Self-image problems caused by media

The media is a tool that gives everyone information. It tells us about the weather, the Iraq War, the presidential election and how we should perceive ourselves.

Wait, how we should perceive ourselves? This isn't something that's on the 6 o'clock news every night.

No it is not, but it is something that's on the covers of popular magazines, within television sitcoms and even in the annoying commercials between television shows.

We are being bombarded with images of one type of beauty when there actually are multiple types.

It seems almost every other commercial on daytime television is advertising a new, unhealthy way to lose weight. They advertise a quick fix in a bottle, or a new diet plan promoted by an ultra thin model who claims the product helped her lose and keep off the weight.

As bathing suit season draws near, many girls are probably going to resort to harmful diets to look like these people they see on television.

They'll cut out whole food groups, cut out food all together or go down the dangerous path of over-exercising.

This week alone, it appears there are more people in the gym than ever trying to lose just a little bit of winter weight so they can fit into that swimsuit and those tight, way-too-small shorts next week at the beach.

They are under the very huge misconception that rib-protruding thin is in.

Even the entertainment world is attempting to get rid of this long held misconception about beauty. They want to show beauty doesn't have to just be sickly and flat; it can be curvaceous and healthy.

The fashion and television industry is going to great lengths to try and encourage people to gain weight.

Following the deaths of two models late last year due to complications from eating disorders, many fashion shows are calling for models to gain weight and look more like the average woman. It has gotten to the point that if a woman does not weigh enough she will not be allowed to participate in a show.

Hollywood in and of itself is a breeding ground for problems and should not be any sane person's role model.

Lindsay Lohan who is not even 21, is already an alcoholic and in rehab. One of the Olsen twins had to check herself into a rehab clinic for an eating disorder a few years ago.

Women, if this is what you want your life to be like, then continue over-exercising, not eating and overall hating what you were born with.

Or you could embrace it, have a great break and stop worrying about what everyone else will say when they see you.