As a high school educator we work with adolescents all day long yet it still amazes me how we are able to 'miss' the body image obsessions of our students. It struck me recently, at a high school gala, that our male students (more than in years gone by) are sporting 'ripped' physiques at the pool.
Are we seeing the result of a media focus on the male physique that is beginning to take control of the body image of our students?
Are our students taking strides towards improving their physiques that could potentially lead to more dangerous practices?
Are we more conscious, thanks to the plethora of media images, of how our body appears to others?
It would give credence to the idea that there is a growing tendency among males to find fault with their physique and an even more troubling practice of physique enhancement at school level to become more 'ripped' and 'buff' than in previous years. I am well aware that many of our school-going kids are making use of mass-building supplements in conjunction with strict gym routines to get into shape...but at what point is this unhealthy?
Are our males feeling emasculated? Are we losing our identity as 'males' in society?
Is our growing obsession with our appearance a desperate attempt at regaining a sense of power or control?
Your thoughts???
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