31. Commonplace Idea

In today’s society body image is made out to be extremely important in all aspects of life. Your looks are important for getting a job and selling yourself. Women are objectified by men, the media, and other women. Female bodies are used to sell products such as clothing, cosmetics, and even breakfast cereal. Their bodies are picked apart and scrutinized by the public putting too much pressure on young adults and teens that feel their bodies should mimic those on TV and in the magazines. Girls receive breast implants, go on extreme diets, tan their skin and cover themselves in make-up in order to be “perfect.” The worst part is that they do not do it for their own happiness. In most cases it is a way to please or impress men. Many women feel the need to be loved and wanted and by objectifying themselves they hope to achieve just that. They do not respect their bodies, so women flaunt them in short skirts and low cut shirts to receive attention from men. They don’t seem to realize that they are being viewed as objects and not human beings. Getting a job at your local Hooters may boost your ego and get you tip money, but you surely won’t gain any respect. In a Hooters controversy article written by Bay Area Women’s Fitness Examiner, Stephanie Atwood, she states, “if Hooters hires you, you are ‘selling’ more than food.” Young women should be conscious of how they are presenting themselves and how others are portraying their bodies.