Bordo, Fiji, and Television

Susan Bordo argues that eating disorders emerge as a result of our culture’s excessive emphasis on an idealized image of female beauty. In our society, women are perpetually objectified and are held to a standard of beauty. Yet this standard is entirely unrealistic and utterly unobtainable. We internalize both the cultural definition of feminine beauty and a desire to display it. However, for many women and girls, the recognition and disappointment of failing to epitomize this standard results in eating disorders, an increasingly rampant issue in our society. According to Bordo, society produces eating disorders.

Bordo very briefly mentioned a study on the impact of Western media on young women in Fiji. I had read the study a few years ago and found it fascinating. I am glad that Bordo touched on the study; however, I wanted to mention it in a bit more depth.

Becker, et al. (2002) sought to document the influence of Western media exposure on body image and eating disorders. The results were startling. In 1995 approximately 41.3% of households owned a television. In 1998, that figure was up to 70.8%. This exponential increase was reflected in the eating behaviors of the young women. In 1995, 0% of participants had self-induced vomiting behaviors; however, 11.3% of participants in 1998 did. One measure the researchers utilized was a 26-item survey called the EAT-26. Scores above 20 indicate extremely problematic eating behaviors and attitudes, including full fledged eating disorders. In 1995, 12.7% of participants had scores over 20; however, in 1995, 29.2% had scores over 20, nearly triple of the 1995 participants. Thinness and dieting was extremely discouraged in Fijian values, yet our media sparked a desire to become the thin ideal. This study was incredibly sad to me. It’s terrible that not only is our media poisoning the people in our society, but we are also trickling out into the rest of the world and infecting them with our distorted conception of beauty.  

On a side note, I wonder if ridiculous shows like “Toddlers and Tiaras” will have any effect on the younger generation. Will it prompt body dissatisfaction at a younger age? Honestly, for that to even be allowed on the air is absolutely disgusting to me. There is something terribly wrong with our society that sexually objectifying toddlers is not only okay and accepted, but also celebrated as entertainment.   

Becker, A. E., et al. (2002) Eating behaviours and attitudes following prolonged exposure to television among ethnic Fijian adolescent girls. British Journal of Psychiatry, 180, 509-514