We are taught that the only way to get ahead in life is to keep those rules about appearance, fashion, and diet in mind and follow them exactly as directed. In addition to this, we learn that there is no cost too high when it comes to striving for perfection, but few seem to realize how damaging the consequences can be. When we begin to develop the desire to reach this unattainable standard, the poor self-image monster gains the ability to manifest itself in our minds in many ways, and not just by making us feel guilty about our figures. It can cause us to suffer from depression, develop a tolerance for abusive relationships, engage in self-mutilation, and have many other harmful mental problems. To me this is what makes it a monster, something that is harmful and destructive and if we are not careful, we will unintentionally give it permission to take over and thrive, therefore completely destroying us and even those around us. In the introduction to the book Monsters we learn that the etymology of the word monster means warning. (Blake and Cooper 3). As a society, we must heed the warnings we see manifest in our youth today. Television and film are moving a bit in this direction, but the pendulum seems to be swinging from one extreme to the other. We must build a healthy self-image in our world that affirms that we are valuable. One who says we are worthy of existing and being loved. A self-image that says we are beautiful just the way we are