The pressure to be...?

Question

Do you think that gay men have just as much, if not more, pressure placed on them by the media, magazines, advertisements, TV shows, etc to look a certain a way like women have for decades? Do you also think that this is causing a negative impact to future gay males and will result in more gay youth struggling with eating disorders, low self esteem and depression? What do you see as the solution to the problem?

Answer 1

I think everyone who looks at magazines, television, movies, etc. is impacted negatively by the way the media pushes the "perfect people" on us. I have noticed, however, that gay magazines (and I'm talking about political ones here) and movies are loaded with images of gay men that would be impossible for a real person to live up to. I know there are a lot of gay men with horrible eating disorders, and I'm sure that the media that targets them is partially responsible for this problem. I'm not sure if it's worse than the pressure placed on women, but I'd say it's at least the same.

My only "solutions" are to teach your children from an early age that they are perfect the way they are and no one is better or more lovable than they are, and to give your money to companies that don't advertise in this way. For example, I use Dove products because their ads have "real women" in them, not airbrushes, perfect models.

I'm tired. Hope that made sense.

Answer 2

I agree with Elaine. Media pushes the perfect. It does not matter which sex you are. We can't all be perfect! The solution is forthe media to be more realistic and responsible and back off! But, then again the public buys into the whole thing!

Answer 3

You sound like an english teacher giving an essay prompt.

Answer 4

I'm a bi curious, I have got many answers from these perfect bi friends here. They would like to answer you more questions.
http://Bipersonal.tripod.com