Policy Speech
Diversity of Models in our Media
Hook:Young girls are more afraid of becoming fat then they are of nuclear war, cancer, or losing their parents, that is just one of many statistics and facts shown on Thinkquest.org. What’s contributed to this nonsense?
Body of Intro: Our culture is very media and consumer based, what we see on the television and what we look at in magazines can greatly influence our daily lives. This includes all the images of models that we look at every day on the television and in magazines.
Thesis/Problem: The images that we view in the media have been creating a problem in our culture. They distort our perception of beauty; instead of loving the skin that we are in it makes beauty into an unattainable goal of getting the body of the super models that are shown in advertisements that we view each day. Because of the images that are displayed in the media teenagers, adults, and even children are being affected in negative ways.
Transition: In order for you to fully understand how much impact the models that are displayed in images shown in the media plays in our culture, you’ve first have to hear its affect on women and young girls.
Problem Body:
I. The average model that is shown in the media is generally 5’11 and weighs 117 pounds, compared to the average woman who is 5’4 and weighs 140 pounds. A fact stated in the article “The Average American Women”. It also states that most models are thinner than 98% of women.
a. This difference between the weight of the models shown in the media and the average woman is so immense that it is unrealistic for average women like you and I to event attempt to reach their body proportion.
b. Though it is unrealistic women still long to attain that body proportion. These images of models still cause women and even young girls to take drastic measures such as turning to eating disorders in order to attain their desired body weight.
c. Not only does it drive women to take drastic measures just viewing those images can influence moods and lower self-esteem.
i. The article “Exposure To "Thin-Idea" Media Affecting Women's Standards Of Body Image” states, Female undergraduates ( such the girls in this room) who viewed advertisements displaying ultra-thin women exhibited increases in body dissatisfaction, negative mood, levels of depression and lowered self-esteem. These findings were particularly true for women who have negative views of their current body image and believe themselves to be overweight.
II. In the journal “Exposure to Mass Media and Weight Concerns Among Girls”, it states that in a study 69% of girls reported that magazine pictures influence their idea of a perfect body, and that 47% of them reported that they wanted to lose weight because of them.
a. Now if that is the reaction that young women and girls are receiving when they look at the images that are a dime a dozen in the media, then what values are we trying to teach them?
i. Why are we plastering images that lower self-esteem and cause young women to become uncomfortable with their bodies?
1. Young women who can’t bear to look at their reflection in the mirror because all they see is what is wrong with their bodies compared to the models shown in advertisements.
Transition: In order to correct what the media has been doing to the minds of young women we must take action. There are some steps that we need to take in order for our society to become healthier for women and girls. We need to create a plan in which young women accept and embrace their bodies, instead of pining over the unattainable image of the super models that are displayed in the media.
Solution:
I. And so in order to correct what wrong that the media has been doing to the women and girls in our culture I have proposed a plan.
a. I have a few ideas that could be a solution that would help the media become more welcoming to women and create a solution that will help build self esteem.
i. It is that before a model is allowed to be used for an advertisement or a magazine they should be required to have their body mass measured.
1. Body mass is a measurement is of a person’s body fat in proportion to their weight and height.
2. By applying this into our culture it would help so we begin seeing healthier looking models being presented, and also so the models that are shown in the media more correctly represent the average woman.
3. This idea has already been implemented in other countries such as Spain, In an Article from the New York Times, quotes that “The Madrid standard: a minimum body mass index of at least 18 …A reading of 18 is still underweight (18.5 to just under 25 is considered normal), but it is outsized among the ranks of supermodels, many of whom hover between (the measurements) 14 and 16.”
a. Which is outrageously under weight, but it is still the look that many American women and girls long for. That is why it is important that we start showing healthier looking woman.
b. A company that has been doing well with presenting more diverse models is Dove. They currently are in the middle of a campaign called the “Campaign for Real Beauty” as well as have a Self-Esteem Fund.
i. These campaigns show advertisements that display models of average women with all different body shapes and sizes. They encourage woman to love and celebrate their bodies.
1. Having slogans such as “Real Woman have real Curves” where the models are a diverse group of women with all different body shapes.
c. In order for this to be effective, and in order to create a more encouraging, healthy environment for the young girls, we as a whole need to take action. I encourage you all to write letters into editors of magazines and share with them the statistics that I have shared with you today.
i. Tell them how the advertisements and images of models are poisoning the minds of adults, teenagers, and even children. Being the reasoning behind why many girls have low self-esteem and self-confidence.
ii. Ask them if this is how they would like their children to feel, and if they want their children to grow up in such an unhealthy environment, that implements superficial ideals such as beautiful only exits in size two.
Transition: After listening to my speech today I hope that you’ve taken in consideration what I have just told you.
Conclusion: And the next time you look at yourself in the mirror don’t reflect on all the “supposed flaws”, rather smile appreciate how beautiful each of you are. Change starts with you but you’ve first have to feel comfortable with yourself before you can make a difference for others. Once you feel confident, then we can try to make our country a better place for the next generation.
Works Cited
Field, A.E., Cheung, L., Wolf, A.M., Herzog, D.B., Gortmaker, S.L., & Colditz, G.A. (1999). Exposure to Mass Media and Weight Concerns Among Girls. 2.Website: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/103/3/e36.pdf
Where Size 0 Doesn't Make the Cut. (2006, September 22). New York Times, p. A20.
Hey Kels! :) Your speech looks GREAT! I really like the indepdent research you conducted. It adds a personal touch to your speech. Your intro is really solid! I also like the statistics you have researched and implemented throughtout your speech. I'm looking forward to hearing it tomorrow! -Tamar
Kels, It was clear that you're practice paid off! You really improved your delivery. You seemed a lot more comfortable and passionate about your topic today. You talked slow, and used pauses more effectively compared to the last speech. This made your speech very inspirational! -Tamar
Kels Your outline looks great! Very persuasive speech! I agree w/Tamar in that the statistics add a great touch. Goodluck delivering it, if u do stumble just keep going with it dont worry about it.!!- Katie C.
Kels - I thought that this speech was a huge improvement over your last one. You presented a strong arguement, and backed everything up with compelling information. You also seemed very passionate about the topic which added to the delivery a lot. - Sam
Kels- Great job presenting your speech today! I could tell you were very interested in your topic and it meant a lot to you by your face expressions and your tone. Your visual aid also established greath pathos! Work on using hand gestures for future speeches if they fit! Good Job though. Katie Castellano
Good Job on the speech today Kelsie. The interest in the topic was obvious through your extensive knowledge. I would recommend perhaps using some gestures but othre than that great job. Ryan S.
Kelsie-you did a really great job and your outline is really good too. You did alot of research and I can tell you really knew your topic- Lauren
Hey Kelsie, awesome job today on your speech. I thought you were very passionate about your topic, which made you a lot more credible on how you presented. Your visual was very moving and applied to your topic perfectly. Your delivery was sharp, and you had really good eye contact. -Eric
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