“Having been diversely conceptualized throughout its long history, body image is currently regarded as multidimensional self-attitudes towards one’s body, particularly its appearance” (Cash). In the poem “Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy the main character symbolizes all females. The poem focuses on the socially constructed body image for women and it’s effect not only on the main character’s life, but also on all women in general. From birth she is raised to be a certain way by the standards of society. In an attempt to fit in, her life ends and only then does she achieve consummation.
At birth, the main character was “presented dolls” (Piercy 334) which influenced her view of women. She would later be compared to those dolls because they are…show more content… The images of models or celebrities are “airbrushed version of people who weigh 23% less than the average woman” (Sadler). To “everyone” from the poem the main character was not seen as pretty with just, “lipstick the color of cherry candy” she needed “cosmetics painted on” and “a pink and white nightie” (Piercy 334). “The powerful and unconscious impact of the media on body image was mediated by women's internal contexts” (Paquette). Women have been socially constructed to be self-critical of others but especially themselves. They strive to achieve this unrealistic look, while comparing themselves to women in the public eye who have been all but forced to be seen a specific way. With the influence of media it is hard to distinguish one’s own thoughts from the displayed standards. The main character was “healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arms and back, abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity” (Piercy 334) but she still felt the need to change herself. None of the qualities listed above are displayed in common media. Most of the ads or public campaigns show skinny women with the perfect skin, hair and