what three topics can i use ? and what exactly do they mean

Question

Write a paper in which you analyze how the popular culture influences ideas about beauty among either women, men, or both. Discuss the effects of these messages on the social behavior and psychological well-being of those addressed.

Answer 1

First, I find the reference "beauty among .. men" interesting since men are not generally referred to as beautiful. To play it safe, I'd stick to "how popular culture influences ideas about beauty among women."

 

I'm not sure why you ask for "three topics" -- perhaps you want a choice of one topic to write about. If that's the case I might suggest these three:

 

1. Popular culture emphasizes wardrobe as a measure of beauty. Consider the "red carpet" descriptions of women appearing at Hollywood galas such as the Grammys and Academy Awards. The scrutiny of each gown and how it appears to add or detract from the woman is intense. Women watching can hardly be blamed for looking at themselves with any eye to simulate as best they can those starlets who have been described as "dazzling," "wow-ing," "radiant," and so on.

 

2. Popular culture places a great emphasis on the "ideal model look" ... i.e. slender, perfectly adorned hairdo and makeup. Glance at any issue of magazines such as Glamor, Fashion, Woman's Health, Ladies Home Journal, and so on. Again, it's hard to imagine how publishers are not catering to the "look" that women would like to have.

 

3. Another instance of popular culture influencing ideas may be found in advertisements of successful companies headed by women. Also, any advertisement that displays women in professional roles will show women in very distinctly business-like apparel, very little jewelry, very smart hair-do. Overall the appearance suggests success, professional competence, leadership and other qualities.

 

You will have to begin your paper with a good, detailed definition of "popular culture." In the definition you may include not only popular magazine, advertising, but also movies, TV programming, but other descriptions of modern day life. Remember, "culture" refers to whatever daily occurrences people generally experience: work; family; church; entertainment. 

 

Hope this helps. Good luck.