Epidemic of Eating Disorders
The G.I. Joe action figures are one of many factors that influence male body image. G.I. Joes are muscular, fit men. Setting the standard for men as a physique of being tall and slender, but also muscular and toned (Ballaro and Wagner par. 1). Men see these qualities in the action figures that they grow up playing with and grow up to think that they need to look like that when they get older they need to look like these action figures. Another factor started in the 1980s with the explosion of marketing campaigns such as Calvin Klein underwear ads (Ballaro and Wagner par. 13). These ads contain images of young men with perfectly sculpted abs and shiny bodies. Men see these ads and feel the need to be like these men. Women see these ads and expect their boyfriends and husbands to look like men in these ads. Guys hear their girlfriends or wives positive comments about ads like the Calvin Klein ads and feel like they need to look like the men in the ads in order for their woman to be satisfied. The pressure guys feel to live up to the expectations of these ads cause health issues such as anorexia or bulimia, but this pressure can also lead to them taking supplements to help them to improve their build.