Need for an Attainable Norm

Mystification and cultural construction of images are correlating projects from Berger and Bordo. Money and power are tools that can control the perspective of society, regarding image. Berger discussed the manipulation of an individual’s thoughts through mystification. This allowed the wealthy, upper class to manipulate an illustrator’s imperfect truth depicted in an image. Bordo’s ideas of cultural construction determine one’s personal views of body image, as well as societies acceptable idea of attraction.

The commonality between Berger and Bordo’s ideas lies in their realization that images powerfully influence perception. Through historic paintings and modern advertising the standards of society have been established and everyone must assimilate accordingly. This study is necessary because of the ongoing battle between an individual’s views and society’s views. The lower class, middle class, and minorities must combat those with money and power, in order to establish the truthful, cultural norm; rather than, an unattainable, superficial norm. Therefore, inequity is the main factor that is generated from mystification and cultural construction.

An example of Berger’s work regarding beauty is his formula that “men act and women appear.” Bordo discusses this formula and disagrees. Women look in mirrors and focus on beauty to ensure that they are pleasing the standards of societal beauty. Men are responsible for providing and taking action, however they must also be seen and judged based on superficial standards. Though it is portrayed that men have no concern for their image, they do. These projects correlate, but they don’t completely agree on what is considered truth. Therefore, the need for this research to continue is necessary in order to maintain a thorough search for the truth.

Berger and Bordo share a common technique of evaluating images, but they posses different views. Our commonality is that we are human, meaning if we are to agree on an acceptable standard of anything, we must agree to disagree. The way a mosaic of images can create a bigger picture, a plethora of ideas is needed to achieve a societal standard, which is based on equity rather than inequity.