I started my research and have found a lot of great sources about body image and self esteem. A lot of these body image issues relate to the harsh effects of photoshop. Most of my research is being done about photoshop and how it affects young men and women and can link to eating disorders. I have found many sources from actresses, singers, and models, who have been on covers of particular magazines and when the cover was published these women filed lawsuits against the magazine companies for excessive photoshop. In other cases, pageant contestants have protested Miss California, Miss America, etc. I'm hoping to find more research about certain companies that rely on photoshop and what companies are against photoshop.
My final topic is how the expectations of society affects the self esteem and body image of young girls and guys. I'll look into the basics of photoshop and show how that completely shifts an entire body to look "perfect." I'll also look into how body image can affect schooling, sports, eating habits and eating disorders. Most of my information will be done through research, but I'm hoping to conduct a few surveys asking students about how they feel about their body image when they're with their friends compared to when they look in the mirror or see a model and find out if who they hang out with can also be a factor in their body image. To try to make a difference in how young adults look at themselves as a person, I want to make a group or club at school to help overcome body issues as well as create a website or facebook page that supports and encourages young people to be happy with who they are and not let the expectations of society influence how these girls and boys think they should look to "fit in."
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