We've all been told that these damn diets don't work, and yet millions of Americans still look skinny on any alternative other than exercise. The power of television plays an important role in the success of the food industries. Everyone is aware of the advertising methods of the diet industries, apparently comparing two photos of a poor overweight guy to an incredibly fit photo wearing the same outfit can persuade thousands of citizens hoping that the same effect will happen to them . The effort to be thin is higher than ever with cases of anorexia growing like weeds in a field. Being skinny has shaped our outlook into thinking that it is much better to look like a stick than to have body curves. Little do we know, the images we see on billboards, magazines and elsewhere in society are all photoshopped to appear almost too good to be true (Romo). By putting pictures of tall, skinny, beautiful people in front of our faces, the media has influenced us into thinking that the skinnier you are, the better. I also had difficulties related to my weight. Growing up, my mother always looked in the mirror and told me she needed to lose weight. To me, my mother was the most beautiful woman in the world and I couldn't understand why she was so dissatisfied with her body. As I got older, I had many insecurities myself, and in addition to being short, I thought I also needed to lose weight. My brother and I were always fighting too, and he always ended up calling me fat. As much as I wanted to believe he was joking; part of me started to believe it. As I walked down the street I would see billboards of impeccable models modeling clothes on them and telling me I... middle of paper ..., remember no one is perfect, we are unique. in our own way. This is what makes us human. Works Cited “Eating Disorders: Why Do They Occur?” » November 19, 2013. Chemeketa Community College Library. . Web.Hiskey, David. “Marilyn Monroe was never close to a size 12-16. » April 17, 2012. ChemeketaCommunity College Library. November 18, 2013. <http://www.todayifoundout.com>. Web.Relant, Julie. “Eating Disorders on the Rise: What You Need to Know.” Fox News. October 13, 2013. Chemeketa Community College Library. November 19, 2013. <http://www.foxnews.com>. Web.Romo, Samantha. “As body image issues increase in society, be aware of the influence of the media.” TheCrimson White. March 7, 2012. November 20, 2013. . Web.Uzoma, Kay. “Percentage of Americans who diet each year.” Livestrong. Nov. 16, 2010. Nov. 18, 2013. . Internet.