Artists' Statement

No one understands the demand to be perfect more than teenagers. Typically most of today’s youth believe that the key to achieving happiness is to portray physical beauty with no flaws. It is also believe that if one does not carry this happiness through beauty, one fails as a human.

Perfection is displaying the idea that everything is ok. Having the perfect body, wearing the latest fashion and hottest hairstyle can make others believe that one is internally happy. Materialism is a concept that says by consuming and following the latest fads, one is considered to be “cool” and by not keeping up with others, you are looked as an outsider. Materialism floods throughout television, movies, and other sources within the media. Although looking gorgeous and portraying one’s self as “perfect” may look easy and glamorous, it indeed has a dark side.

Media creates a constant pressure for today’s youth to yearn for a certain lifestyle. Through examples that surround us everyday, youth is reminded what is socially considered beautiful. Instead of following one’s beliefs and morals, one questions their own thoughts and abides by what the social standard is.

The media depends on the vulnerability of teens to profit a business but what is not seen is the burden that falls upon teens. This constant strain increases insecurities that can be the sole focus one’s life.

As easy as it is to become obsessed with beauty, it is even easier to notice what is not beautiful. Concentrating on flaws and mistakes within one’s body can lead to danger such as eating disorders, self-absorption, and many more. Although typical is young girls, body images are a deep concern with men also. Injection of steroids, mal nutrition, and strenuous hours at the gym can be a result of a man wanting the body seen in sports, body builders, and other celebrities.


Life has way too much to offer than just beauty and fancy things.

Materialism should not be the course guide we abide by but personal standards and faith should determine us as humans.

Beautiful Is, Beautiful Does

Advertising has become a major part of today's society. It is all around us and there is no way to hide from it. Today, most of the advertising that surrounds us is to tell young adults how they should look. Weight loss, clothing brands, what kind of car to drive, and entertainment are a few things that are advertised everywhere. This picture shows an ad targeting young adults to look a certain way for spring break. It pressures most to look this specific way because everyone else will. Being like everyone else does not make you a beautiful person. Being an individual can be the most beautiful thing of all.

Where do we draw the line?

Young adults these days are willing to give a natural look for an image created by the media of an unatural "ripped" body. The media portrays the idea that bigger bodies are perfection; an impossible objective in which reaching that point would require constant, endless improvement. Society has reached a point where people will do most anything to reach that point of acceptance. Using substances to obtain that "perfect" look in turn, destroys the basic functions of the body. Why do young adults exchange their true natural appearance for a false image of attraction?

"The Beautiful You"

Media has created a specific standard image that girls are expected to have. This image is unrealistic to the millions of girls, who have different body types and can never achieve this body type. While, most women do not have this body type nor could have it, media still portrays this as the only desirable body to have. Expecting girls to have thin bodies and large breasts in order to be beautiful is both detrimental and unrealistic.

Ugly Me

"Does my makeup look good?"
"How is my hair?"
"Oh my gosh...look at them, they are beautiful!"
"Are they looking at me?"
"Will I ever be able to look like that?"
"If only, If only"

Ugly Me is an example of all the products that are consistantly shown in the media and are supposed to make your appearance exceptional. These advertisers always use beautiful "normal" people to potray what products can do for you and the benefits they will give you. They rarely potray your natural beauty.

Kelsey Esham