Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Outside the Mirror badge requirements.
Info Needed: Media often sends hidden messages, especially in ads and entertainment. They suggest people must look a certain way to be happy, loved, or successful. These messages can be harmful or helpful depending on how they’re used.
Items Needed:
- 2–3 Global Beauty Standard countries.
- You can find information for countries in Cultural Beauty Standards Around the World.
- Media Callout Checklist.
- Pen or pencil.
- Blank paper or notebook.
- (Optional) Smartphone, tablet, or camera.
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–25 min):
- Read 2–3 Global Beauty Standard countries. (Estimated Time: 5 min)
- Choose countries you find interesting or different from where you live.
- Look for traits that are described as admired, expected, or ideal in each culture.
- Use the Media Callout Checklist to spot trends. (Estimated Time: 5 min)
- Circle traits from the checklist that match what you see in each country’s card.
- These are clues about what people in that country might see in ads or entertainment.
- Write one confidence-boosting message for each country. (Estimated Time: 8 min)
- Create a short, bold statement that challenges unrealistic beauty expectations.
- Each message should celebrate body diversity or self-acceptance.
- Examples: “There’s no wrong way to be strong,” or “Beauty isn’t a single shape.”
- Pick your favorite message and express it. (Estimated Time: 4–5 min)
- Choose the one that makes you feel proudest.
- (Optional) Take a photo that shows your own style or draw a picture to go with it. Write your message clearly underneath.
- Reflect briefly. (Estimated Time: 2–3 min)
- Answer one or more of the following:
- What beauty traits surprised you the most across different countries?
- How does your favorite message help others feel more confident?
- What does real beauty mean to you?
- Answer one or more of the following:
Media Callout Checklist
Use this list to spot beauty messages in ads. Circle at least 5 you see.
Face and Skin
- Perfect skin (no blemishes, wrinkles, scars)
- Very pale or very tan skin
- Shiny or glowing skin
- Smooth or filtered look
- Long lashes or big eyes
- Bright or perfect teeth
- Heavy makeup or contouring
- Natural skin tones celebrated (e.g., melanin-rich skin)
Hair
- Shiny, thick, or long hair
- No frizz or flyaways
- Styled perfectly (curls, braids, blowout)
- Unnatural hair color used for effect
- Natural hair textures celebrated (e.g., afros, braids)
Body Shape and Size
- Very thin or extra muscular body
- Tiny waist or extra long legs
- “Ideal” curves or proportions
- No body hair or stretch marks
- Curvy bodies celebrated
Pose and Camera Tricks
- Glamorous or powerful poses
- Angle that makes body look slimmer or taller
- Body parts exaggerated or reshaped
- Facial expression carefully chosen for effect
- Symmetry emphasized
Clothes and Style
- Trendy or expensive outfits
- Clothes that show off body shape
- Brand logos featured
- Matching colors or coordinated accessories
- Cultural attire or traditional clothing
Lighting and Background
- Glowing light or soft filters
- Fancy setting or background
- Edited sky, walls, or scenery
- Background blurred to make person stand out
- Natural settings or everyday environments
Message or Feeling
- Beauty = happiness
- Beauty = popularity or love
- Beauty = success or coolness
- Message tries to sell a “look,” not just a product
- Confidence and self-expression emphasized
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