I had to contain myself from laughing so hard at the foolishness of it all and I even asked, “What is this world coming to?”

Apparently, to be a member of the Pussycat Dolls one must be talented, confident and most importantly “sexy.” It is a shame to think that our ideals of what is beautiful are coming from shows such as The Hills, which follows the lives of rich teenagers, and America’s Next Top Model, in which girls compete for a modelling contract.

We are manipulated into thinking that the image of beauty the media project is correct. We almost expect everyone to be a walking Pussycat Doll, with true beauty based on the designer clothes they wear.

The sad thing about all of this is that once these ideas have been implanted into our heads we begin applying them to ourselves and others around us. We start judging people solely on appearances and mock them when they do not meet certain standards. Appearance has quickly become an obsession, mostly because many think beauty will bring them popularity, success and a glamourous lifestyle.

We are not only tormenting others but we are tormenting ourselves. I see beautiful people pick themselves apart every day, always finding something new that is wrong with them. They work vigourously to perfect themselves and, in the end, it only causes them unneeded stress.

I cannot stand to think of the big shots who create these insane trends, sitting in their cozy offices with their overgrown wallets, watching as we tear ourselves and others apart. So why let them? Why don’t we try to step back for a moment and look at how crazy it is living up to these ideals?

We have to learn to love ourselves and others for who we are and not expect unrealistic things. Pope Benedict XVI said in his message for this year’s World Youth Day: “To love as He (Jesus) loves us means loving everyone without distinction.” 

So the next time we are about to judge someone on their appearance, why don’t we hold our tongue and realize that the quality of one’s appearance does not affect the quality of one’s personality? We, as Catholics, should know that basing our entire impression of a person on such trivial issues is wrong. We should opt out of this chaotic lifestyle, where all that matters is the way you look and the products you own.

I know that the media’s influence on our society will never end, but if we remove ourselves and follow God’s path instead of theirs, it would do us all a world of good.

(Grech, 16, is a Grade 11 student at Bishop Allen Catholic Secondary School in Toronto)