Berg 1

Allie Berg
Ms. Blommer
ENGL 1010
23 May 2016
Issue Exploration Project: Where does an individuals self-esteem and body-image come from?
Self Reflection
Beginning this course at the start of the semester I was unsure of what to expect.
Thinking that writing was not my strong suit I was nervous for what was to come. Over the past
few months I feel as though my writing has improved not only by just writing more frequently,
but by exploring different genres and styles of writing pieces. I quickly figured out that my
formulistic way of writing a five paragraph essay would not suffice for this class. By taking more
time to write I found that the five paragraphs were constricting my thoughts and ideas. I had
much more to say than would fit into 25-35 sentences.
Through this final Issue Exploration Project I found that all the assignments we had done
throughout the semester thus far had been in preparation for this piece. Learning how to
recognize specific audiences and analyze rhetorical strategies allowed me to identify effective vs
ineffective articles. In my Issue Exploration Project I was surprised to find evidence of the
devices I had learned about. For example, media adapts to fit the intended audience. I knew this
before researching because of my own experience and being given the opportunity to analyze
sources in class, but I did not realize the extent and truthfulness of this principle until researching
on my own.
This piece also taught me how to effectively summarize, paraphrase, synthesize, and the
differences between them. Before this course I was under the impression that these three

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processes were practically synonyms. I quickly found out that I was wrong. There is more work
to be done when using these tools than just copying what the author had said. In using these
processes I learned about plagiarism and how easy it is to fall into a little bit of laziness.
Plagiarism is more common than I thought, and there are more forms than just quoting the author
without giving their name.
My composing process could still be more effective. I still find myself procrastinating
until the last minute; however I have gotten better as the semester has progressed. I found it
easier to stay caught up when the project was broken into segments with individual due dates.
This way by the final due date, I had just put off the last two segments, instead of the entire
project. It was helpful to have peer reviews placed throughout the project. I thoroughly enjoyed
being able to just copy and paste the segments that had already been peer reviewed into my final
draft. Having another set of eyes comb through my paper was beneficial to me because they saw
mistakes I had made that I had originally looked over and helped my rephrase sentences that I
could not get to sound just right.
Citing multiple texts was a challenge because it was sometimes difficult to keep them
separated in my mind. However, having several sources supported my argument and made it
more effective than it could have been without them. I found it tough to keep myself out of the
analysis at times. It was hard to convey the ideas of the author without committing plagiarism of
quoting the entire time. I enjoyed writing the commentary at the end of my Issue Exploration
Project because I could write my own thoughts, feelings, and biases about the topic.
This assignment opened my eyes to the issues of the world. Society has become so
complex that I do not believe that there could be one single way to answer a particular question.
Researching this topic challenged my simplistic point of view. I want the reader to notice the

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depth of my research and the great impact this issue has on the world. There is not a single
person that is not affected by their own body-image and self-esteem. No one escapes the
influences of the media, biology, and their parents in some way.

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Annotated Bibliography
Chittom, Lynn-nore, and Laura Finley. "Body Image in the Media Is an Unhealthy Picture."
Body Image in the Media Is an Unhealthy Picture. Points of View Reference Center.
Web. May 2016. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/command/detail?sid=e83fce41-db7a4dda-b9d1-3b0136cd0a1d@sessionmgr4003&vid=4&hid=4206>.
In the article, Body Image in the Media is an Unhealthy Picture the author
Lynn-nore Chitton argues that the reason young girls develop eating disorders is the
unattainable picture the media depicts. She claims the image presented is one of thinness
leading to an increase in eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression. According to
Chitton the media sends a message to young girls that looking thin is absolutely
necessary and the best way to obtain a perfect body is through fancy diets omitting most
kinds of food.
In this article Chitton gains credibility by referencing celebrities. The intended
audience of women ages 18-35 can relate to the article because most likely they have
experienced the pressure of the airbrushed images in the media. Tugging on the emotions
of the audience and using statistics to appeal to their common sense Chitton points out,
80 percent of women are unhappy with their appearance and approximately 45 percent
are dieting on any given day. A study of fourth-grade girls found 80% were on a diet
(Chitton). These claims are abrupt and may be surprising to the reader, making the
argument memorable. A fallacy occurs in Chittons writing when she makes a hasty
generalization that, Advertising campaigns with pencil-thin models are partly to blame
for these statistics, and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and

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depression (Chitton). Making this claim with statistics strengthens her argument that
media is to blame.
This article provides a strong position that photo-shopped media is the only
reason young girls struggle with body image. I am skeptical of this generalization, but
because Chitton backs up the generalization with statistics, she creates a strong argument.
I plan to use these facts in my literature review to reinforce the point of view that media
is responsible for many eating disorders and depression. It concerns me that I could not
find an original publication date. However, the dates in the bibliography at the end of the
article are the fall months of 2007. If the article was also published in 2007, then it may
be an out-of-date source.

