Are perceptions of what's fit influenced more by supermodels/stars or the US's o

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   LaurenECposted 12 years ago

   Are perceptions of what's fit influenced more by supermodels/stars or the US's overweight culture?
   
   Supermodels have a reputation for skewing girls' perceptions of what looks right. However, a large percentage of the U.S. population is overweight, which means that people are more likely to see examples of obesity than anorexia in daily life. Which plays a bigger role in what looks "normal"? Or, are our perceptions being skewed in both directions? (Are people's perceptions of what's fit influenced more by stick-thin supermodels/stars or by the overweight culture of the U.S.?)

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   jclaffeeposted 12 years ago

   Excellent question! I think people are going to sway towards comparing themselves to supermodels and stars more often than not. Why? Because that is the desirable characteristic. Not everyone is going to get fit or even try to get fit because of movie stars or models, but I bet if they had their choice, they'd choose to be physically desirable. I've never heard anyone say, "obese people make me feel fit". But if I had a nickel for every time I've heard someone say, "Oh wow I bet she works out all the time. I need to hit the gym more", I'd be a rich man. Of course, obesity is reaching epic proportions in the U.S., and I agree that that could play a part in what people view as normal. However, at this point, our culture seems to idolize acceptance from others and being desirable is an extremely coveted position. I think for now, super-skinny models will influence people more.

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   joshuanoerrposted 12 years ago

   What's funny is, a lot of those super model types are just as unfit as overweight people, just in a different way.
   
   When I look at a model, unless it's a fitness model, I don't think of fitness.
   
   I don't think adults are as mislead into poor ideas about what is fit and not fit by these types of people as kids are, young girls especially.
   
   The reality is most Americans simply have no idea what it means to be in great shape, have no idea how to get there, and would rather not put in the effort to overcome the decades of conditioning they were put through by their family who also had no idea.
   
   I don't know if I answered your question well, but it got me pretty fired up! Cheers.

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   JenineMianaposted 12 years ago

   I believe both give influence. Mass media causes us to believe that the most desirable look is the supermodel look we see on magazines. Mass franchise with fast foods coupled with the perception of less time to fix good healthy meals ourselves causes an obese society. Thus, our frustration. We are mostly obese and addicted to the wrong things while frustrated by a look or appeal that is just as incorrect. We need to get our own self esteem from appreciating who we are from the inside out and making adjustments for the sake of health reasons and not appearances. Every body is different and will look different after good health habits, so the supermodel perception is not necessarily what we will have as a result, but our good habits will bring the true healthy person we are meant to be and our own look from the inside out. The changes are emotional as much as spiritual and physical. Time to put blinders on the looks of society and get into how we are meant to be from the inside. Life is a whole lot happier when we look at what is important instead of what is portrayed to us. Make it healthy, and make it personal , and not societies "norm".

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   gracenotesposted 12 years ago

   There are presently a lot of elite athletes who are carrying extra body fat, especially among NFL players.  This doesn't mean that an overweight offensive lineman can't be good, because they are VERY good when they make it to that level.
   
   So, yes, I do believe that it's more culturally acceptable to carry extra pounds now.  But I believe this acceptance may be more prevalent among individuals in the lower economic strata.  Presumably, when you are affluent, you are more educated, and you can afford to research and obtain the highest quality and freshest foods to nourish your body.  If you're doing it right, this usually leads to a desirable body weight.  Presently, I'm at a weight I last saw during the 1990's, and it's all due to a much improved diet.
   
   I have hubbed before on my feelings about lower body fat percentages for women.  I personally don't like that look for myself, because I see it as unfeminine.  The good thing is that, as a whole, the vast majority of men have fairly wide-ranging tastes in what they consider attractive in a female body shape.
   There is plenty of room for both the super-fit female, as well as those carrying a higher body fat percentage.
   
   And, yes, young girls will see supermodels and good-looking actresses, to this day, as the ideal.  Not that they're going to do anything about it, you understand, because it requires a certain amount of self-denial and discipline to stay that way, unless you happen to be blessed with fantastic genes.
   
   I do agree that some of the supermodels are not as fit as they look.  Much can be done with good lighting, and with still photography, there's always Photoshop!

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