We live in a media saturated world where we are constantly bombarded by images of supposedly "beautiful people." Everywhere we look - in magazines, on billboards, on TV and in movies, there are surgically perfected women who are unrealistically thin and men whose muscles ripple and bulge. How can the rest of us measure up to these standards? And why should we? This video explores and explains the damages these cultural influences can do to a young person's developing sense of self-worth. Many teenagers are likely to develop a negative body image if they feel their body deviates too far from the "cultural norm." In Extreme cases these negative body images can develop into Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), sometimes called the "disease of imagined ugliness." Real-life testimonials from young people who struggled with related issues such as: Steroid Abuse, Anorexia, and Bulimia provide a keen insight to the hazards body image anxieties can create. This video will offer strategies that teens can use to feel good about themselves and about their bodies. Some of the learning objectives are: - students will consider the role that body image plays in the development of self-esteem - students will learn how to eliminate negative self-talk - students will be provided with tips for improving self-esteem - students will learn the signs and symptoms of BDD - students will learn that physical perfection is not a goal worth chasing run time: 29 minutes AWARDS: 2003 Telly Award, 2003 Omni Award, REVIEW: School Library Journal – Nov. 2002 Gr. 6 Up, Adult testimonials given by former sufferers’ of anorexia, bulimia, and steroid abuse tell their stories of anguish and survival. Real teens discuss those aspects of their physical appearance that make them uncomfortable and what they have done to overcome their feelings of low self-esteem. A medical doctor talks about Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), “the disease of imagined ugliness,” and the signs and symptoms that should be treated as red flags. The adults, teens and doctor effectively convey the message that self-worth is measured by what is inside a person, not by body image. Teens with weight issues, those who feel they are too short or too tall, acne sufferers and others talk candidly about being teased, being depressed, and ox, overcoming their body image problems. Viewers can relate easily to these members of their peer group. There are some good special effects. Both males and females are equally represented, but the majority of the teens and all of the on-camera adults are Caucasian. There is one startling scene featuring photos of emaciated teens as a result of anorexia or bulimia which conveys to viewers the hazards of trying to attain an unrealistic body image. Teachers will want to prepare students for these harsh depictions prior to viewing. This informative video would be a good addition to public and school libraries for use in health classes and counseling situations – Kimberly L. Paone, Elizebeth Public Library, NJ