Recently, Tyra Banks was upset because the media snapped bad pictures of her on vacation. Banks says the pictures were unflattering, but that type of body is groovy and sexy; however, it is not hers. She then proceeded to show other photos with visible weight and give weight estimates from her career highlights. The audience applauded as Banks fought back tears and proclaimed, "I have one thing to say to you [the media]. Kiss my fat ass!" But they failed to realize the underlying message.

If the photos were sexy, then why was she near tears? Why take on this sudden media crusade, armed with her weight estimates from the past decade? Does the ex-supermodel not protest too much?

In all fairness, the media did take it too far in nicknaming her "America’s Next Top Waddle," but dedicating an entire episode of her talk show to debunk the picture and let everyone know that a) there is nothing wrong with being that size, b) she’s not really that size, and c) it was just a bad picture is overkill. It is also what the good people who teach English 102 at MCC - Penn Valley would call a circular argument.

We live in a world where image is everything. It’s not about what you find attractive and healthy for you. It’s about what you could be if you buy the right clothes and body parts. No one cares whether you are happy with your body. They care about upholding the supermodel image that is currently being drummed into the heads of children, teens, twenty-somethings and up.

As if living through all the trials and tribulations that come with being a teen, and then through your twenties, is not enough, must the world also force its conformist views towards appearance at us? Look around you and take notice of your fellow students and co-workers. Do you not see the unhealthy trend that has enveloped the globe?

Your fellow classmates are starting to look like hookers and heroin addicts. Not only are they struggling to maintain soap-opera weight standards, but they are now squeezing into clothes that are still somehow too small. Low-cut blouses, miniskirts with splits, and make-up applied with a shovel make them look skanky instead of pretty. In most cases, it is also unacceptable for the collegiate atmosphere.

Children are being sold skanky two-piece swimsuits and sweatpants that have "Coca-Cola" running across the ass. Instead of trying to preserve their innocence and let them be children, society is priming them for the world and for all the negative feedback they will receive, should they not shed that baby fat ASAP.

Turn on any television or open any magazine and you are instantly assaulted with images of stick-figure celebrities. Thin has always been in, and damn the people who don’t schedule in time for the gym.

The entire world is hung up on looks. It’s the reason plastic surgery has become so popular and fashion designers are becoming celebrities. Even Banks admitted to being underweight in her supermodel days. Apparently, being a supermodel puts you above any health concerns. Maintaining the unrealistic idealization of beauty is all that matters.

The female models who strut down the runways of Paris and Milan have always been reminiscent of underage boys. They are as flat as boards and reveal as much rib cleavage as they do leg. Being thin is what’s relevant if you have your heart set on stardom. The fashion world literally has people dying to fit in.

By stressing appearance above all else, the world is imposing an unrealistic version of beauty on itself. It's starting to seem like the more parts you buy, the closer you are to being whole.

More than 5 million Americans experience eating disorders, according to http://www.sadd.org/stats.htm#eatingdisorders. Could it be because they are buying into unattainable stereotypes set by pop culture? If you’re overweight, you’re not beautiful, as far as the world is concerned.

Instead of stressing that everyone is different and unique in their own right, society is pressuring people to look like Barbie and Ken. Ignore the fact that you're hungry, give up your fashion sense, and get in line. Individuality is no longer welcomed, when you too can become a Stepford wife.

Instead of pointing out positive things about a person’s body, society points out the negative things. No one cares if you’re smart, have a nice attitude and beautiful eyes, or whatever else makes you attractive. If your hair isn’t a certain length and you seem comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, you are not picture-perfect.

Stop letting magazines dictate the way you dress. Don't change things about yourself in order to fit in. Never be afraid of being yourself. Accept yourself for who you are, look at the things you cannot (and should not) change as characteristics, and love yourself for being you.

Tell us what you think. Write Spectrum at editor@mcckc.edu.

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