The phenomenon is called "super-stimulation," IIRC. We're somewhat programmed by the species' history to respond to certain traits in the opposite sex. When those traits are over-emphasized, the response is commensurately stronger. Hence, the reason the borderline between super-model and anorexic can be very hard to locate.
Thing is, since we respond stronger wo super-stimuli, that's also what sells magazines, and make-up, and dam' near everything the ad agencies can think to put some cheesecake or beefcake on. |