Driscoll, Sally, and Tamara Campbell. "Body Image Is Influenced by Many Factors, Not Just the
Media." Body Image Is Influenced by Many Factors, Not Just the Media. Points of View
Reference Center. Web. May 2016. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/command/detail?
sid=e83fce41-db7a-4dda-b9d1-3b0136cd0a1d@sessionmgr4003&vid=5&hid=4206>.
In the article, Body Image is Influenced by Many Factors, Not Just the Media
the author, Sally Driscoll, argues that many aspects of life effect ones body image.
Driscoll points out that hundreds of people go on diet plans each year and only a few
develop dangerous disorders. There has been research indicating, Driscoll says, that
depression and other disorders stem from an abusive childhood, particularly those with
parents who belittle their children based on issues concerning their physical appearance.
The intended audience of this piece is young female adults who pay attention to
the media and mothers of young girls who may be experiencing eating disorders or

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depression. By referencing Dr. Strober, and work from various other doctors and
professors, Driscoll makes her article reliable. By using multiple sources, the argument is
harder to refute. The emotions of the audience are also taken into account when Driscoll
talks about children in abusive homes. The overall tone of this piece is straight forward
and academic making the article appeal logically. A strawman fallacy occurs when
Driscoll claims, The media can be blamed for shaping our cultures standards for beauty,
but it is simplistic to blame advertisers or swimsuit calendars for these senseless deaths
(Driscoll). She states the argument that media is the root of these disorders in a single
basic, elementary sentence. This makes the argument seem weak and the supporters look
silly and naive for thinking that way.
This article provides a well supportive argument that is opposite my first article. It
brought up points that I had not considered such as the influence that a persons parents
has on their body image and self-esteem. I found the research about a persons genetic
makeup fascinating. The studies about the correlations between a persons genes and
their body image are not well known, and not often mentioned when the issues of eating
disorders and depression arise. I am again concerned with the piece being up-to-date.
However, this article gives me an opposing viewpoint to consider and explore, hopefully
finding more recent research to use in my literature review.

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Introduction
Where does the concept of body-image and self-esteem come from?
To answer the question of the origin of self-esteem, an understanding of its components is
first necessary. Self-esteem stems from self-concept, the mental image, attitudes, and opinions
one has of oneself, strengths and weaknesses. Body-image, an idealized image of what one's
body is or should be like, affects ones self-esteem depending on how ones physical body
measures up. Every individual in society has a body-image that contributes to their self-concept
as a whole. These fluctuate easily and can change not only by the day, but by the hour. Each
person has a current perception, and a futuristic goal of what they intend for their body, and
overall life to look like. Although the issues of body-image affect both men and women, this
paper will focus on what influences
womens body-images. Where did
this ideal come from? What factors
in our society have shaped the ideal
sculpture? After researching this
topic, it became clear that most
investigators blame the media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47cbEeSKIZo
AliciaJamesScott. "Body Image Affected By Media."
YouTube. YouTube, 2012. Web. 23 May 2016.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47cbEeSKIZo>.

because as the video to the left

says, 68% of women say they feel
worse about their appearance after
looking through a womens

magazine. However, there are other factors of which most people are not aware.

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The media plays a large and observable role in societys body-image. As shown in the
video, it is difficult to ignore the flashing lights, magazine covers, and billboards promoting a
new program that promises beauty. New research has suggested that hormones in the brain have
also contributed to disorders linked to body-image such as anorexia. Serotonin and estrogen are
more prevalent in women, perhaps causing the high percentage of women being affected. Many
young girls struggle with a healthy body-image because they are taught at a young age that their
body in the most important thing in their life. Either by example, or by direct confrontations,
parents, especially mothers, impact how a child sees him/herself and their body.
This paper will explore the issues of body-image and self-esteem on woman. The
influences of the media, the effects of genetics and biology, and the impact of a young childs
parents have, will be examined in order to determine how these ideals were developed. Although
the research has been done targeting women and young girls, males have a body-image as well.
Men are affected in a different way most of the time, but similarly to women, unhealthy ideals
can be dangerous. Body-image affects every individual in society.
Literature Review
The issues of body-image and self-esteem are becoming more and more prevalent in
todays society. Every person can relate to insecurities based on appearance. Disorders such as
depression, anorexia, and bulimia are not spontaneous infections that can be cured. They are
deeply rooted states of mind that do not ever completely disappear. Where do these disorders
come from? What is it in society that shapes an individuals sense of self-worth? This review will
attempt to answer these questions by focusing on the effects of body image on women through
discussing three themes. These themes are: how does the media influence both a young girl and a

