What About Ken?

So, in light of all the discussion about the recent Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, I'd like to bring up another point of view.

Maggie gives a valid argument about the frustrating and seemingly impossible standards that women are held to, and how Barbie dolls only perpetuate this culture that makes women feel--from a very young age--that they must look and be like this perfect version of a human. But what about Ken?

Sure, women are pressured by all kinds of media that send the message that they need to be skinny, pretty and flawless, but I think that men get the same kind of pressure. It may not seem as obvious, but I think that's because more women speak out about the unfair standards they are held to than men do.

So, again, what about Ken? It's not like you see any Ken dolls suffering from an unhealthy physique, or a receding hairline, or maybe even a hairy back if you wanna go that far. And look at He-Man. If that doll is the image of masculinity, then I don't know a single masculine guy. That is just a ridiculous and impossible standard to uphold.  

What I'm trying to say is that I think we should take into account that women are not the only gender to be held under such scrutiny in society to be perfect.

It makes me wonder; if girls become self-conscious and develop eating disorders from flipping through magazines portraying what this "ideal" woman should look like, then what must men think when they see the same ads featuring the "ideal" man? It's not fair for anyone, really.