Society says...
Define beauty. If you ask any American to do this he or she would say "tall, thin, and fair skin". But, beauty differs amongst cultures, races, and even ages. The pressure to uphold the standards of your particular niche or subculture can have dangerous effects. .Most women will go to many different extremes to be "beautiful" But, what is beauty? Is it having one's hair down your back and a barely visible waist? "There are social, political, and economic pressures on women; popular culture, the medical and beauty industries, and people’s own friends and families perpetuate notions and norms that equate thinness with attractiveness and what is beautiful with what is good" (Bessenoff & Snow, 2006, pg. 727). The pressure to stay thin is embedded in our society. Society takes a stance and is unmoved by any opposition. The perfect body image is set in stone by social institutions (media, family, peers, school, etc.) and many women and young girls fall victim to these standards. ."....Our culture has become obsessed with the image and keeping up appearances. Furthermore, we are letting the so-called beauty industry and corporate America define reality for us, and encouraging body hatred is an extremely lucrative business". (Kirkwood, 2005, pg. 125).