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[acknowledgements][ page]images Of Perfection In An Imperfect World Table ...


[Acknowledgements][title page]Images of Perfection in an Imperfect World

Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Chapter I.
Background
A. Predecessors and Successors
B. Fashion ‘Victims'
C. Playing Both Sides
Chapter II.
Feminism and the Growth of Women's Magazines
A. Women: A User's Guide
B. From Godey's Lady's Book to ‘Scientifically Precise' Fashion
C. ‘The Camera Doesn't Lie'
D. Twiggy: Thin Becomes ‘In'
E. ThinHere to Stay?
Chapter III.
The Literature
A. Conflicting Messages
B. Who is at Risk?
C. The Gender Wars
Chapter IV.
Text Analysis: Cosmopolitan
A. Introduction
B. Cover Analysis
C. Table of Contents
D. Sample Article Content
Chapter V.
Text Analysis: Marie Claire
A. Introduction
B. Cover Analysis
C. Table of Contents
D. Sample Article Content
Chapter VI.
Finding Perspective
A. Findings
B. ‘Sizing Myself Up'
C. ‘Marie Claire': Sizing Itself Up?
Chapter VII.
A. Conclusion
B. The Outlook for Change
Bibliography
Appendix: Questions for Liz Jones
Images of Perfection in an Imperfect World

Abstract
The power of images to influence and inform cannot be underestimated. This is especially true in contemporary society, where we are continually bombarded with imagesand with the messages implicit in them. The messages they emit are far-reaching, pervasive, and overwhelming in sheer magnitude. Most importantly: they are perfect. Photographs of beauty queens and movie starsthe nearly perfect people who are the icons of societyare manipulated so that the images are of true perfection. Blemishes dissolve, complexions glow, pounds melt away, and teeth sparkle as technology works its magic.
When these images appear in the format of magazines targeted at young people, all of society should be concerned. What messages are informing the thoughts of youth today? How are they reacting? What can we do if we see that damage is being done? This paper will address that question, with a particular emphasis on the print publications aimed at girls and young women, who are statistically more apt to be bombarded with unattainable goals in the form of endless images of perfection.
The people apparently in control of these publicationsparticularly editorsshould have the authority to control that content, to redirect and or redistribute it to present more realistic views to their readers. This is particularly when faced, as they are, with evidence that the messages they are disseminating are harmful to large numbers of young people. In the case of young women who suffer from eating disorders, that evidence is in fact overwhelming.


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