Pressures of a Young Woman in 2017
Photos and Writing by Dani O'Connor
This is a photo story about a 21-year-old woman named Dayna. I documented photos of her while she shopped for clothes. In many of the photographs you can see the frustration and the pressure of looking a certain way. There are so many influences in the media these days that give women the impression that who they are is not good enough. Women are told they should have a size 2 waist, big boobs, tan skin, and perfect curves. This unrealistic image that has been ingrained in the minds of young girls has affected their self-esteem negatively. Being able to capture this in real time will hopefully put into perspective what it is like to live as a young woman in 2017.
1. Dayna is doubtful that she can fit in a size 2.
2. As she tried on the clothes she made comments about her "fat".
3. She asks, "Does this look better?"
4. As we walked by Victoria's Secret she said, "Why can't I look like that?"
5. What defines the "Perfect Shape?"
6. "If only they looked like this...then I'd be happy".
7. As the shopping continued, her self-esteem decreased.
8. She told me she struggles with choosing colors that she feels confident in.
9. Again she asks if her stomach looks better sucked in.
10. She debated what food to get, but settled on a smoothie because she is "watching her weight".