America's Next Top Model

America's Next Top Model (ANTM) continues to follow the traditional beauty standards for feminine perfection. However, they also step outside the box of traditional beauty. In all the past seasons, they have had a height requirement of 5' 7", this goes along with the fashion industry standard that tall is the ideal and beautiful. ANTM also goes along with society's traditional standard, that to be physically perfect you must be a 00 and waifishly thin. Many people criticize this standard and complain that it leads to unrealistic goals and self-esteem issues among young girls. But, the media and models should not be blamed for girls' self-esteem issues. The girls should merely see these models as a motivator for them to achieve their best bodies. ANTM also includes one or two plus size models, which steps outside the traditional views of what a model should look like. While, ANTM embraces the traditional ideal body type, they also venture outside the traditional ideal of beauty when it comes to the visage. Many of the girls that they choose have unusual, if not downright weird looking, faces. Most of them do not fit the classic blonde girl next door standard of beauty. ANTM represents society's views of beauty and femininity very well. It shows that society is starting to embrace a more diverse definition of of beauty. They have girls on the show of all ethnicities, shapes, and facial structures. Society is becoming much more accepting of differing standards of feminine beauty.

Groovy Baby!

Society has determined that the ideal man should be attractive, confident, athletic, and powerful. Austin Powers does not quite fit most of these categories. We can safely say he has confidence under control. After all, he uses his confident mojo to win over the ladies. However, he in no way fits the ideal of masculinity when it comes to physical appearance. He is a short man with a beer gut and bad teeth. He also has a carpet of hair laying on his chest and back. Yet, somehow Mr. Powers seems to be completely confident about his ability to attract women. The film shows that everyone should, and can be confident, even if they don't fit society's standards. This also demonstrates that even though society puts so much pressure on looking good as a means to happiness, confidence is really the secret ingredient. Society may tell Powers that he is unattractive, but he still thinks he is incredibly sexy. Masculine and feminine ideals are extremely lofty. But, Mr. Powers demonstrates that society can not tell you what are the perfect feminine or masculine traits. You can decide that for yourself.

Pink is Awesome!!

Legally Blonde challenges society's stereotypes. Society portrays blondes as being ditzy and vapid. At first, Elle Woods comes off as a rich, sorority sister, who cares about nothing but shopping and parties. However, it is soon proven that she is an intelligent and hardworking woman when she gets accepted to Harvard Law. She quickly rises to the top of her class despite her obsession with pink. Society expects intellectuals to be like the preppy, uptight Vivian. But, Elle shows that bubbly, stylish girls can also be very smart. Of course, going along with stereotypes, the reason she decided to attend Harvard was to win back her boyfriend Warner. He had broken up with her when she thought he was going to propose. He said she wasn't serious enough for him. So, she proved that despite her sunshiney demeanor, she could be an intelligent law student. The film also plays up the power of beauty. Elle uses how attractive she is to help gain entrance to law school (her admissions video featured her in a bikini). However, she exceeds in school because of her brain, which just happens to be accented by beauty and style.