PROJECT

PROPOSAL
A. Abstract

The title of my paper will be Mirror, Mirror: The Medias Effect on Adolescents Body

Image. This is also my working title for my project. My overarching topic is body image. My

specific topic is how the media can distort ones sense of self through false advertising, and how

this can have adverse effects on these individuals. I have selected this for a topic, as it has

become a growing concern for many people, no matter their age. I noticed how serious of an

issue this was when, after watching a Victorias Secret Advertisement, my nine year old sister

asked me if I thought she was fat.

I have the following driving questions: What other countries have anti-photoshop laws?

What effect has this had on adolescent eating disorder rates? Have such laws been proposed in

America? What effects do these laws have on the advertisement industry?

I will host a Body Empowerment Seminar and Fashion Show. I will begin the

presentation with guest speakers. I will try to secure volunteer speakers from NEDA, the

National Eating Disorder Association, who are professionals in the field. The fashion show will

be a Come as You Are show. The models will choose their own outfits. I will not be choosing

their outfits, as they are supposed to make the wearer feel confident about themselves. I will also

have an announcer at the event, who will explain why each model chose their particular outfit,

and how it helps them to feel empowered. In addition to the fashion show, I will have a photo

station with props. Mr. Denson, First Colonials AP Psychology teacher, will be my project

consultant, as he has much knowledge in the area of mental and eating disorders. My project will

take place during the second semester, within the parameters of senior project. I will try to host it

at a photography studio. The success of my project will be measured by how people feel about

themselves after leaving my project. If everyone leaves with a more positive body image, I will
have succeeded in my goal. To verify that this goal was met, I will utilize surveys. The materials

I will need include the following: a backdrop for the photography station, a camera, models, and

helpers.

B. Learning Skills

The skills that I will learn include the following:

How to effectively market an event, in order to have a successful turnout.

How to book a venue which will enhance my event.
How to enlist the help of, and train, volunteers who will help me conduct my

event.

The skills that I will enhance include the following:

The ability to communicate professionally with the people who will be essential

to the success of my event.

The ability to think outside of the box, if anything does not go as planned
The ability to manage my time effectively, so that this event will run smoothly

C. Marketing Plan/Facilities/Audience

My target audience is high school students. They need this because they are the most

vulnerable group to develop an eating disorder. Also, with social media being such an influential

platform in this day and age, they are highly susceptible to the advertising industrys tactics.

Anyone that struggles with body image issues will benefit from hearing the positive stories from

the guest speakers, as I am hoping to secure a speaker with experience in this area. Also, all of

the stations are intended to have a positive impact on their self images. I will ensure that I have

the right audience by advertising my event at a high school. Because of this, it is unlikely that

people who are not of high school age will attend. I will market my event through posters,

classroom visits, and during school lunches. I will try to secure a photography studio as my
venue because it will already have the lighting I want for the fashion show, and the space/props

for my photo station.

D. Project Steps

Preliminary Steps Reach out to potential guest Hours: 7

speakers. Contact/secure
venue location. Talk to
teachers about providing
students with E.C. for
attendance. Reach out to local
photographer to document the
event. Enlist the help of
volunteers to assist/model.

Midway Steps Review talking points with Hours: 8

guest speakers; make sure
everyone is on the same page.
Create backdrop for photo
station. Create posters and
gain approval to post them
around school. Inquire cafe
staff about making an
announcement during school
lunches/ make the
announcements during lunch.
Gather supplies for booths.
Ask models why they chose
particular outfits, so I have it
for the announcer.

Later Steps Review with volunteers what Hours: 6

is expected of them. Have a
dress rehearsal for the fashion
show. Visit classes, such as
psychology classes, and
market the event. Keep in
touch with the guest speakers
to make sure everything is set
for the event date. Choose a
 date that does not conflict
with major school events.

Follow up Cleaning up the venue after Hours: 5

the event. Send thank you
notes to guest speakers.
Creating a presentation with
all of the photos taken.
Analyzing surveys. Prepare
for panels.

Total Hours: 26

E. Project Documentation

I will be reaching out to a local photographer, and asking if they can help document my

event. If they agree, they will photograph the venue before the event starts, the guest speakers,

the fashion show, and the audience exploring the various stations. I will also be making copies of

all email correspondence between myself, the potential venue, photographer, guest speakers, and

helpers, as well as a phone call log.

F. Project Justification

This is a quality project because, if carried out correctly, it could have a hugely positive

effect on a group of people. This will be a challenge for a variety of reasons. I have anxiety when

it comes to public speaking, so marketing in the cafeteria and classrooms will be hard. However,

I hope that each time I have to do this I will become a better public speaker, and that by the time

panels approach I will not feel as anxious. Also, this will be the first time that I have had to plan,

book, and coordinate an event. By the end of this endeavor, I hope to accomplish the following:

to bring to light the medias drastic effect on peoples attitudes toward themselves, illustrate how

the media can change for the better, and have a positive effect on the people who attend my

event.
 G. Project-Paper Connection

My paper and project connect because they both deal with the overarching topic of body

image. The paper will specifically discuss how the media can distort the viewer's sense of reality

through photoshop, and negative advertising. The paper will further discuss the negative impact

that this can have on an individual. The project will focus on ways that the media can send a

positive message to its audience, as well as ways that individuals can overcome eating disorders

and body image issues.

H. Academic Honesty

I understand that any academic dishonesty by me on any part of the project will result in failure

of the Senior Project and forfeiture of the Legal Studies Seal on my High School diploma. To me,

academic dishonesty includes the following: fabricating work as being my own, collaborating

with others on an individual assignment, and plagiarism of others work. Accordingly, academic

honesty means the following: giving credit when it is due by way of citation, and working solely

on this project.