The Victoria’s Secret fashion show that aired on December 9th was filled with sexy models showing off their beyond-enviable bodies. There’s no question that it takes ultimate confidence to own the runway in barely-there lingerie, especially in front of millions of viewers. This show is a major event among girls all over the world, but it is not exactly known for the product it is “selling”. It is known for something very different – it’s effect on the self-esteem of young women everywhere. This is apparent in the hundreds of statements that are posted on the evening of the show on various social media sites.

“Time to starve because VS Fashion Show is the 9th!” Anonymous

“RIP self esteem.” Anonymous

The angels in the show are beautiful, yet very thin supermodels who, by society’s standards, have achieved perfection of their bodies. They have long limbs, gorgeous faces, and stunning smiles. These models are said to spend hours working out, intensely watching their diet to prepare for the show. In a UK Telegraph article about Angel Adriana Lima, she states that for nine days before the show, she doesn’t eat any solid food. She works out twice a day and drinks a gallon of water. People tend to think it’s stupid and un-real to have “goals” to look like someone else, but how do you explain this to a 17 year old who hates her thighs, hates her hips and the rest of her body and just wants to look a certain way so others see her as “beautiful” even if that means giving up things she loves and making unhealthy decisions. To girls who see these angels, it’s real. It is attainable and they haven’t attained it quite yet.

There is unrelenting noise about empowerment, but there are so few women leaders standing up for the everyday women and teen girls who are hurting, lost, and affected terribly by the media. We need more powerful women who stand up and talk honestly and openly about what true beauty is and why it is important to focus on it. Jennifer Lawrence has been a great example in the past few years and people are grateful for that. We need more women who, in whatever walk of life they live, truly empower women by helping them believe in beauty, and the true definition of it.

Sources/Photo Credits: CBS news, Enews, Nowfashion