The Rise of the Sheep Mentality: How Media and Social Influences Shape Our Identity: In today’s world, it seems that society has become increasingly conditioned to follow the crowd. Our thoughts, actions, and even our physical appearance have become heavily influenced by the media, which consistently pushes idealized standards of beauty, success, and behavior. As we become more attuned to the messages that come through our screens—whether from traditional media outlets or social media platforms—many of us have stopped thinking for ourselves. Instead, we find ourselves blindly following trends, ideas, and ideals, without questioning their impact on our lives. Dr. Stanley refers to such behavior as “wishy-washy”, and that’s exactly what it is. This phenomenon has not only influenced what we wear, how we act, and what we desire but also what we believe to be beautiful or acceptable in society. I’d even go as far to say that we’ve been “brainwashed” as a people. Perhaps that has been “the plan” all along? One would ponder, right?

The Influence of Media on Beauty Standards: One of the most powerful tools in shaping societal norms is the media. Whether it’s mainstream news, reality television, or the seemingly endless stream of influencers on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, the media dictates what is considered “beautiful” or “desirable.” The constant bombardment of photoshopped images, perfectly curated lives, and overly exaggerated (stretched-truths) portrayals of reality leads many individuals to believe that they need to fit a certain mold to be loved, admired, or accepted — which is so wrong on many levels, and essentially, shaming Our Creator. Over the years, the concept of beauty has been hijacked by this hyper-idealized image, but in the past, beauty was once a more fluid and personal concept; fluctuating from person to person (as we all are unique, different and special). However, today, we are bombarded with unattainable standards— plump lips, perfectly contoured faces, slim waists, BBLs and hourglass figures. These ideals have been marketed to us not only as “the way to look” but also as a measure of worth! Which again — is so wrong, on many levels! The media’s portrayal of beauty isn’t just about selling products (which I was once super passionate about); it’s about selling an identity, a way of being that people are encouraged to adopt, no matter the cost. Some spend so much money on trying to modify themselves, and STILL never attain the happiness that they so desperately seek. This reminds me of an article I wrote last year for Novidades Newsletter, about inner beauty and how people are so fixated on changing their outer selves, rather than being dedicated to changing/evolving/elevating their soul instead, and it shows! That is why I LOVED the Snow White movie so much for one of the lessons learned at the end where Snow White was the fairest not because of her outer beauty but because of her inner beauty! Which… there has been SO much controversy and “drama” in regards to that movie launch, that I will have to save all that jazz for my next article!

The Surge in Cosmetic Procedures: BBL and Beyond: The demand for cosmetic procedures has skyrocketed in recent years, with a particularly disturbing rise in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries. The BBL procedure, which involves liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body and transfer it to the buttocks, has become one of the most sought-after procedures in the beauty industry. Many of these desires are rooted in what’s been glorified through social media—celebrities like the Kardashians and influencers whose bodies adhere to these exact standards are at the forefront of this trend. For many, these trends become more than just fashion or personal style; they become an essential part of their identity, something they believe will bring them validation or success in a world that constantly critiques outward appearance. Cosmetic surgery is not just limited to the BBL; it encompasses a wide range of procedures, from breast implants to rhinoplasties, lip fillers, botox, and liposuction. These enhancements have become normalized to the point where people view them as an almost necessary step in achieving self-fulfillment or societal approval — Which is VERY sad. With social media platforms flooded with “before and after” transformations, it’s no wonder that millions of people feel pressured to change their physical features to match the constantly shifting ideals presented to them. There was once a study conducted that when females had plastic surgery done, for example their lips done, they would be treated differently (better), by strangers and society, than they did when they were their natural selves. Wow. What a chilling realization. It’s very similar to the phenomenon where you get treated better in business, in the music industry, or by the general public when you are thinner, versus being overweight/obese. Same thing goes for women who go out in public without makeup versus being all dolled and glammed-up; the one with the makeup gets better service everywhere she goes and more respect from total strangers than the natural one. Why is this? Because we have been conditioned — essentially, brainwashed, people! As a mom of two daughters, this is a topic that extremely concerns me. 

The Ozempic Revolution: A New Form of Conformity: Alongside physical transformations, another trend that has gained tremendous popularity is the use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Originally developed for diabetics, Ozempic has now become a trendy weight-loss solution after it was discovered to help shed pounds quickly and effectively. The pharmaceutical industry, alongside influencers and celebrities, has promoted Ozempic as a miracle solution to weight issues. While this drug has helped many individuals, it also represents a broader issue within society—our increasing reliance on external solutions to solve internal problems. The rapid weight loss caused by Ozempic feeds into the desire for instant gratification, and many people, especially women, are led to believe that achieving this idealized figure is a quick and easy process, rather than focusing on a healthier, more balanced approach. As millions follow the trend and take the drug, it raises questions about individuality. Why are we all looking for the same quick fix? Why are we willing to surrender our health and sense of self to what the media tells us is the solution? The more we allow ourselves to be shaped by external forces, the less we listen to our own voices (and I am now viewing those internal voices of reason, as our angels or even God, protecting and guiding us; better known as our “intuition” or “gut feeling”.). When everyone around you is pursuing the same goals, following the same trends, and molding themselves to fit the same ideals, it becomes difficult to maintain a sense of individuality! The media has effectively become a guidebook, leading us toward a homogeneous way of thinking, acting, and even looking. It’s as though we’ve forgotten how to think critically and question what is presented to us! Scary! The more we give up our critical thinking skills as well as our personal individual, the easier we will be able to be controlled. This shift towards conformity can have serious consequences, not only for our mental and physical health but also for our ability to think freely! If we are constantly focused on keeping up with the latest beauty trends, weight loss secrets, and social media sensations, we risk losing our authentic selves! I have fallen into this “trap” more than once and I am saying No More! Moreover, as we lose sight of our individual voices, we make ourselves more susceptible to manipulation and control by the very entities shaping these ideals—the media and corporations that profit from our desire to fit in.

Breaking Free from the Herd Mentality: While it may feel as though the pressure to conform is overwhelming, it’s essential to take a step back and reflect on who we are, independent of what the media dictates. We must remember that beauty, success, and fulfillment cannot be defined by external factors alone. True self-worth comes from embracing who we are as individuals, celebrating our uniqueness, and rejecting the need to fit into a mold that’s been constructed for us by others.

In order to reclaim our individuality, we need to foster critical thinking and encourage more meaningful conversations about identity, beauty, and personal fulfillment. Instead of mindlessly following the trends of the moment, we must prioritize authenticity, health, and self-love. Only then can we truly break free from the constraints imposed upon us and rebuild a society where people are free to think for themselves, make their own choices, and appreciate the diverse beauty that exists in the world. *The first step in this revolution is recognizing that we are more than just consumers of media—we are thinkers, creators, and individuals capable of shaping our own identities. When we take control of our own narrative, we break the cycle of conformity and embrace a future where individuality thrives.

This is a weekly segment by the talented Marisa Silva Rocha, fadista and community cultural activist.