To find peace and satisfaction in life is a long journey that both males and females undertake. Constantly, individuals try to put meaning and value on the lives they live. The worth of one’s self can be perceived through things such as occupation, annual income, relationships, education and even type of clothing, to name a few.
In today’s society, a prominent component of self worth is often perceived through body image. It is through the shape, size and appearance of the body that onlookers construct judgments on how well a person takes care of themselves, the state of health they are in and the amount of self-control that one disciplines their physical self with. Such criticisms from society greatly influence whether a person obtains self-satisfaction or not. But really, who is to say what the ideal body should or should not look like? Surely, the loving care of a parent would never dictate how the fragile mind of a child perceives value when looking at the reflection in the mirror. Maybe it stems back to the teachers. However, when analyzed carefully, it is evident that most teachers are not in such a position to criticize the body and, therefore, abstain from such practices that would jeopardize their career. Unfortunately, in some cases, the above two instances do take place. Although these two factors are very influential in forming one’s self-satisfaction with the body, they are not the only ones. There is an even greater force at hand in society; a force that not only guides the lives of children exclusively, but also adults, often to a higher extent. This highly controlling force is called media. Through the following text, it will be illustrated that in western culture, media heavily dictates how people perceive and shape their bodies.


and so it begins....my final paper for gender and sport but also the first paper to be typed on my finely tuned computer.


i am no earthling.