Social Media’s Role in Redefining Beauty Standards
Social media has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life, and its influence on beauty standards is no exception.
For decades, beauty ideals for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curvaceous figure in the 1950s to the ultra-thin frames of 1990s supermodels, society’s idea of the “perfect” body has shifted over time. However, a consistent theme has been the pressure on women to conform to a singular standard, often dictated by pop culture and advertising.
In contrast, social media has significantly expanded the definition of beauty. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. This inclusivity is reshaping how people view their bodies, offering representation that goes far beyond the size 0 models traditionally seen in mainstream media.
Plus Size Becomes the New Norm
As American women increasingly embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows that the average body size is also changing.
A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education highlights a shift in what is considered “average.” While it was once commonly stated that the average size for American women was 14, the study reveals that the average woman now wears between a misses size 16 and 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W. Additionally, the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past two decades.
“We hope this information reaches both the industry and consumers,” said Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, in an interview with Today. “Understanding these figures can have a profound impact on women’s self-esteem. The apparel industry needs to recognize that these women are here to stay and deserve inclusive clothing options.”
Why Are American Women Getting Larger?
The average size of American women has increased over the past several decades. According to the CDC, the average weight of an American woman is now approximately 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s. Multiple factors contribute to this trend:
- Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and an increased reliance on processed foods play significant roles.
- Cultural Shifts: Greater acceptance and celebration of diverse body types have reduced societal pressure to adhere to extreme dieting.
- Genetics and Environment: Genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as stress and access to healthy foods, also influence body size.
Beyond Appearance: A Health Perspective
While larger body sizes are increasingly celebrated, the medical implications cannot be ignored. Obesity rates have doubled since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. Social media, while fostering inclusivity, has also been criticized for promoting unhealthy lifestyles and sedentary habits that contribute to weight gain.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue.” It is a medical condition that increases the risk of numerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
A New Era of Beauty
True beauty lies in celebrating individuality rather than conforming to a rigid standard. Social media has been instrumental in spreading this message and has the potential to reshape beauty norms in a positive way when used thoughtfully.
What’s your take on social media’s impact on beauty standards? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to gather more perspectives!
Baggage handler reveals why you should never tie a ribbon on your luggage
You can relate to the anxiety of seeing hundreds of nearly identical suitcases go past on the conveyor belt if you’ve ever spent any time at all at an airport looking through the carousel for your most valuable belongings.
An airport employee is cautioning customers against using personal markers because they come with baggage that you cannot unload. Astute tourists have found that attaching a ribbon on their luggage helps it stand out from the others.
Discover why you should never travel with marzipan or use ribbons by reading on!
Even experienced travelers can become terrified at the mere prospect of misplacing their bags while on a trip.
Travelers are fastening vibrant ribbons on their suitcases to ensure that they stand out from the others, lowering the possibility that their luggage will be snatched by another passenger or that they would constantly watch it slowly spin by on the conveyor belt.
However, a luggage handler at Dublin Airport going by the name of John claims that these well-liked tips are more harmful than helpful.
As a matter of fact, it might fulfill your worst travel fear.
Don’t take the ribbon with you.
John disclosed to RSVP Live that attaching identifying ribbons to your luggage may result in delays, potentially causing your items to miss the trip.
John informed the source that “tying ribbons to one’s suitcase to aid in identification can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall.” “Your bag might not make it to the flight if it can’t be scanned automatically and has to be processed manually.”
Your suitcase will have a higher chance of arriving at its destination if it is checked in without identifying marks like ribbons or outdated travel stickers.
John suggests: “Remove outdated stickers from the bag as they may interfere with the scanning process.”
If you take marzipan, the delightfully sweet almond dessert, on vacation, John cautions you that it could cause issues with your luggage and possibly result in a security alert.
“Never put marzipan in your suitcase. The Dublin baggage expert stated, “Your bag will be removed and you will be called from the plane for a bag search because it has the same density as some explosives.”
Last but not least, make sure your luggage is wheels side up to prevent damage before putting it on the little conveyor belt for handlers like John.
No more ordinary luggage
You no longer need to carry standard black, brown, or blue luggage because luggage has changed dramatically over the past few decades.
Travel & Leisure claims that black luggage is quite popular since it is “one of the most – if not, the most – versatile color.”
“For this reason, it’s worth selecting a different hue if you want your luggage to stand out at baggage claim,” the outlet says. Consider a suitcase with a design instead, or one that’s brightly colored, like hot pink.
If you’re not a fan of pink, you may still buy baggage that will stand out from the crowd in a variety of vivid, striking colors.
Consider adding identifying elements that won’t obstruct scanning with fabric paint or stickers if you’re unwilling to part with your current containers.
Travelers everywhere should find some relief from tension by following the advice of the Dublin Airport handler!
What advice would you provide tourists to assist them steer clear of airport mishaps? Please let us know what you think and then forward this story to others so we can hear from them as well!
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