For 12 years I’ve been dissatisfied with my weight, I constantly felt the need to be smaller. When I looked back at pictures of myself from that time I questioned why I was so obsessed with being smaller until I saw this compilation. Growing up I consistently saw women’s images get criticised in films, TV shows and magazines. So it’s no surprise that many of us subconsciously internalised these criticisms. In the late 90s the standard of beauty was to be extremely thin with cheek bones and collar bones being overly glamorised, but, you’d only really see this image in mainstream media which wasn’t consumed on mass as frequently as social media is today. Over the years this has changed, with the new standard of beauty being an hourglass figure, with curves, but, only if it’s in the right places. With the introduction of social media girls now have a constant reminder of this standard of beauty in one click/scroll. A study by Dove showed that 80% of girls are using retouching apps by age 13, 1 in 3 girls feel they don’t look good without photo editing, 71% of girls agree spending less time on social media would be better for their self esteem, 90% of girls say they follow at least one social media account that makes them feel less beautiful, 56% of girls say they can’t live up to the beauty standards projected on social media. This and more is why I launched Project Phoenix. Since announcing the project I’ve had so many teachers, mums and dads reach out who are concerned about their daughters relationship with social media and I’m hopeful that this project will help address these issues. Project Phoenix will consist of 3 events, but the main event is a 5-day retreat which will serve as a beacon of hope for the girls amid the relentless pursuit of perfection perpetuated by social media. In this offline retreat, girls will get the chance to rediscover their true selves without virtual expectations. This retreat will empower them to rebuild their self-esteem, confidence, and reaffirm their self-worth. We are still raising money to bring this to life next year, if you’d like to support as a business or individual please donate below: https://lnkd.in/eUF3SfG4 The Women's Association The Girls Association
Lara Milward
9mo
I would love to support and help Deborah B. Williams and I applaud you for addressing this. I left University in 1992 when Clare Short MP had published her book "what page 3 means for women" and sadly how little has changed. I have always said it's not the glass ceiling we have to worry about but the glass mirror that holds women back (now exacerbated by social media)
As the mother of a teeange daughter I am constantly made aware of how social media tries to portray perfection to all generations and it is scary.
I love this Deborah B. Williams. Such an important message. ❤️
Jeese, it really hits home when you see a bloody montage of the shit we've been putting up with for DECADES. I shall be sharing.
Jo Wallace
8mo
Amazing!!
Global Chair & Board advisor / Essex Cricket & Rugby enthusiast / Ex Meta (user)
9mogood lord that compilation is awful