Does the fashion industry create an unachievable image, which can lead to self-loathing?

For many years, fashion has presented the public with perfectly groomed and airbrushed women who many people, especially youngsters, aspire to be more like.

The idea that what people wear, and the make-up they use can alter how others percieve them may be true to an extent, however surely this presents the idea that the most important aspect of a person is how they appear physically. I think that today's society has a perception of the word 'beauty' which is distorted. In fact, it is difficult to leaf through a modern woman's magazine without finding some air-brushed woman showing off the latest make-up trends, or modelling the newest fashionable clothing; much of which would be utterly impractical as day-to-day wear for modern woman!

These images of 'perfect' women shown to young people create the illusion that this is what is considered 'beautiful', and therefore can brainwash them into thinking that they aren't attractive if they don't look this way. The main problem with modern fashion is that it goes against the idea of originality, and people who don't abide by it are often considered uncool by their piers. Modern teenagers are often extremely image-conconscious, and looking good has never been more important. The way you dress says a lot about the way you feel, and the most common reason people turn to fashion is because they are afraid of feeling socially neglected.

Unfortunately, although many argue that inner virtues are considered far more important than physical appearance, it cannot be denied that those who don't fit in physically are usually the targets of social neglection, or even bullying.

It is a sad truth that many teens resort to self-harm or even attempt suicide because they feel as though they don't fit in. A record 80 children a year are said to have died as a result of bullying, and that figure is steadily increasing.

On the other hand however, it is argued that the blame for this victimisation cannot be put soley onto the fashion industry. In the industry's favour, there are many other factors which can contribute towards the violence, and victimisation of those who are different is not only a recent problem, but something which has taken place long before the fashion industry flourished. Another arguement is that fashion has inspired many youngsters, and that it can help them to feel as though they 'fit in' socially.

To conclude, I would suggest that fashion is neither good nor bad. On one hand, it can help people to feel socially accepted and can help build self-confidence for many youths, and on the other hand it has been said to discourage originality and independence, and perhaps can lead to social alienation.

Whatever opinion you may have on the ever-growing, ever-changing fashion industry, one thing is for certain; It doesn't look as though the idea of fashion will be banished at any point in the near future. So love it or hate it, fashion is here to stay; and so, therefore, are its consequeces.