'Look at That Face': Destructive Messages About Body Image
Written by Trinity Teen Solutions, Posted on
Photo Credit: Albert H. Teich / Shutterstock.com
Why is society allowing our leaders to get away with such destructive words on body image and women?
It’s been trending the news cycle almost nonstop since he uttered the now infamous words. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Candidate, was discussing his female opponent, Carly Fiorina, when he seemingly criticized her for her looks. Although Trump has said that he wasn’t discussing Fiorina’s looks, the damage may have already been done when it comes to women and girls around the country interpreting the message being sent. Here’s the quote in full:
“Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?!” Trump then goes on to add: “I mean, she’s a woman, and I’m not s’posedta say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious?”
Politics aside, what Trump has said was interpreted by the media and many as a personal attack on Fiorina’s looks. But perhaps more tragic is that society let it happen; rather than holding leaders to a higher standard, society has failed to connect the dots required to paint the true picture of the degradation of value of women and girls.
Carly Fiorina responds to Donald Trump's comments in the GOP Debate in this clip from CNN:
Many continue to support Trump because they say his lack of political correctness is refreshing, but that may be beside the point. 81 percent of 10-year-olds admit that they are afraid of getting fat. Do they care about political correctness? An estimated 30 million Americans suffer with eating disorders, and take it personally when they are judged as not good enough because of their looks. 25 percent of college-aged women binge and purge for weight control. Do these people consider such messages from leaders as entertainment? Likely not, and they deserve a voice and to be heard and reminded that there is more to a person than just their looks.
