Cultivating a positive body image (the way you view yourself) means first seeing through the lies. Would you believe me if I told you…
- Faith Hill has no wrinkles?
- Kate Winslet is six feet tall?
- Keira Knightley has a size D cup?
- Katie Perry has no tummy flab?
- Beyoncé is white?
Beauty has been redefined to a standard that can only be achieved by sophisticated photo-manipulation software.
If you believe everything that was printed on the covers of women’s magazines over the past decade, then you might have fallen for all of the above—and none are true.
This demonstrates the dangerous impact of media on body image perception.
The shocking truth is beauty has been redefined to a standard that can only be achieved by sophisticated photo manipulation software. Thanks to the media, our minds are being altered to accept what we see in fashion magazines and music videos as the standard to which we must live.
I’m not talking about retouching skin blemishes. Thinner waists, higher breasts, lighter skin, toned arms—all of it can be achieved digitally, making the image look very little like the model. The prevalence of such “photoshopping” is difficult to measure, but if you see a picture or an ad with a model that has absolutely no pores or lines in her skin, I guarantee it was manipulated.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Photo-Manipulation on a More Personal Level
This trend of treating women’s bodies like objects is not restricted to fashion magazines, billboards, and television ads. Numbers vary, but several surveys suggest anywhere from 64 to 71 percent of photos posted on social media are altered somehow.
Not only is the media objectifying our bodies, but we’re doing it to ourselves as well.
That’s a lot! (I didn’t know this until I did the research for this post, and now I’m suddenly feeling suspicious of my friends.) With photo editing software, making your lips fuller and your skin younger is just a matter of a few clicks. So not only does media impact body image perception, but we do it to ourselves as well.
Which begs the question: When did having the perfect body become a woman’s measure of success?
A New Form Of Idolatry
No one wants to believe her body was made strictly for the viewing pleasure of others, but that’s exactly the lie we are falling for, and it’s evident in the way we constantly think about how we look as we go about life. This mental state of worrying about your physical appearance has been dubbed “self-objectification,” but the Bible has another term for it: idolatry.
This mental state of worrying about your physical appearances has been dubbed “self-objectification,” but the Bible has another term for it: idolatry.
Suddenly your body—even if you hate it—has become your idol. You’ve given your body the power to determine your success and self-worth.
But the image you have in your head of what you think you should look like—flat tummy, trim thighs, mile-long legs, perfectly smooth skin with no lines or pimples—is literally a fantasy. You worry guys won’t find you attractive and you peg yourself a failure, all because you don’t fit the fantastical image of what is considered beautiful.
An Ineffective Trend
It’s at this point that some girls and women will decide, “I’m gonna prove to everybody that I love my body, no matter its shape or size,” and so they dress themselves in bikinis, dresses with plunging necklines, and midriff-baring tops. Some post pictures on social media. It’s not uncommon to find group pictures of women of varying sizes all wearing bikinis. This is seen as cultivating a positive body image, and empowerment in the fight against the notion that women’s bodies must fit a certain standard.
Great argument, wrong method. Here’s why: Showing off your body by putting it in a skimpy piece of clothing… still makes it an object.
Showing off your body by putting it in a skimpy piece of clothing…still makes it an object.
The fact that you are brave enough to put yourself in a bikini in no way proves you love your body. In fact, skimpy clothing promotes self-objectification, making you even more concerned with how you look and drawing even more eyes to yourself.
If you find yourself falling for this latest of lies, I suggest you read The Bikini Tyranny of Body Positivity from the More Than A Body website (which is entirely dedicated to exactly what we’re talking about in this post).
The truth is, you are more than an object to be admired. Cultivating a positive body image begins with walking away from the popular trends that turn girls and women into ornaments.
How Christian Teens Can Overcome Self-Objectification and Embrace a Positive Body Image
1) Stop believing the lies and start demanding the truth.
Don’t subscribe to fashion magazines. If your body-image issues have led you to the point of self-loathing or eating disorders, you should avoid all forms of media. The truth can’t be found in pictures.
2) Cut down on social media.
In particular, if you have certain friends whose pictures consistently make you feel less than worthy, it’s okay—strongly advised, in fact—that you block them or unfollow them. You can still be friends with the real Jane, without letting Imaginary Jane crush your image of yourself.
Related: 8 Signs You Are Addicted to Social Media—And How to Break Free
3) Don’t give clothing a chance to make or break your body image.
Choose your clothes based on what enables you to experience what it’s like to live in a body made for more than just an ornament. Don’t turn a swimsuit into a badge of honor or feel you need to “prove” your self-confidence by showing even more skin. Modest styles take the eyes off your physical assets and put them on your great personality or kind heart.
Related: 5 Practical Steps to a Stylish, Modest Wardrobe.
4) Remember: Your body is a gift from the greatest Artist.
It was made not for looking at, but for running, dancing, swimming, singing, and pursuing the plans God has for you. To see how God views your body, check out 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Timothy 4:8, and Ephesians 2:10.
Don’t let anyone lead you to believe you are defined by your body. Your body is only a part of who you truly are!
For Further Reading
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This is such a good message. It is too bad that we have been indoctrinated into the “fashion model myths” at such a young age. It’s a tough one to get past. Thank you for your insights and sensible God inspired advice.
I agree, we’ve been misguided for so long that even I as an adult have a hard time telling what’s real and fake.
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