Self Image: Activity 2

Find images in the media, which have been used to represent attractive and unattractive aspects of the human face. Examine and record carefully the photographic techniques used to accentuate both these qualities, drawing up a list that relates to the images you have found.

List the physical characteristics that we have come to admire in both the male and female face and write 100 words in response to the following questions:

1. Do you believe that media images or public opinion are responsible for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes?
2. Do you believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do any harm?

(Jensen Ackles)

Jensen Ackles, on the right, is deemed "attractive" by society for many of his physical traits, such as his good hair, bright eyes, and sharp jawline.

(Scarlett Johansson)

Scarlett Johansson is known for exceptional looks for many reasons. She had beautiful hair, an amazing body, and "perfect" hair, eyebrows, eyes, and lips.

(Steve Buscemi)

The man on the right, Steve Buscemi, is considered unattractive for a handful of qualities. While the photograph is not particularly, flattering, he does not have perfect, white teeth, unwrinkled skin, or a great complexion.

(Rachel Dratch)

Lastly, Rachel Dratch is famously known for her comedic acting, but not for her looks. She is not considered attractive because she does not have an amazing body, her lips are thin, and her bone structure isn't absolutely magnificent.

1. I do believe that media images or public opinion are responsible for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes. In media, people are either labeled strictly "attractive" or "unattractive" based on their appearances. Media has corrupted the minds of nearly everyone into having to call someone attractive or unattractive by listing specific qualities that are considered each, or by always showing people with similar traits as "attractive". By doing this, those people have become the stereotypes for attractiveness.
2. I do believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do harm. Everyone wants to be attractive in the eyes of others, and because models are widely viewed as attractive, both men and women compare themselves to them. Most of the times, these photographs of models have been photoshopped to make them even more "beautiful", to the point where achieving the traits would be physically impossible. I know personally that I have compared myself to models or actresses, and been very hard on myself for not being as "attractive".