Post: Models vs. Role Models
Models vs. Role Models
Once again, models are taking center stage. Two new model-focused reality shows are currently airing -- and they send very different messages.
With the eighth cycle of America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks continues her crusade to broaden America’s definition of beauty beyond the current super-skinny standard -- while simultaneously crowning a "Top Model" with a fierce walk, dynamic personality, good looks, and an inspirational story. This time around, the contestants include two plus-size models.
And Banks, who has become a spokesperson for the "normal"-sized woman, will revisit her original 1993 Sports Illustrated cover (for which she weighed 140 pounds, versus her current 161) in an effort to drive home the message that you don't have to be unhealthily skinny to be beautiful.
On the other hand, there aren't really any positive messages to speak of in the other new model show, The Agency. Instead, this new series reinforces many of the negative body-image messages that the modeling world is known for, with even very thin women being referred to as "Pillsbury doughboys" and "fat cows." (It's no surprise that Jenny Craig is the show's sponsor.) The National Eating Disorders Association ran a public service ad at the end of the first episode in an effort to counterbalance the show's unhealthy messaging. But research shows that these body-image messages do get to girls, causing some turn to eating disorders and smoking to lose weight. The statistics are frightening.
Here are 10 tips from the National Eating Disorders Assocation for helping kids navigate through these mixed -- and often unhealthy -- body-image messages.
- Appreciate all that your body can do. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you -- running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.
- Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself -- things that aren't related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.
- Remind yourself that "true beauty" isn't simply skin deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a super model. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
- Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a whole person.
- Surround yourself with positive people. It's easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you're around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself as you naturally are.
- Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body isn't "right" or that you're a "bad" person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it.
- Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, and attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: Write a letter to the advertiser, or talk back to the image or message.
- Do something nice for yourself -- something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.
- Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in the world.
Source: National Eating Disorders Association, 2005