Female Insecurity

October 16, 2007

American young women and teenagers are experiencing a rate of insecurity that is virtually unparalleled in most other parts of the world and even in American history. Many female adolescents and young adults today carry a very low perception of themselves, particularly when they feel that their body type or other aesthetics do not match or closely resemble what mainstream media outlets generally tout as being attractive. As a result, a startling amount of these teenagers and young women have a drastically lowered self-esteem and, as a result, bear the heavy weight of a constant sense of insecurity. One glaring example of the questionable rationale that many young women utilize to offset her female insecurities is a relatively new twist on an old trick – blurring reality through crafty photography in order to make herself appear what she believes is more attractive. This behavior has been dubbed the social networking-appropriate term of MySpace Angles and is often used by young women that are overweight or otherwise uncomfortable enough with their image to portray their true likeness to friends and strangers on social networking websites such as MySpace and Facebook.

There is no doubt that the habits of the mainstream media to unabashedly thrust images of unreasonably thin women into the faces of the general public through any and all social media has a tremendous impact on what many young women expect on themselves. It is extremely rare that a pop culture icon such a musician, actress, or even news reporter will be overweight or even unattractive. While exceptions do exist, they are generally far and few between. It seems that the “ideal” proportion of the female figure is relatively tall and thin. Common popular facial features are extremely symmetrical with full lips, a tiny nose, and bright eyes. You probably don’t need to, but if you were to open any fashion magazine, turn on any prime-time television program, or check out any of the latest hit female music performers you will find that a vast majority fit this general profile very well.

While it may have been purely unintentional, this perpetuation of what is collectively become known as “attractive” has many young women putting their bodies in a nearly constant state of flux with virtually non-stop dieting, exercising, and accessorizing – all to fit this notion of attractiveness. The fact that it can lead to dangerous and even devastating effects in the most severe cases is no news flash to anyone familiar with afflictions such as bulimia and anorexia.

However, even when female insecurity doesn’t reach such drastic levels it can still be harmful. When a young woman strives for a body image that is unrealistic for her natural genetics she is only setting herself up for failure and ultimately, insecurity. Female insecurity can have anywhere from a mild to an extremely unhealthy affect on her personality, social life, and even professional goals. Simply put, being insecure can stand in the way of a young woman living her life to its potential.

Different women deal with their insecurities in many different ways and no two women are the same. However, the first step to combating this affliction always rests with her. No matter what she looks like on the outside, she must first learn to accept herself and her physical body as it is. Many women that struggle with insecurity constantly tell themselves “I will be happy when…” This sentence ends with things such as, “I’ll be happy when I lose 15 pounds” or “I’ll be happy when I get a nose job” or another such ultimatum. Sadly, much of the time when she reaches this goal (if she ever does) she finds that there is something else about herself that she would like to change and the cycle begins again.

So it is extremely important that no matter what she sees in the mirror, she must accept herself. While it is always a good idea to eat healthy, get regular exercise, and try to look ones best when the processes that one uses to achieve their goals brings about consequences that are unhealthy physically or mentally, she will suffer.

Any young woman that is experiencing a lack of confidence or respect for themselves as a result of their view of their bodies should always strive to concentrate on what they like about themselves first and foremost. When she has learned how to be confident and positive about her outlook on life and herself the way that she is then she will be able to more effectively change her physical appearance more objectively and more successfully.

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