Body Image

How we view ourselves is important to our esteem. How we feel about our body image has a direct correlation to how we feel about ourselves internally. Body image can probably be linked to a high percentage of depression cases in the nation. Body image and what it means to look attractive has been woven into our societal forefront through years of training. Media has set standards for us as to what we are supposed to look like in order to be considered attractive. There are general American beauty standards for males and females (ex-males must be muscular and fit while females must maintain long hair and large breasts). Something that gets overlooked sometimes though, is how those beauty standards cross over cultural boundaries and how that affects members of minority races.

As an African living in America, the prevalent images of white perfection (movie stars, models, dolls, etc.) make up the bulk of ideal body construction. As children, the images we see on television make lasting impressions on what it means to be acceptable and attractive. There are some instances when Black children grow up thinking that they don't embody what it means to be considered beautiful because their hair isn't blonde and long or because their eyes aren't blue or green. When those children are not taught to love themselves and how to look at the concept of beauty in regards to their particular race, a major developmental esteem problem can arise.

African American parents should be mindful of this while raising their children. For every White movie star, White Barbie, and White model a Black child gets exposed to, the parent/guardian should ensure an equally beautiful Black representative gets their attention. This is essential so that the child won't grow up believing that their body image is not socially acceptable and to prevent them from aspiring to look like something they are not.