“I’ve never wanted to look like models on the cover of magazines. I represent the majority of women and I’m very proud of that.” This is just one of the quotes from one of the most inspiring female singers of all time, Adele. If you don’t think your body is perfect, trust me, you’re not alone. The reason for this is society’s unrealistic body image. It just might be one of the worst problems people face, especially teenagers. Body image is how you see yourself or your body, and most people lack confidence in their body image.

Emily Troscianko is not only a doctor, but she is also an ordinary person, like you and I, who has faced many struggles. Emily was diagnosed with anorexia at the young age of 15. During an interview with her, she explained to me that everyone is affected by the standards that society sets, whether it’s men, women, boys, or girls. Emily stated,” It’s easy to say the fat, because they are the most easily rejected by the standard ideals, but also the thin, because they get trapped into living up to them. She also says,‘‘They’re unattainable, but then, all of us have some responsibility for helping these standards survive. At any point, any of us can say no, I refuse.We have the ability to stop this wrong mentality, but most people choose not to.

When asked what role society plays in how people feel about themselves, 6th grade language arts teacher, Mrs.Matash, said that, “Kids especially can get a negative impression about what they look like, or how they act or behave.”

She also said that she believes middle school students, especially girls, are mostly affected by society’s standards. Mostly, because of magazines and other things that make them compare themselves to the unrealistic and photoshopped images they think are real. Mrs.Matash also said that the perfect image chosen by society is “sad,” because you are never seeing people who don’t look very decent on shows and even commercials and it’s sad for her knowing her daughter’s watch these things.

8th grader, Ayah Berro says,” I feel great and I’m happy with my body!” Ayah feels that models are,”Taken for granted,” because of photoshop. Models themselves wish they looked like their photoshopped images, so it isn’t just ordinary average-day people. Deena Fadah, an 11th grader from Fordson, believes that,“Society plays an enormous role on people in general, especially teens, because simply surfing the channels or flipping through a magazine has so many examples of unrealistic expectations for young people.”

She also said she has pretty good self-confidence, but occasionally the thigh-gap or other “beautiful” expectations will get to her. Emily Troscianko also said she has good self-confidence until she sees these things. She stated,” But I have my vulnerable moments when I see the photo of the girl with the abs, or catch a glimpse of the cheekbones or the thigh gap or any one of the other features we’re supposed to desire and aspire to.

” Although young girls are more likely to lose self-esteem, boys do too. Lots of young boys lose self-confidence once they see the guys on the magazines or athletes with the 6-pack abs or the sharp jawline and chiseled chin. Most guys can’t achieve this, just as many women can’t get the flat stomach with the hips or thigh-gaps.

As you can see, society’s standards don’t just affect a specific group of people, it affects almost everyone, and every group. Take the time to look in the mirror. You, yes you, are beautiful, whether you believe it or not. Do not give into society’s standards. You don’t have to have a body like a model, Kim Kardashian, Cristiano Ronaldo, Chris Hemsworth, or even Terry Crews. You are perfect just the way you are, and no one or silly idea can tell you otherwise. Take a stand against society’s unrealistic and unachievable standards!

Dallia Alsaidi

Middle School Journalist