Chapter 4: Self Image
Activity 1
What follows is a list of categories that serves to define and divide us. Make a personal list of the categories you belong to or have conflict with and visual symbols that are associated with each. Aspirations and expectations should also be listed.
Find images in the media, which have been used to represent attractive and unattractive aspects of the human face. Examine and record carefully the photographic techniques used to accentuate both these qualities, drawing up a list that relates to the images you have found. List the physical characteristics that we have come to admire in both the male and female face and write 100 words in response to the following questions:
How have you responded to social pressures to conform by adopting an appearance that relates to the categories that you feel you have placed in or have chosen?
What follows is a list of categories that serves to define and divide us. Make a personal list of the categories you belong to or have conflict with and visual symbols that are associated with each. Aspirations and expectations should also be listed.
- 18-years-old, 2nd generation to go to college in America
- Female
- I'm Mexican-American, Race: White
- I was raised Catholic
- Introverted in school, but very outgoing with family members at home
- Good student, above-average grades.
- Democratic family
- Expected to have children (prefer to adopt or get monkeys):)
- Become a vet
- Stereotype: cleaning lady, gardener, poor, from Mexico, gets pregnant, chola
en.wikipedia.org, www.sweetclipart.com,www.philvantreuren.com
Activity 2 Find images in the media, which have been used to represent attractive and unattractive aspects of the human face. Examine and record carefully the photographic techniques used to accentuate both these qualities, drawing up a list that relates to the images you have found. List the physical characteristics that we have come to admire in both the male and female face and write 100 words in response to the following questions:
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| http://barbiecraze.blogspot.com |
I think we have come to admire female faces with: perfect skin, symmetrical, no signs of aging, thinner (or edgier), and perfect makeup.
We've come to admire male faces with: clear skin, groomed, no redness, or circles.
-Yes, i do believe that it becomes a universal stereotype because many young people these days look at these photos and believe that this is what models actually look like. In different countries, like China, they showcase these images for the public to see and cause many people to want the "Western" look. I also believe that these images cause insecurities to people on their own appearances. I think it is normal or common to want to be skinny and beautiful like the models you see in photos.
Do you believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do any harm?
- yes it can do harm to people by causing them to have eating disorders or depression. This causes many people to have plastic surgery and take diet pills. Many people die every year from these surgeries or pills that, in the end, wasn't even worth the life that was spared for a little fat on the side or wrinkles. This also causes people to go on the most craziest diets. For example, starving, eating less than what is healthy, and over working their body with exercise and not eating afterwards.
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| guidingray.blogspot.com |
- Do you believe that media images or public opinion are responsible for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes?
-Yes, i do believe that it becomes a universal stereotype because many young people these days look at these photos and believe that this is what models actually look like. In different countries, like China, they showcase these images for the public to see and cause many people to want the "Western" look. I also believe that these images cause insecurities to people on their own appearances. I think it is normal or common to want to be skinny and beautiful like the models you see in photos.
Do you believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do any harm?
- yes it can do harm to people by causing them to have eating disorders or depression. This causes many people to have plastic surgery and take diet pills. Many people die every year from these surgeries or pills that, in the end, wasn't even worth the life that was spared for a little fat on the side or wrinkles. This also causes people to go on the most craziest diets. For example, starving, eating less than what is healthy, and over working their body with exercise and not eating afterwards.
Activity 3:
Consider some of the social pressures that you think may shape your behavior and personal image. List the images most commonly associated with the categories or ‘boxes’ you have already listed in Activity 1.How have you responded to social pressures to conform by adopting an appearance that relates to the categories that you feel you have placed in or have chosen?
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| arabia.msn.com |
There is always that social pressure that a woman has to have a baby in her life. If she doesn't people think she is selfish, conceded, or somethings wrong with her.
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| en.wikipedia.org |
I was raised Catholic and people automatically think that you have to believe in everything the Bible says. I also come from a highly catholic family and culture so not believing is frowned upon.
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| zapatas-plymouth.com |
Second generation Mexican-American to live in America and go to school here. From personal experience, whenever i tell people I'm Mexican-American they automatically ask if i was born in America and if i can speak spanish (since i don't have an accent).
part 2: I really don't care if i don't fit into a stereotype. I think being different and yourself is better. It hasn't really effected my life, so i'm content the way i am:) if it did effect my life i would normally just ignore it.
part 2: I really don't care if i don't fit into a stereotype. I think being different and yourself is better. It hasn't really effected my life, so i'm content the way i am:) if it did effect my life i would normally just ignore it.
