Real beauty is being yourself OnYourMind: Why Richelle Maciej doesn't watch TV
"I'd rather see images of women who are strong and full of life, women who haven't been dissected or are so emaciated there is no life left in them." - Richelle Maciej
by Richelle Maciej
When I tell people that I don't watch much television, they're shocked, as if I just flicked off my boss. This is a personal preference, of course, as I enjoy other activities more. However, one main reason why I keep my television set off is the image of women that is constantly portrayed in the media, not only on television but also in print media, like magazines.
I recently saw a body-wash commercial in which a half-naked woman was circled by ribbons of exfoliating beads. Objectified women are everywhere in advertising. Ads focus only on certain parts of a woman's body, cutting her up in order to sell their products. Scantily clad women exhibit orgasmic facial expressions while using products that are often geared toward women. These ads serve a titillating effect for men, I'm sure, but their continuous presence reinforces the notion that women should be objectified, as well as perpetuating an impossible ideal of "beauty."
When I turn on the TV or flip through the pages of a magazine, I'd rather see images of women who are strong and full of life, women who haven't been dissected or are so emaciated there is no life left in them. I would love to see a picture of my maternal grandmother, who raised 10 kids, lived through the Great Depression, and made the best bread-from scratch. I want to see a picture of an old college roommate, who recently decided to be an "out" lesbian. I'd like to see an image of my current roommate, a woman who heals other people's aches and pains for a living and treats her body well by eating organically. I want to see advertisements that tell me it's OK to be myself.
Since 2006, Dove has aired advertisements portraying women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities. Called "The Campaign for Real Beauty" (www.campaignforrealbeauty.com), these advertisements, along with studies, forums and workshops created by Dove, are intended for the general public to reexamine and redefine their views of female beauty to include all women. I wholeheartedly applaud these efforts, but more companies need to follow suit.
So, turn off your TV, put away your magazines and refuse to buy into the negative images of women portrayed around you. Better yet, advocate for advertising that portrays women as complete and naturally beautiful. Spend time with the women you love-encourage them to be themselves. And most important, spread the love to younger generations of women who desperately need to be reassured that it's OK to be exactly who they are.
Richelle Maciej lives in Richfield, works full time as an administrative assistant and moonlights as a bartender.
What's on your mind? Write to us. Commentary submissions must be 450 words or less. Email onyourmind@womenspress.com.
