various links related to page topic; perhaps some interesting facts, images, etc.

Introduction

"The primary purpose of mass media is to sell audiences to advertisers.
- Jean Kilbourne, Deadly Persuasion

Jump to: Mission Statement ~ How to use this page ~ About me

Introduction

SEX and MONEY. That’s what all this is about. We want to be beautiful and get laid, and advertisers make us think that this will only happen if we look like their models, and we can only look like their models by spending MONEY. Even though we rationally know all the ThighMasters in the world won’t turn us into Tyra Banks or Brad Pitt, we still spend millions each year on beauty products and procedures. Advertisers can’t do it alone, though, and that’s where media enters the picture.

Media get MONEY by SELLING YOU to advertisers. Is MONEY bad? No! Is SEX bad? Hell, no! But in case you hadnÕt noticed, in this cultural scenario we’ve created, the media consumers (a.k.a., us) aren’t getting any MONEY or SEX from the deal. Instead, we’re getting poor self-esteem, eating disorders, violence and stereotypes. The majority of media don't reflect the reality of our bodies, and it's time to crack the media mirror and become critical media consumers. This website is part of my mission to help UI students recognize this everyday manipulation and to joyfully accept our skinny, fat, toned, not-so-toned, black, white, brown, physically disabled, big-nosed, blemished, frizzy-haired, cellulited, stretch-marked, scarred, beautiful bodies.

Mission Statement

To create awareness among University of Iowa students of the way media body images inform our everyday decisions and "common sense" ideals of what and whom we deem attractive and sexually desirable
To provide resources to UI students, both local and national, on body image issues, concerns and related disorders
To connect UI students with each other to form a web of support and communication about body image issues and concerns
To encourage UI students to challenge the unrealistic physical ideals which media and culture impress upon us

How to use to use this page

The "Media & Body" and "The Issues" pages are to create awareness; you can find thought-provoking research and studies, and comments from other UI students.
"Your Turn" offers a chance to communicate with other UI students on a message board, submit questions for an expert opinion, learn ways to resist the negativity toward bodies in media.
"Around Town" lists local events, lectures, readings and programs regarding media, body image, gender studies, cultural studies, and social reform issues.
"Resources" provides local, national, online and print resources for body image disorders, like anorexia and bulimia; it also provides links about media and lists studies and books of media/body image interest. A complete bibliography for references within this site is also available.
"Site Index" provides links to every page within this site.

About Me
I’m a 20-year-old journalism major at the University of Iowa. After taking some consciousness-raising courses on media representations of diverse bodies, and seeing the negative effects of those representations manifest in my own life and the lives of people all over this campus, I decided to take action through this website. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions please email me. {blah, blah, will change this later}