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.

   

Cara Delevingne from JustLuxe.com

Attractive: Cara Delevingne was 2012's model of the year, she is a Victoria's Secret model and is considered extremely attractive by millions of people. This picture was taken in a studio and the photographer used many techniques to highlight her facial features and make them stand out more than usual. They used direct lighting to eliminate useless shadows and also used a solid white background to contrast with her hair, skin tone, and clothing but also to allow her to slowly blend into the background near the edges. This image allows us to admire her eyebrows, lips, cheekbones, and silky skin (which is also done for men).

Image found on the Montana Meth Project's website

Unattractive: This billboard is an anti-meth campaign by the state of Montana. The boy in this picture has sores and scabs on his face, sunken-in cheeks, and extremely heavy bags under his eyes. One look tells us that this is not a desirable appearance for any typical person. Most likely, the photographer used make make-up to create the image of a meth-head, they used harder lighting on the sides of his face to accentuate his cheekbones and the bags under his eyes, and they used a solid black background to make his face the focal point of the image.

Do you believe that media images or public opinion are responsible for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes? 

           Absolutely. Magazines, commercials, advertisements, and movie posters are all edited and manipulated to create the "perfect image" or to make someone more attractive than they actually are. Women are expected to be extremely thin and men are expected to be muscular and chiseled while also being well-kept/trimmed. While most people should take care of themselves, the media's insults of those who do not fit their ludicrous standards has gone too far. Across the globe the idea that a person's weight corresponds directly to their wealth (the fatter you are, the richer you are) has become the opposite.

Do you believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do any harm?

           I do indeed. These models serve as the models for which society has learned to aspire to be. They desire the size and appearance of these models and many go to great lengths to achieve that ideal image. Some people develop eating disorders or feel it's necessary to count every calorie that goes into their body while some people take this ideal and use it to their advantage by exercising better eating habits and better physical habits as well. So I guess the harm in this is entirely dependent on the individual.