'I am beautifuuuuul, no matter what they say' - Christina Aguilera

Nicolas Cage on a Rolling Stone magazine cover
Source: Google

1.  Why do you think people are portrayed this way in the media?

I believe that people are portrayed this way in the media because a majority of the society is so convinced that this is the ideal body type. Businesses also see goldmines by doing this. Of course a very attractive person would increase purchases of all kinds-- they capture and hold attention. Unfortunately, this only proves that the society seems to be very superficial!

2.  How are you affected by the images you see?  

I'm mainly affected by photoshopped women since I myself am a female. Women fall victim to this more than men and so, their expectations are higher when it comes to being portrayed in the media. When I see women altered and manipulated like this, I don't take that well for two reasons: One, my self esteem sometimes takes a beating, I won't deny! These women are just so overwhelmingly attractive that I end up feeling less and less confident in my looks. Second, I think it's outrageous that these people (that are already beautiful) are changed at all! I find it highly unnecessary to do this, but of course, to make money it is. The alterations can sometimes be so unrealistic too that it can be almost... laughable to me. BUT MOSTLY OUTRAGEOUS. 

3.  What can be done to reduce the amount of young men and women that are negatively affected by these images?

Magazines and ads could reduce their use of photo editors and show viewers and readers realistic, genuine people. They could prove that natural can be just as or even a multititude of times more attractive than an overly photo-shopped face and body.

4.  What would your reaction be to a magazine cover where the subject isn’t all glammed up? Is this a possible route that society should take?  Why or why not?

My initial reaction would probably be slight shock since such a thing is rare to stumble upon. I'd then be very pleased by the magazine for showing the subject in a more natural state! I love it when people are more genuine and true to themselves rather than trying to appear as something they are worlds from. I really do think think it's a route the society should take. These magazine covers can really influence people... and by going the 'natural' way, perhaps it will effect people in more positive ways. The unrealistic 'beauty' that magazine covers bear make others feel more uncomfortable with who they are as a natural being. A less glammed up person would definitely show others that you are beautiful without any type of computerized alterations!