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grown womans self-esteem, what are the biological and psychological causes and effects of
body image, and how do parents impact a young girls nurture and body-image ideals.
How does the media influence both a young girl and a grown womans self-esteem?
A recent increase in awareness of self-esteem has been brought to light by the media.
Many blame billboards and magazines for the unattainable image that women strive to imitate.
Lynn-nore Chitton, author of the article Body Image in the Media is an Unhealthy Picture,
suggests that throughout history the ideal body type for women has stretched, morphed, and has,
ultimately developed into an obsession with super thinness. She argues that even though the
wonders of photoshop have been revealed, women still see the superficial images as common,
standard, practical, and healthy. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) claims that
an increase in eating disorders and self-esteem are effects of the messages from the media.
Childhood actress, Tracey Gold, confesses that her struggles with eating disorders began when
she became obsessed with attaining the medias perfect body at only seven years old. Audrey
Brashich, in her article Under the Influence, tells stories of young teenage girls agreeing that
media is a major cause of low self-esteem for mothers. She points out that because celebrities are
just like usnormal people end up feeling the need to live up to Hollywood standardsreality
TV makes it seem like women have to fix all their problems with surgery, diets, and exercise.
Similarly, Skip Hollandsworth supports this argument in his article, Toddlers and Tiaras but
discusses the influence of the media on young girls. Explaining the appeal of a princess,
Hollandsworth writes, The promise of a tiara has always been a fast, easy, sell to young girls
who pine to be princesses. Media and advertisements reach all ages of females; little girls dream
of becoming princesses, teens covet the looks of the hottest celebrities, and adults strive to stay
looking young. The loud messages sent by the media directly target body image and self-esteem.

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What are the biological and psychological causes and effects of body image?
As scientists and doctors discover more about the inner workings of the body and the
brain, they find correlations and relationships between hormones, thoughts, and behaviors. In her
article, Body Image is Influenced by Many Factors, Not Just the Media Sally Driscoll claims
that this new research has found genetic and physiological links between eating disorders and
abnormal and distorted views of body image. Dr. Michael Miller supports these findings in his
article, Is Anorexia ever a problem for men? when he states, Genetic variations in receptors
for estrogen are associated with eating disorders. Continuing his argument, Miller explains that
estrogen effects the receptors for a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin regulates mood,
pain perception, and includes perception of hunger and thirst (MedicineNet). Driscoll also agrees
that serotonin is a contributing factor in eating disorders explaining that the levels of serotonin in
the body are dependent on the amounts and kinds of foods an individual consumes. This can
affect a persons behavior in order for their body to maintain a happy homeostasis.
How do parents and outside influences impact a young girls nurture and body-image ideals?
The human brain is constantly gathering information, sorting it, and storing it for later.
Bits of information fit together like a puzzle to form memories. Memories form an individuals
background and history, which then impact the individuals reactions to each situation. This
background is largely shaped and molded by parents, guardians, and other surrounding people.
Driscoll claims that researchers have noticed, a strong correlation between the disorders and
low self-esteem, most likely resulting from childhood abuse. She goes on to expand that
problems in the teen years can be caused by parents who demean their children for their
appearance and/or use food as a behavior manipulator, prize, or bargain. The NEDA claims that
A study of fourth-grade girls found that 80% were on a diet (Chitton). Some of these girls are

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on diets because their mom is on one, some because their mother set one up for them, and some
because they have a low self-esteem and feel that losing weight will help them be happier. Most
ten year old girls have not reached puberty yet so it is unhealthy for them to go on strict diets.
Mothers, especially, have a strong influence on their daughters. Miller and Brashich
agree that tendencies and habits of the mother are taught not only directly, but in subtle ways
such as if a mom constantly diets, refuses to be in photosgirls absorb what their moms are
thinking and doingeven when a mom thinks they might not be listening (Brashich).
Hollandsworth extends this concern to reality TV and pageants. Pageants are now not only for
grown women, but for girls younger than four years old. These young girls are taught that their
appearance is their most important characteristic and that natural beauty and persona is not
enough. To grab the attention of the judges, they are coached in walking, dancing, and facemaking. The goal is to win, and to do that, many girls are taught to act in a seductive manner to
turn heads and gain favor with the judges. Nancy Irwin said, Whats really disturbing is that so
many of these girls seem to be tools of their mothers, who think this is the way for the girls to get
fame and attention (Brashich). Many of the young pageant girls will do anything to please their
mothers, so they will do anything to win. Competitions such as these are so focused on the
physical look of the body that they forget the rest. Self-concept is a holistic ideal that includes
personality strengths and intellect. Mothers can have both positive and negative impacts on
daughters; however, skewing the balance of mind and body distorts the body-image and selfesteem of an individual.
Appeals to Credibility
Although all of the articles established credibility, Chitton makes the strongest appeal. By
referencing a variety of sources the author shows the reader that they did lots of research and

