For decades now, the media has played a role in how we view our self image. Advertisements set unrealistic standards on how we should be. According to advertisements women should be skinny with no wrinkles in order to be considered beautiful, and men should be tall and muscular in order to be considered handsome. So, consumers purchase these products in an attempt to achieve these goals of how they think society wants them to look.
Health educators can help to prepare effective messages to counter some of the negative views and ideas generated by the media by teaching oneself (especially teens) to love what they see in the mirror, as is. Teach them that advertisements that portray these "perfect" people are meant to sell a particular product for profit, and has nothing to do with the actually person itself. Just like a designer's clothes are made to look good in the store on a hanger opposed to the actual person buying the product.
However, I do believe that the media is embracing more diversity in body shape, size, and color compared to years ago. The proof is in ad campaigns like Dove, who pride themselves in understanding their consumers and having women of all shapes and sizes (as well as complexions) in their commercials and other ads. I support them as a company for being brave enough to go against the advertising "norm" in order to actually connect with the real person.
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