Finding Body-Positive Messaging in Film and TV
We only see a narrow standard of beauty represented in film and television. This limited demonstration of what people look like is harmful to everyone. However, for those living with or recovering from an eating disorder, the media can render itself a challenge. Tv and film fail to center body diversity. So, finding ways to interact with media while still honoring your mental well-being is crucial.
By: Claire Rifkin
Film and television are an inherent part of most people’s lives. It is nearly impossible to escape seeing a billboard for the newest Oscar-worthy movie on a drive home or chatting about the latest reality TV episode with coworkers. Given the proximity between society and media, you would think that the characters we see on screen would reflect the communities we see around us. Unfortunately, thanks to The Hollywood Diversity Report, we know this isn’t true. It’s grossly inaccurate.¹
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, America is one of the most diverse countries in the world.² However, last year, only 15.5% of film leads were Black.¹ Furthermore, the #AllBodies Report by The Representation Project showed that less than 2% of film leads were played by actors living in larger bodies.³ Despite this, over a quarter of Americans identify as Black or multiracial, and more than half of US citizens live in larger bodies.² Most characters on screen center on a westernized, white, thin, and privileged beauty standard that is nearly impossible to attain.¹
The narrow beauty standard we see on screen can be challenging for anyone, but this message can harm those living with or recovering from an eating disorder.⁴ Representation is incredibly powerful. People find belonging, inspiration, community, and so much more when they see themselves in the media they consume. However, when all that is represented is a narrow image of beauty, people are quick to measure themselves against that image. In contemporary America, avoiding interactions with film and TV is nearly impossible. Still, it is possible to utilize tools to reframe our thinking around the messaging we see in media to serve our overall well-being better.
Here are some things to think about:
Choose Body-Positive Media
Despite the disparity of body diversity in most films and TV, body-positive media does exist. Look for actors that are outwardly body positive. Some examples are Jameela Jamila, who stars in the TV show “The Good Place,”⁵ and actress Barbie Ferreira, in the TV show “Euphoria.”⁶ Both actresses uphold body-positivity in both their personal lives and careers. Other tv shows like “Shrill,” “Pose,” and “Orange is the New Black” include body-positive themes and a diverse cast of characters. And while these shows are not perfect in their body-positive messaging, they at least do better at affirming body diversity than most mainstream media.
Look for Characters that Look Like You
If you struggle with body image while watching tv and film, it may be helpful to find movies and tv shows that showcase characters that look like you. While it can be hard to find a character that you identically match with, watching characters that represent even part of your identity on screen has been shown to increase self-esteem.⁷ If you’re looking for movies centering on characters of color, you might check out the films “Hidden Figures” or “Akeelah and the Bee,” both of which have black female leads and include empowering storylines. Films containing leads living in larger bodies include “Patti Cake$” and “Fun Mom Dinner,” which don’t have any storylines about changing the character’s bodies.
Remember that TV Does Not Represent Reality
We know the storylines on screen are not real, but remember, the characters who play out these narratives are not realistic either. If you struggle with body image while watching your favorite movie or TV show, try to remind yourself that the bodies you see on screen are not representations of real life.
Consuming media can be complex when you experience body image distress, but keeping in mind the false reality of film and TV and choosing body-positive media that represents you may help ease these thoughts. No matter how you engage in media, reaching out to a mental health professional may be the best place to start if you struggle with body image.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. Our admissions team is happy to answer any questions about BALANCE’s programs. Read more about our philosophy here, or book a free consultation call with our admissions team to discuss the next steps.
This post was written by BALANCE Dietetic Intern, Claire Rifkin (she/her).
Claire is a Dietetic Intern currently pursuing her M.S. in clinical nutrition and dietetics at New York University. She is originally from Portland, OR but has called New York City home for the past seven years. Claire earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona and went on to work as a film and video editor before transitioning into the field of nutrition. Her passions include helping those living with food insecurity, munchkin cats, and her newly found love of rock climbing.
References
“Hollywood Diversity Report 2022.” Social Sciences, https://socialsciences.ucla.edu/hollywood-diversity-report-2022/.
Jensen, Eric. “The Chance That Two People Chosen at Random Are of Different Race or Ethnicity Groups Has Increased since 2010.” Census.gov, 10 June 2022, https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/2020-united-states-population-more-racially-ethnically-diverse-than-2010.html.
“REPRESENTATIONS OF FAT WOMEN & GIRLS IN HOLLYWOOD.” The Representation Project, 14 Sept. 2022, https://therepproject.org/.
“Body Image.” The Digital Wellness Lab, 14 Jan. 2021, https://digitalwellnesslab.org/parents/body-image/.
“Jameela Jamil.” IMDb, IMDb.com, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3553139/.
“Barbie Ferreira.” IMDb, IMDb.com, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9209960/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0.
Tin SP, Ho DS, Mak KH, Wan KL, Lam TH. Association between television viewing and self-esteem in children. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2012 Jul;33(6):479-85. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e31825ab67d. PMID: 22772822.
Goldstein, Thalia R., and Paul Bloom. “Characterizing Characters: How Children Make Sense of Realistic Acting.” Cognitive Development, vol. 34, 2015, pp. 39–50., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2014.12.001.
“Rachel McAdams.” IMDb, IMDb.com, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1046097/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0.
“Darren Barnet.” IMDb, IMDb.com, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6651162/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0.