Whatever created the human race also created a subdivision within it, namely men and women; though the two creatures are very much similar to each other except that they differ in only one thing, a single microscopic chromosome. It is this minute difference that forms the genetic basis of gender differences in today's society, and also the backbone of the various gender codes. These gender codes dictate the appropriate roles and behaviors for men and women in society; they provide a framework through which we can understand and experience our world. One particular gender code that is propagated by mass media is, as professor of English at XXX, Robert C.Nazar puts it, "Our culture is quite happy with a woman who is sexually available, but not when she is a sexual aggressor "men encouraged to sow their wild oats'-, suggesting that a woman's source of power comes from her sexuality. This gender code is reinforced in the August 2003 edition of Mind, Body and Spirit Fitness magazine - a magazine dedicated to women's fitness and health.
Browsing through the advertisements published in the magazine, one is immediately aware that almost every single ad features an attractive looking woman with generously endowed breasts, a slim waistline, a healthy tan, long flowing hair, luscious lips, pearly white teeth and gorgeous smooth legs. These images reflect the "Ideal American woman-, and are not just portrayed in women's health magazines, but are evident in all forms of media advertising, from television ads to cigarette box ads. As a result, our senses are constantly being bombarded by these ads to such an extent that even if a person were able to consciously shut out and dismiss the images within the ads, it would still unconsciously permeate into his/her mind. It is no wonder that this "Ideal- feminine form has become so widespread and that many women have embraced this form as desirable for themselves.
