Never Just Pictures and the Male Ideal

Question 2: What effects do masculine and feminine ideals have on people in the U.S.?
I think the effects of the body ideal have extremely negative effects on both genders. I personally love to look through various fashion magazines, and in every ad I see women being glamorized for their waif-like stature. The way they are portrayed with makeup and styled hair is very eye-catching, and I know these ads are being admired by girls everywhere. I am glad I have realized that I should not pressure myself into becoming so obsessed with the way I look, because the media is almost too idealized to ever be realistic. Watching shows like "America's Next Top Model" I have learned how much actually goes in to making models seem so perfect: the airbrushing, the elaborate clothing, the lighting, etc. But what about those girls that think these models look like this all the time? I think this has lead to the high rise in eating disorders and self-criticisms toward one's appearance. Not only has it affected young girls and women, it has led to eating disorders obsessive exercising practices among men. I find this very sad, and I think there should be an effort to focus on healthier body images, take for example "Dove" ads. I am happy to see women of curvier body types appear happy and healthy in that one ad among many less healthy images.