For most Americans, being thin, fit, and beautiful is synonymous with love, success, and power.
Physical beauty holds the promise of eternal happiness.
Many people believe the rest of their lives would automatically fall into place if they could only reach a certain weight or have their nose modified. For many of us, being too far away from the ideal is a scary proposition. Consider a recent national survey that found more women feared becoming fat than feared dying. Both the media and advertisers shape, reinforce, and perpetuate an image that bears little resemblance to the reality of our lives. These groups reinforce beauty and body image stereotypes because beauty sells.