Earlier in
the week, an estimated 5 million viewers tuned in to watch the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show; a runway
display that is considered a major event for girls and young women all over the
world. But does this once a year occasion cause more harm than good?
Tweets,
photos and posts such as “RIP Self Esteem”,” Brb while I go throw up,” and
“Crying because I’m not perfect like a Victoria’s Secret Model” flooded social
media outlets during, before and after the show creating a wave of insecurity
among girls everywhere.
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| Some of the famous faces of the company pose for a photo. |
For those
who do not choose to tune in to the show, or simply unaware of the mass
hysteria of teenage girls who idolize the “Victoria’s Secret Angels”, you
really are not missing out on much. In essence, the show is one big risqué
costume party, displaying outfits usually only including a bra and underwear
with a twist of fun featuring new performances by artists such as Taylor Swift,
Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars every year.
Though the show is entertaining, it
creates an unrealistic image of perfection, and quite frankly, it lessens the
respect many women work so hard to get. How can women promote success in major
corporations and ask to be treated with the same respect as men when there are
other women (such as the VS Angels) who parade themselves around in little to
nothing for men young and old to watch freely?
Why yes, of
course the Victoria’s Secret models are stunning, walking effortlessly with
gorgeous smiles, toned legs, rock hard abs, and flowing hair, but the real
issue doesn’t perhaps lie with the image men see of women, its how these women
effect other women such as themselves.
In all
honestly what girl wouldn’t want to look like an Angel every day, and get paid to be beautiful? Yes, it is no doubt
these models work hard for the bodies they have, but it is impractical for a
normal full time working woman, student, or mother to have the time to work out
numerous times a day and dedicate themselves to only being fit.
In my
opinion, teenage girls, and women every where should perhaps look up to
celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence of The
Hunger Games who says: “We have the ability to control this image that
young girls are going to be seeing.” Girls see enough of this body we can’t
imitate, that we’ll never be able to obtain, and these unrealistic
expectations.” Jennifer is a great role model that encourages women to love the
bodies they were given, rather than trying to promote perfection.
Many southerners and Christians acknowledge the fact that God made each and every one of us beautiful in our own way, we just have to make sure that we remind ourselves, friends, daughters, and sisters of that. 1 Peter 3:4 says: "You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the gentle and unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."
Personally, I admire the Victorias Secret Models, and would love to be one myself, but If I were in their position, I would remind other young girls that beauty is not just what remains on the outside, it is what is on the inside that counts. I would advocate the unique beauty each and every young girl possess through social media, and encourage women and teenage girls to exude self confidence when doing press interviews.
