FD 1 / Society Obsessed with Image

Mary-jane Garasi
September 16, 2011
FD #1

We live in a society obsessed with image. So powerful is the influence of image that other terms of self-definition are difficult to identify. Men and women confront challenges that relate to body image and self-perception daily but why? Where does this pressure come from? Why are people at war with their bodies? These are some of the questions that mind boggle our minds everyday like in the mind of Mary Pipher. Does this imply why the time essence from a adolescence child to a woman be so traumatic? I believe this is true only because I have seen the way women dress as their age progress. When a girl is young, society doesn’t seem to take them seriously. A young girl might not gather the self respect they should be deserving especially in a job interview in comparison to a middle aged woman. When this happens, women go through traumatic stages. [THESIS] Psychiatric Trauma typically stresses the physical adjustment from a young girl to a woman instead of being looked at as an object in society.[THESIS]

Trauma is defined as an emotional experience that is painful, distressful, and shocking, which often lasts in mental an physical effects. Mary Pipher says that changing social expectations can be overwhelming especially for girls and in additional to dealing with these physical and emotional changes, many adolescents must try to adapt to shifting social roles. In today's society, we know when a woman is drafted into the NFL becomes a “topic headline.” Also when a woman becomes a member of our legislature, or when a woman gets a job in a field that is only specialized by a man's skills. This then becomes a case of occupational segregation.

A female gender going through adolescence may find it harder to find a long term career job. Picture a young, teen dressed in black stilettos using a high fashioned business suit only known to be made by a famous designer's award winning collection walking through the doors of wall street trying to get a job as a stock broker. Even though she may be a girl who graduated her 3 years earlier than her class, her interviewer does not know the skill and capabilities of this young girl by just looking at her. In the interviewer’s mind, he or she thinks this young teenager is trying to score a part time summer job. She is not looking for a career, or a steady job. She looks so young, she may not be reliable. I believe this young teenager’s intentions wouldn't be second guessed if she was a middle aged woman entering the office in a thrifty bought business suit. She will no longer be looked at as an object in society.

Although studies have shown that adolescents' responses to trauma, compared with those of younger children and adults, have not been well studied, a few studies have shown that differential effects on adolescents consistent with the existence of particular vulnerabilities during this age. As Michael Sabetta stated, "The severe emotional stress that a woman might feel, in adjusting to her gender role, could result in a disordered psychic or behavioral state. However, I would venture to say that this type of an extreme reaction would probably not be the norm, or even fairly prevalent." Agreeing with what Michael said, this young girl trying to get a job as a stock broker goes through emotional stress just trying to fit the profile of a highly professional stock broker. If this young girl feels even a little uncomfortable during her interview process or if she does not get the job, this trial process of taking the chance to even go through the interview process would scar her life forever. Many questions could be running through her mind of why she was not “good enough” for the job.

Trauma exists in both gender roles through out our daily lives, particularly in women. I take it that women always over analyze any situation that is given to them. Personal appereance have alaways seem to be the number one judgment in today’s society. We all have become obsessed with the way we appear to others, especially in women gender roles. "Simone de Beauvoir believed adolescence is when girls realize that men have the power and that their only power comes from consenting to become submissive adored objects." (350) Who is to say that this young teenage girl cannot manage your finances with Wall Street?


Works Cited

Pipher, Mary. “Saplings in the Storm.” Dialogues: An Argument Rhetoric and Reader. 7th edition. Eds. Gary Goshgarian and Kathleen Krueger. New York: Pearson-Longman, 2011. 347-354

Becker, Daniel F, Daley, Melita, Green, Monica R, Hendren, Robert L, Et al. "TRAUMA AND ADOLESCENCE II: THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA." 2003

Sabetta, Michael. "Trauma." Laulima: KAP English 215 Discussions. 2011


Log of Completed Activities
X Aug. 22- First Day of Instruction. Read the welcome message, which includes instructions on how to navigate our class blog. Next, log in to our Laulima discussion forum and your hawaii.edu mailbox. Become familiar with these instructional media. Carefully review the information in our class blog, especially the schedule and syllabus (click on the tab at the top of the page). In the syllabus, pay special attention to the grading policy and the document “Am I Ready for an Online Class?” These will give you an understanding of online classes in general and this class in particular.
X Aug. 23- Laulima Discussion: Who Am I? Post your response by midnight. Possible topics: your academic and career goals; your favorite pastime; favorite book, movie, song; favorite physical activity or sport; favorite quote; personal philosophy on the purpose of life; your personal thoughts on why it’s important to become an excellent writer; favorite food or restaurant; favorite vacation destination; etc.
X Aug. 23- Intro to Paper #1. Read the “Guidelines for Paper #1” by midnight.
X Aug. 23-31- Set up your personal blog for all class papers. Click here for instructions. Alternately, see the “Blogger” links in the right sidebar in our class blog. To begin, complete the initial setup. You’ll be able to add finishing touches as the RD1 due date approaches. If you need help, post a request in the “Q&A About My Blog” forum in Laulima.
X Aug. 26- Laulima Discussion: What Is “Trauma”? One definition or many different definitions? Post your response by midnight.
X Aug. 29- Complete readings for Paper #1 by midnight.
XSep. 2- Laulima Discussion: Causes & Solutions: What causes gender role trauma? What’s the solution? Assume that there is more than one cause or solution. Post your response by midnight. [10 pts]
X Sep. 6- Submit RD1 (Review Draft #1) [50 pts] Review the guidelines.
X Sep. 12- Submit three RD1 evaluations in Laulima. [50 pts] Review the guidelines.
X Sep. 16- Submit FD1 (Final Draft #1) [100 pts] Review the guidelines.