Social Media’s Role in Redefining Beauty Standards
Social media has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life, and its influence on beauty standards is no exception.
For decades, beauty ideals for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curvaceous figure in the 1950s to the ultra-thin frames of 1990s supermodels, society’s idea of the “perfect” body has shifted over time. However, a consistent theme has been the pressure on women to conform to a singular standard, often dictated by pop culture and advertising.
In contrast, social media has significantly expanded the definition of beauty. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. This inclusivity is reshaping how people view their bodies, offering representation that goes far beyond the size 0 models traditionally seen in mainstream media.
Plus Size Becomes the New Norm
As American women increasingly embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows that the average body size is also changing.
A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education highlights a shift in what is considered “average.” While it was once commonly stated that the average size for American women was 14, the study reveals that the average woman now wears between a misses size 16 and 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W. Additionally, the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past two decades.
“We hope this information reaches both the industry and consumers,” said Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, in an interview with Today. “Understanding these figures can have a profound impact on women’s self-esteem. The apparel industry needs to recognize that these women are here to stay and deserve inclusive clothing options.”
Why Are American Women Getting Larger?
The average size of American women has increased over the past several decades. According to the CDC, the average weight of an American woman is now approximately 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s. Multiple factors contribute to this trend:
- Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and an increased reliance on processed foods play significant roles.
- Cultural Shifts: Greater acceptance and celebration of diverse body types have reduced societal pressure to adhere to extreme dieting.
- Genetics and Environment: Genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as stress and access to healthy foods, also influence body size.
Beyond Appearance: A Health Perspective
While larger body sizes are increasingly celebrated, the medical implications cannot be ignored. Obesity rates have doubled since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. Social media, while fostering inclusivity, has also been criticized for promoting unhealthy lifestyles and sedentary habits that contribute to weight gain.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue.” It is a medical condition that increases the risk of numerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
A New Era of Beauty
True beauty lies in celebrating individuality rather than conforming to a rigid standard. Social media has been instrumental in spreading this message and has the potential to reshape beauty norms in a positive way when used thoughtfully.
What’s your take on social media’s impact on beauty standards? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to gather more perspectives!
Disney Legend Passes Away At 95
Richard M. Sherman, renowned for producing songs for iconic films like “Mary Poppins,” handed absent at the age of 95 on Saturday. The celebrated songwriter, who frequently collaborated with his brother Robert B. Sherman, succumbed to an age-associated disease at Cedars-Sinai Professional medical Center in Los Angeles, as announced by Disney.
A funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 31, at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver Metropolis, California. Richard leaves powering his spouse, Elizabeth Gluck, whom he married in 1957. They had two youngsters collectively, Gregory and Victoria, and he also had a daughter, Lynda, from a previous relationship to Corrine Newman.
During his illustrious job, Sherman garnered various accolades, which include two Oscars and a few Grammy Awards. His perform, usually in partnership with his brother Robert, left an indelible mark on the leisure industry.\
Disney CEO Bob Iger paid tribute, stating, “Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it suggests to be a Disney Legend, making beloved classics that have grow to be a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives. From films like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ to attractions like ‘It’s a Small Earth,’ the audio of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations.”
Pete Docter, Chief Imaginative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, also expressed his admiration: “You really do not get music like ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ without having a real adore of lifestyle, which Richard handed on to all people fortunate sufficient to be close to him. Even in his 90s, he experienced additional strength and enthusiasm than any one, and I normally remaining renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for lifetime.”
Film historian Leonard Maltin shared his views, noting, “The Sherman brothers have been qualified optimists who uncovered a fantastic patron in Walt Disney. Their music experienced an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard’s everyday living, which was not without its problems and worries.”
Richard Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in New York City. He and his brother followed in their father’s footsteps, who was also a songwriter. In 1937, the spouse and children moved to Beverly Hills, where Richard attended Beverly Hills Superior University, learning a variety of instruments like the piano and flute. He graduated in 1946, undertaking for the duration of the ceremony with classmate Andre Previn, who later gained 4 Oscars.
In 1953, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the Army Band until 1955. He attended Bard University in New York, majoring in tunes. Soon after graduation, Richard and Robert started producing tunes collectively, founding their new music publishing enterprise, the Audio Planet Corporation, in 1958. Their song “Tall Paul,” sung by Annette Funicello, achieved the top 10, catching Walt Disney’s consideration. The Sherman brothers were subsequently employed as songwriters for the Walt Disney Firm.
In 1964, “Mary Poppins,” starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, premiered with music by the Sherman brothers. The pursuing yr, they gained two Oscars for Best Score and Most effective Unique Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” The legendary monitor “It’s a Smaller Environment (Right after All)” was also penned by them and showcased at the New York Entire world Good in 1964.
Richard’s other main movie scores involved “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968), “The Aristocats” (1970), “The Jungle Book” (1967), and “Charlotte’s Web” (1973). Throughout his vocation, he was nominated for nine Oscars, successful two, and acquired 3 Grammy Awards. In 2005, the Sherman brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and named Disney Legends in 1990.
Richard also contributed to stage musicals these types of as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Mary Poppins,” “A Spoonful of Sherman,” and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks.” Their songs prolonged over and above film, like the track “You’re Sixteen,” sung by Johnny Burnette in 1960 and afterwards coated by Ringo Starr in 1973.
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