Self Image: Activity 3

Activity 3: Blog Entry

Consider some of the social pressures that you think may shape your behavior and personal image. List the images most commonly associated with the categories or ‘boxes’ you have already listed in Activity 1.

How have you responded to social pressures to conform by adopting an appearance that relates to the categories that you feel you have placed in or have chosen?

 

I used to conform to social pressures by making sure my hair and makeup were done for school every day, I would wake up extra early and make sure my outfit was "socially acceptable". I would go to parties with my friends and we'd make sure to always be the center of attention, but this past year i've stopped caring about social pressures. I don't wake up early anymore, i wear comfortable clothes and rarely wear makeup. I embrace my natural hair and don't go to parties. I stay at home and watch movies with friends rather than going out and getting into trouble. I think that starting to care less about what others think and more about what i want to do has changed my life for the better. My grades have improved, i have more respect for myself, and I'm all around happier.

Self Image: Activity 2

Activity 2: Blog Entry

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:

Men: Prominent eyebrows, straight teeth, nice skin, "scruff"
Women: Thin eyebrows, full lips, flawless complexion, small nose, defined cheekbones, pretty smile

1. Do you believe that media images or public opinion are responsible for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes?
Yes, i think a lot of people are influenced by the media in a sense that they aspire to be like celebrities. Celebrities are supposed to be "role models" and set examples/trends for other people, and that is exactly what they do.
2. Do you believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do any harm?
I think it can be harmful to some people when it is taken to an extreme. When an absurd amount of plastic surgery or weight loss surgeries come into play to become like a model or celebrity they admire, i think that is when it becomes dangerous.

Self Image: Activity 1

Activity 1: Blog Entry

What follows is a list of categories that serves to define and divide us. Make a personal list of the categories you belong to or have conflict with and visual symbols that are associated with each. Aspirations and expectations should also be listed.

1. Age/generation - 16/teenage

 

2. Gender - Female

3. Race - white

4. Religion - Jewish

5. Class or caste - Middle class

6. Personality - 54% Extravert 46% Introvert

7. Intelligence - math is a strong suit for me

8. Political persuasion - indifferent