THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BONY

The fashion industry has distinct ties to the media and society as a whole, but is this union for better or worse when it comes to our young people? by Chaendra Gittens

Eating disorders, low self- esteem, feelings of inadequacy; they are all interlinked with one another in more ways than one. All three of these issues are growing epidemics in today’s society for which we have yet to find cures. However, whose responsibility is it to solve these problems: our parents? The schools? Surprisingly, a large amount of the population seem to think that the blame for these severe problems should lie solely on the shoulders of the fashion industry, the media who promotes them, and the models who give them life.

Industry of Ideals
Someone like Tyra Banks would probably be the first person to tell you that the industry is mainly for those with thick skin and a fierce mentality. Unfortunately, what about those who are not in the industry? Not everyone is that strong-minded and equipped with a sense of invincibility. Most young women and men do have insecurities and are sensitive when faced with issues of appearance and the need for acceptance. This is where the problem starts. Many may feel like the fashion industry promotes that it is unacceptable not to meet the standards that are portrayed everyday in the media or those from the mouths of the industry’s experts. The industry, itself, has the responsibility of showcasing this idea of, “the glamorous life”, to their consumers and this is why it is such a lucrative business. Who doesn’t want to live the extravagant life and be beautiful? However, it is this dream-like quality that has the ability to draw in so many young, impressionable people. They clearly do not see the fashion industry as just a business because they are not exposed to that aspect as much as the finished products: beautiful clothing on beautiful people with a celebrity lifestyle. So, of course, they are going to believe that the only way to acquire this way of life is to be a carbon copy of the people they see on television by any means necessary. Although, majority of the time, the fashion companies’ main concern is usually just finding the best way to market and sell their fashions and beauty products.

Media, Models, & Malnourishment
These products are sold with the help of the massive tag team force of nature: media and models. This collaboration manipulates probably the largest percentage of our society. Whether it runway models or celebrities from other areas of the industry, they all play the same role of life-size dolls to the viewing public. Therefore, it is no shock that young children, especially young girls, are so obsessed with these stars and how they look. With the help of the media, these images of these celebrities are flooding our television and movie screens making it impossible to ignore. These obsessions, though, can become increasingly dangerous if not monitored. A current study stated that, “the average height and weight for a model is 5'10" and 110 lbs., while the average height and weight for a woman is 5'4" and 145 lbs”. With statistics like these, we can see where most of these problems evolve. Even when there are models that are a little closer to the average size of a woman, they have to have the term “plus-size” attached to their title; this tends to carry a negative connotation with it. Due to these extreme differences, the average young woman or man almost feels as if they have no choice but try to obtain the more “ideal” body type. This is where the eating disorders such as: Anorexia and Bulimia rear their ugly heads. Young people have a tendency to do anything to receive the same admiration and acceptance that is given to their idols on a daily basis. Some would use the example of “Canada’s Next Top Model” winner, Andrea Muizelaar.
Although she was deemed the winner and given the opportunity of a lifetime, she was far from happy. It was only after she had left the fashion industry indefinitely that she felt inclined to share her story about how she had acquired an eating disorder. She had been living with Anorexia for about five years. It began before she was ever on the show, but she candidly admitted that it was fuelled by the notion that she could potentially make it as a model. From that point on, her disorder grew; in the midst of it she still made it on the show without any questions asked. In her own words from an interview, her anorexia “was hidden due to the fact that well, skinny is modeling and it is really okay for this business.” That quote alone shows that there is, in fact, a problem within the industry and with the expectations of a typical model.
Industry professionals, however, would argue that the job of any model or celebrity who happens to be wearing a designer gown on the red carpet is to sell the idea of fantasy and fantasy is not supposed to reflect reality. The models have to look a certain way to make the outfits as appealing as possible, even if no one else looks like that particular model. This is true, unfortunately, the little girl or boy sitting at home does not know the difference and would just love to be looked upon as the symbol of beauty just like any model because they are treated like modern day goddesses or gods and loved by everyone.

The Blame Game
This is a debate that could go on forever, and probably will because we all know that the fashion industry and the media’s images go hand in hand. Yes, the media along with any model or celebrity has a responsibility to ensure that what they are sending a positive message to their consumers. However, does it stop right there? People seem to forget that, even though the media is something that surrounds us constantly, the parents and other authority figures should be around just as much if not more. Keeping this in mind, the fashion industry does seem to be making some strides to distance themselves from this negative stigma. For instance, the issue that arose in Madrid when many models were banned from the catwalk for being too thin was the first stand of its kind that the fashion world has taken in such a situation. This may have been just one occurrence, but even one difference helps to show that thin is not always in. It showed everyone that it is not the whole world that feels the same way about the industry’s portrayal of beauty. By parents also paying more attention to what their children watch and how they view themselves in comparison to what they are seeing consistently on their televisions or in their magazines, the world and our young people growing up may obtain a different and healthier outlook on reality. So, society may need to take a long look at itself and think twice before being so quick to point a judgmental finger at what seems to be the easy target.