may begin once they reach an age where they are susceptible to more influences from the media.
In a recent debate at Queen Mary, University of London, the ACS (Afro-Caribbean Society) took on the issue of natural hair versus weaves and extensions. The debate on the surface may seem superficial, and to some pointless – but actually, it churned out interesting discussions.
Expecting a minimal turn-out, I was pleasantly surprised. Nearly 50 people turned up the event, and the organisers put on a good show, with interludes using youtubeto get the debate going.
I was accompanied by Aulelia, who has her own views on the debate. The interesting points I took from the event was that so many of them referred to men, and the influence that they have on black women’s perception of beauty and self-image.
Many believed that the reasons why women choose to wear a weave is because they prefer straight hair because it is finer and is perceived by others as a sign of beauty. They said that too many negative connotations are associated with keeping a natural style such as an afro. Watch the following link and you will see what I mean.
What was also interesting was some points made about how the style of hair relates back to history. Maintaining a natural hair style such as an afro seems to show a sign of ‘low birth’. This isn’t hard to believe, but the fact that people use it as a reason as to why they wear their hair in a particular style is still staggering. In this day and age, where people have access to all sorts of treatments, colurants, extensions etc. I don’t think that people should have to justify the way that they wear their hair. I know of some people who change their style on a monthly basis. Is this so terrible?
Most people at the event seemed to stress that they don’t really care whether people choose to wear a weave or leave it in a natural style, but as long as it is styled well. If it’s a weave, apparently you shouldn’t be able to tell. If it’s an afro you should maintain it well, combing regularly to keep the shape. But, really – is it that offensive if someone has a ridiculous weave? Does it effect your life? Probably not. Sometimes I do think people have too much time on their hands to have the time to comment on others’ image.
The boys didn’t stay quiet on this topic either. They were ready to get involved on this topic which was good to hear. None really seemed to take a particular stance, I think in fear of infuriating the ladies. Most of them said that they don’t really mind in which style the ladies wear their hair as long as it looks good, and is maintained. Here’s what some of the boys said:
Scarlett Johansson, more known for her super sexy body than her acting, has spoken out about implications made by the media (tabloids in particular) and deserves appropriate recognition for it.
