(Model: "Would you mind helping me lift this drink to my lips?"
Date: Gee. For a Supermodel you certainly aren't very strong.")

Self esteem and perception of body are important issues for young women. A recent article reported the results of a survey by Girls' Life magazine based on 200 responses. Some of their findings:

How do you feel about your body image? 78% think their bodies are just fine the way they are.

Would you ever not like someone because of their body type? 83% say they wouldn't dislike someone because of her body type. 74% report they would never make fun of someone for being overweight.

Do your friends make you feel better or worse about yourself when you are discussing how you look? The great majority report their friends value them for who they are, not how they look.

What do you think is the source for many negative feelings you might have about yourself? Moms, followed by brothers.

Does your mother try to help you develop a strong self-image? Some 82% feel they are constantly told by their mothers to diet, work out and quit eating junk food. Even among those who think well of themselves, 42% of moms urge them to diet and some are even sent to "fat camps" because their mothers think it is unacceptable for them to be heavy.

Do you feel the media, by using supermodels to sell everything from clothes to cereal affects the way you feel about your body? Some 92% of readers realize supermodels are not the norm and they are happy with who they are.

taken from Tween 12 & 20 by Robert Wallace Ed.D. printed in the Telegram Tribune.

What do you think?  Does this article represent the opinions of girls you know?
 

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