Advertising is a powerful educational force in our culture due to the simple fact of exposure. Economics is also a significant factor in the development of the ideal image. Many businesses depend upon the desire for thinness to survive. Exercise and diet companies are an example. In order to create a market for their product, they attempt to make women feel inadequate about their own bodies through advertisement.

One reason this ideal has manipulated the American society is that it appeals to some basic values. This country accepts things like individuality, self-help, hard work, success, and self-control. Women are given the message that if they just work hard enough at dieting and exercise, they can be thin, beautiful and happy. Women, especially, are told that their efforts in perfecting their bodies will be rewarded by success in both their professional and personal lives. If they fail at achieving the ideal, they are told to try harder. A fat person is seen as lazy or greedy or without self-control.

Mikki Taylor. "Images of Women in the Media." Essence Magazine Volume 31 (2001) 40-41

In conclusion, what is the result of this endeavor for perfection? "One out of every 4 college aged women has an eating disorder. A psychological study in 1

Some common words found in the essay are:
Marketing American, Magazine Volume, american woman, women feel,
Approximate Word count = 567
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)