Author: Irene Pes
Publication date: 30.04.2024
The famous Barbie doll produced by Mattel has become a global icon over the years, even starring in a highly successful movie in cinemas in 2023. Besides being just a toy, Barbie has inspired a real movement called Barbiecore, celebrating the pink aesthetic, feminist empowerment, and the values of diversity and inclusion that the doll represents.
In recent years, Mattel has decided to introduce a line of Barbies with movable joints, aiming to make them more realistic and promote the movement among children. However, there have been concerns about the unrealistic body proportions and thinness of the Barbie made to move, linked to the Fitspiration campaign, which could negatively influence the body image and well-being of young people.
It is very important to consider that exposure to unrealistic beauty standards from a young age can deeply influence body perception. For example, Barbie dolls with a slimmer body are often associated with positive values, while those with a fuller figure can be judged negatively.
A self-esteem shaped by harmful stereotypes
These types of representations can contribute to perpetuating harmful stereotypes related to weight and physical appearance. Furthermore, the spread of campaigns like Fitspiration on social media can lead to increased body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem, especially among young people who are particularly susceptible to the influence of these images.
It is essential to promote messages of self-acceptance and appreciation of diversity, to combat prejudices related to physical appearance and to promote a positive body image at all ages.
The negative mindset towards fuller bodies can heavily influence the self-esteem of girls who do not fit the thinness standards promoted by society. This pressure can make girls feel not perfect or adequate, causing a disorder called atelophobia.
Atelophobia is the excessive fear of perfection that leads to anxiety and distress, pushing those who suffer from it to self-sabotaging behaviors that generate feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This state can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion and, if not addressed, can evolve into eating disorders.
Conclusion
It is crucial to consider the fact that the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards in the media can have a negative impact on girls' self-esteem, influencing them to feel dissatisfied with their appearance and experience feelings of inadequacy. This constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards can lead to eating disorders, depression, and anxiety, compromising both the mental and physical health of those exposed to such idealized images.
It is therefore essential to address these issues appropriately, through targeted interventions that promote self-acceptance and a healthy body image. Individuals must be educated on body diversity and the importance of a more realistic representation of beauty in the media, to counteract the damaging effects of unrealistic expectations.
Furthermore, it is fundamental to create safe and inclusive spaces where people can express their concerns about body image and receive support from mental health professionals, if necessary. Only through a holistic approach that considers not only outward appearance, but also emotions and psychological well-being, can the negative impact of unrealistic beauty standards on society be truly countered.
Educating and raising awareness about the topic of body image and its influence in the media is therefore essential to promote a more inclusive, respectful, and conscious culture of the value of every individual, beyond the stereotypes imposed by society and technology.
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