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thoroughly understand the topic. This gives not only the individuals referenced credibility, but
makes Chittons argument more reliable. Another tool Chitton uses is real examples of celebrities
who have gained attention for the issues of body-image. Individuals look to celebrities for
reference, especially on the subject of appearance; therefore the author was able to the audience
through ethos in this way. By referencing both older classic celebrities and younger, current
celebrities, Chitton is able to broaden the intended audience and appeal to a wide range of
women. Millers article takes a different approach to establishing dependability. By being the
editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter and using an overall straightforward and
academic tone, the reader assumes credibility. Uniquely, Miller admits to not knowing everything
in his article. Recognizing that there is more to discover and research on the topic at hand shows
the audience humility, making the audience more likely to want to listen and pay attention to his
argument.
Appeals to Emotions
Of the articles presented, Brashich and Hollandsworth make the strongest appeals to
emotion. The subject of body-image and self-esteem can bring up many emotions because it is a
very personal matter. By telling the story of only two girls, Brashich establishes some credibility;
however by including details and quotes from the girls, she plays on the audiences guilt and
compassion. In the article, Rachel M. says, Ill put it bluntly: Its like if she thinks shes ugly, I
must be too. This statement makes the audience feel downhearted for Rachel. Because it is near
the beginning of the piece, the quote grasps the readers attention. Brashich includes the story of
Kaitlyn M. creating a similar effect. Kaitlyns story shows that daughters imitate their mothers
habits. The reader no feels a sense of responsibility to their own children.

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Hollandsworths article takes a different approach. By starting off the article with the
mention of murder, the author grabs the readers attention. Unlike Brashich, Hollandsworth
appeals to feelings of curiosity and fear. The audience is curious about why a little girl was
killed, then later, the author scares them. By including the quote by Stacy Dittrich, When I see
pageants on TV, I think, these are the types of videos those pedophiles would watch,
Hollandsworth makes the audience fear for the children on TV, and their own children.
Hollandsworth is the only author, of the ones presented, that talks about the long-lasting effects
of distorted ideals. By mentioning these, he creates a call to action to change the ideals of the
young girls.
Appeals to Logic
Driscolls article had the strongest appeal to logic. Throughout the piece there was a tone
of common sense and rational reasoning. By presenting multiple, reliable peoples points of view
and research, she not only established credibility for herself, but used them to formulate a wellrounded, logical argument. Driscoll presents her points, then includes evidence or reasoning to
support it. For example, she claims that parents strongly influence a childs behavior as she
grows up. Then, she backs up the argument by explaining that persons closest to the child
during the earliest stages of development have a significant influence on behavior. This pattern
repeats throughout the article creating a logical appeal to the audience. Chitton appeals to logic
by including statistics in her article. Including the high percentage of women who are unhappy
and dieting shows the audience how pressing the issue is. By then stating that 80% [of fourth
grade girls] were on a diet, Chitton indirectly called the audience to action to do something
about this epidemic that is affecting young girls. The statistics opened the eyes of the audience to
the severity of the issue.

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In conclusion, the sources presented had a variety of perspectives on the origin of bodyimage and self-esteem. The themes discussed were, how does the media influence both a young
girl and a grown womans self-esteem, what are the biological and psychological causes and
effects of body image, and how do parents impact a young girls nurture and body-image ideals.
All the sources use appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos, however some more than others. It was
apparent that the most common origin to blame is the media because it is so loud and hard to
ignore. However the articles presented present the new, upcoming research on the biologic and
genetic influences. Interviews with real people, who have experience in this area, show that
external influences, especially parents, also shape an individuals body-image. The differing
viewpoints are of such a wide variety that is brings up the question, what else influences
societys body ideals? It is difficult to pinpoint one main origin of self-esteem. It is a question
that may not have one sole answer.
Where does a womans self-esteem and body image come from?
Conclusion

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Before researching the topic of bodyimage, I believed that the issue stemmed
from the media entirely. I, like many
others, blamed the covers of magazines
for the disorders that hundreds of girls
suffer form. After delving into the
Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNDJwiO5-

matter I began to see the complexity of

vn_iqWGO7Ubc3Q. "Dr. Oz Weight Loss Pills -

the problem. The media illustrates

Miracle Weight Loss Pills - Lose Weight Fast Diet

unattainable ideals for all women.

