Destroy the Image

Living in the economy dominated world it is hard to disregard all the needs and desires created for people by media, which often leads us to overlook the real values of life: such as family, love, nature and so on. Having read the bunch of articles about how woman are manipulated by media; especially advertising, and observing most woman behavior these days, it becomes obvious and alarming how powerful the media impact can be.

Shortly: the understanding of success for majority of woman nowadays often means to be skinny and beautiful as advertised in many different campaigns. This view is limited, since these ideas are occupying nearly every single thought, most of the time and most of the money to achieve and seek these goals, for instance; obsession with food, dieting, exercising, extensive shopping and etc. According to the author of the article “Conclusion: Body Messages and Body Meaning”– ‘the overwhelming theme of our times.. is self transformation’ and the possibility and promise of it is sold to us... However, instead of trying to buy the better version of ourselves, before running after unrealistic goals there should be more opportunities for other things to develop. The solution could be - completely stopping indoctrination and banning the public advertising, what, for example, was done in Sao Paolo, the largest city in South America, in 2007. That would leave more room for everybody to readjust to the reality, to become more grounded and centered, also sensitive to what truly matters in the real life, to reconnect to each other and create independent world view on our own, "since repeated exposure to media stereotyping can create illusions that representations are truth" (Singorielli and Morgan, 1990). Of course, it is hard to imagine that to happen here in America. The advertising industry would not be happy about it, because it is a big money making business, which rules not just US, but has an impact on the entire world.. For this reason, instead of forcing the majority to believe certain truths and developing stereotypes, the advertising should be done much more thoughtful and responsible, trying to encourage creativity, respect and positive outlook to the world. As the writer of the article “Culture” points out : “The definition of perfection, however, changes with the needs of employers, politicians, and, in the postwar economy that depended on spiraling consumption, advertisers.”, that is why people have to be more aware of these issues and at least have a chance to choose their own values and goals, based not only on the advertising but on more objective world vision and understanding.