The media has become so obsessed with this “perfect woman” ideal that it’s started to cloud the minds of society as a whole. It’s honestly sad to think that people aren’t loving themselves for who they are, but are judging themselves based on a false image of what the “everyday woman” looks like. The average woman in the United States is not a size 2, which is what’s being portrayed by the media. According to the CDC, the average weight of women in the United States is 166.2 pounds, with a waist circumference of about 37.5 inches. This translates to about a size 16 in US sizes. Ann Marie Britton, who conducted a research study in Fall 2012 at the University of New Hampshire, found that the beauty industry does affect the thoughts of women through the use of a survey of women in the Northeastern part of the US.

Here is why I feel strongly against the beauty standard exemplified by the media. Firstly, it makes women that look different feel bad about themselves. Why can’t they be tall like the women in the pictures? Or why can’t they have the clear skin that’s shown on the commercials? It’s important to know that these images aren’t real. Photoshopping beauty images has been a big issue that’s been addressed within the industry. That “perfect woman” image is a figment of the beauty industry’s imagination. She doesn’t exist. Every woman needs to embrace her flaws, not try to change them, because everyone is beautiful in their own way.

Secondly, It’s important to remember that beauty isn’t only defined by outer looks. What’s more important is the beauty on the inside. Having a beautiful personality is what should define you. Don’t try to change your personality to reflect that of others. Embrace your unique personalities no matter what others think.

Some women are afraid to stand up against the media regarding beauty standards because they’re afraid of what society will think of them. Women should be able to love who they are and defend their individuality without having to worry about what society thinks, but because the media has drilled that ideal image into our minds, it’s hard to overlook the issue. That doesn't mean that women that have the body image displayed in the media should be shamed as well. Everyone is different, and everyone should be accepted no matter their body type or how they look.

This is why it’s important to stand up against the beauty standards in the media. Spread positivity in society. Let other women know that they’re beautiful the way the are, because you never know who could be struggling with the image. Also remember that this doesn’t mean you can’t wear makeup or diet because you want to lose weight. The point of this is to know that you shouldn’t be doing those because it’s what you see in the media. Do it because you want to improve for your own self. When you see those images in an advertisement or in the world as a whole, remember that the media doesn’t define who you are. You get to create your own definition for yourself and you should be the best version of YOU that you can be.

Be confident in yourself, because confidence is beautiful.