Pills." YouTube. YouTube, 2014. Web. 23 May 2016.

Even the models that come closest to

the perfect appearance are altered and photo shopped to cover up the tiniest of flaws. Claims of
miracle diets enhance the perceptions of what is considered beautiful. As in the advertisement
above, the attractive model promises that others can look like her if they use the product. In
reality, her body is airbrushed and her figure came from more than just the consumption of a pill.
Media changes to fit and appeal to each audience. Cartoons for young children include
imaginary characters, bright colors, and funny sounds. Advertisements for teens often consist of
recent music, trendy clothing, and promises of popularity. Magazines for older adults contain ads
for home decorating, fancy cars, and anti-aging potions. Media grasps us as young children, then
grows up along with us. There is no way to escape it, it is always around.
The human body has mysteries that we are just beginning to understand, the inner
workings of the brain being the most incomprehensible. Scientists have only scratched the
surface of the effects of chemicals and hormones in the body. From the moment we are born, we
are bombarded with information. This information creates our background. Each person reacts

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differently to every situation because of our unique histories. External influences, especially our
parents, play a critical role in how we are to react to society.
Chitton was correct in blaming the media. But so were the other authors in blaming
parents and biology. I agree with Driscoll when she says, The media can be blamed for shaping
our cultures standards for beauty, but it is simplistic to blame advertisers or swimsuit calendars
for these senseless deaths [from eating disorders]. The idea of body-image and self-esteem is
more complex than I originally thought. I was moved by the inclusion of the stories of real
women because, like everyone else, I have at times struggled with body-image. Reading about
the young pageant girls and their mothers also changed my perspective. In the past I had watched
the TV show Toddlers and Tiaras and thought it was hilarious. Now, I am aware of the longlasting affects the competitions have on those girls and my heart feels sad for them. It was
interesting to read about the effect of our own bodies on our self-esteem. I had not considered
how large of an effect the hormone serotonin would have. Researching this topic has changed
my simplistic perspective on body-image and self-esteem. I am now aware of the broadness and
complexity of the problem and found that all of the answers are accurate and well supported.

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Works Cited
"Body Image." Women's Health. Web. 23 May 2016. <http://www.womenshealth.gov/bodyimage/index.html>.
"Serotonin." MedicineNet. Web. 23 May 2016.
<http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5468>.
Brashich, Audrey D. "Under the Influence." Student Research Center. EBSCOhost. Web. 6 May
2016. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com/src/delivery?sid=9c316b4a-b2f4-41c0-be5053ef8e828743@>.
Chittom, Lynn-nore, and Laura Finley. "Body Image in the Media Is an Unhealthy Picture."
Body Image in the Media Is an Unhealthy Picture. Points of View Reference Center.
Web. May 2016. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/command/detail?sid=e83fce41-db7a4dda-b9d1-3b0136cd0a1d@sessionmgr4003&vid=4&hid=4206>.
Driscoll, Sally, and Tamara Campbell. "Body Image Is Influenced by Many Factors, Not Just the
Media." Body Image Is Influenced by Many Factors, Not Just the Media. Points of View
Reference Center. Web. May 2016. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com/pov/command/detail?
sid=e83fce41-db7a-4dda-b9d1-3b0136cd0a1d@sessionmgr4003&vid=5&hid=4206>.
Hollandsworth, Skip. "Toddlers in Tiaras." Student Research Center. EBSCOhost. Web. 15 May
2016. <http://web.b.ebscohost.com/src/detail?sid=91163d35-03dc-4bae-a55c6fc83bb3a641@sessionmgr106&vid=0&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9c3JjLWxpdmU=#
Http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNDJwiO5-vn_iqWGO7Ubc3Q. "Dr. Oz Weight Loss Pills
- Miracle Weight Loss Pills - Lose Weight Fast Diet Pills." YouTube. YouTube, 2014.
Web. 23 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3F_3phHpM>.

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Miller, Michael Craig, M.D. "Is Anorexia Ever a Problem for Men?" Harvard Mental Health
Letter. Sept. 2006. Web. 15 May 2016. <www.health.harvard.edu>.
Scott, Alicia James. "Body Image Affected By Media." YouTube. YouTube, 2012. Web. 23 May
2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47cbEeSKIZo>.