Part 2: Rethinking Beauty Standards: Why Inclusivity Makes Us Stronger

We live in a world that’s constantly bombarding us with images of perfection. You know the ones—flawless, thin, airbrushed models that somehow seem to have it all together. For decades, media and brands have stuck to this narrow ideal, leaving countless people feeling excluded, invisible, and just plain “not good enough.”

Here’s the thing, though. These "standards" aren’t just outdated—they’re harmful. This exclusion doesn’t just sting; it has a serious impact on mental health and self-worth, shaping how people view themselves and their value in the world. It’s time we dig into what that does to us and—to flip the script—explore why representation isn’t just important—it’s essential.

The Heavy Toll of Exclusion

When brands and media push one version of what it means to be beautiful, they send a clear message to the rest of us. The message isn’t written—it’s felt. And it goes something like this: “You don’t belong. You’re not enough.”

That kind of exclusion doesn’t just stay on the surface; it works its way into your thoughts. Soon, you’re questioning your self-worth, comparing yourself endlessly, and wondering why you can’t measure up. The truth? You’re not the problem. The impossible standard is.

Exclusion’s impact runs deep, and we see it in a number of ways:

1. Body Dissatisfaction

When the media pumps out one version of beauty—thin, flawless, Eurocentric—most people end up feeling like they fall short. It’s hard not to when you fight an uphill battle of comparing yourself to a look that’s either unattainable or not even real (thank you, Photoshop).

Studies prove how damaging this is. Research published in the Journal of Eating Disorders found that 69% of teenage girls and 45% of teenage boys felt unhappy with their bodies after being exposed to media glorifying thinness. That’s heartbreaking, and it doesn’t just stick around in teenage years. Many of us carry that dissatisfaction well into adulthood, chipping away at our confidence and self-esteem.

2. Anxiety and Self-Doubt

When brands celebrate a single type of body, the rest of us are left feeling like we’ve got something to “fix.” And that pressure to conform? It’s exhausting. Whether it’s the fear of being judged or feeling invisible at a party, that anxiety seeps into everyday life.

Living under the shadow of impossibly high expectations makes you second-guess yourself constantly. And the loudest voice telling you that you’re not “good enough” is the one in your head.

3. Disordered Eating and Harmful Behaviors

The drive to fit into society’s mold of beauty can push people to extremes—restricting diets, over-exercising, or binge eating to name a few. A report by the National Eating Disorders Association uncovered the link between media that idolizes thinness and the rise of disordered eating behaviors.

This cycle of trying to fix our so-called “flaws”—and then feeling guilty when we don’t measure up—hurts not just our bodies, but also our mental well-being. It traps people in a loop of shame and self-punishment that’s nearly impossible to break on your own.

The Cost of Exclusion

Here’s the gut punch of it all—this isn’t just an individual problem. When brands and media cling to unrealistic beauty standards, it reinforces a society-wide culture that values appearances over humanity. We’re sending the message that if you don’t fit into this narrow, manufactured box, you’re less-than.

This has a ripple effect. Entire groups of people get erased—plus-sized individuals, people with disabilities, folks of different ethnic backgrounds. We normalize the exclusion of diversity, and in doing so, we teach each other to judge, to stereotype, to distance ourselves.

We’re better than this.

The Power and Healing of Representation

Now, here’s some hope. Imagine scrolling through social media or seeing an ad and spotting someone who looks like you—your body type, your skin tone, your smile. It’s like a little spark jumps inside you, right? That’s the power of representation.

Representation isn’t about ticking boxes or making brands seem "trendy." It’s about showing people they matter. That they, too, belong.

1. Boosting Self-Esteem

When brands showcase diverse bodies—whether it’s size, ability, skin color, or age—it shows the world that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. And the ripple effect this has on self-worth is huge.

Studies from the American Psychological Association have found that diverse representation in media can significantly boost self-esteem for people who are often overlooked. Seeing yourself reflected reminds you that you’re okay—just as you are.

2. Breaking Stigma and Bias

When we see more diversity in media, it normalizes it. Inclusive campaigns challenge stereotypes and shift mindsets, turning “different” into “normal.” For example, remember Dove’s groundbreaking “Real Beauty” campaign? It featured models of all shapes, sizes, and ages, breaking through the polished veneer of beauty advertising.

Campaigns like that are more than marketing—they’re cultural shifts. And they get conversations started, which is exactly what we need to dismantle bias and stigma.

3. Mental Health Wins

When you’re represented, you feel seen. It’s validating, empowering, and healing in a way that words can’t fully capture. A 2020 Dove survey revealed that 7 in 10 women felt more confident when brands featured people who looked like them.

It’s the kind of change that can spark better mental health outcomes. People learn to celebrate their uniqueness instead of fighting to change it. They feel empowered, not ashamed. That’s the difference inclusivity can make, and it’s huge.

Time for Change

Representation isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have. Brands and media hold immense power in shaping how we see beauty, how we see others, and how we see ourselves. That responsibility can no longer go ignored.

And we, as consumers, play a role too. We have the power to demand better—to support brands that are pushing for authenticity and call out ones that are stuck in the past.

Building a Future of Belonging

The cost of exclusion is too high. We’ve seen generations of individuals lose their confidence and self-worth as a result of one unattainable standard. But the path forward is clear. By celebrating diversity, championing representation, and lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down, we can create a world where everyone feels like they belong.

At My JAMM, we believe no one should feel unseen or unworthy. Inclusion isn’t just a value we hold—it’s the future we’re building toward. It’s time for all of us to recognize that worth isn’t defined by a number on a scale, the shade of your skin, or whether you fit into a photoshopped box.

You’re worthy. You belong. Exactly as you are.