I agree that the media is portraying the wrong images to our females. However, I think the real problem is parenting. The media wouldn't have nearly as big an influence if parents were around. The image is driven by money. Those shirts wouldn't be on the shelves if they weren't selling. If parents weren't allowing their kids to dress that way, they wouldn't be there. Obviously it's more complex than that, but it's true.
Also, I don't think it's shallow to say that yes, looks do matter. No one can deny it, and anyone who says otherwise is a liar. If I am standing in the mall of course I'm giong to be much more likely to approach someone who I find attractive. I find a wide range of women attractive though. I like women with a little meat on them simply because of their curves. However, I don't want a belly, it's a fine balance. I hate the "skinny" look. I love athletic women. Tennis players personify the body that I'm attracted to. Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova, tight, toned, athletic. It also helps that these women are also very strong in character as well. I find competitiveness very sexy.
The girl I'm currently somewhat involved with (interesting story) is in an incredible academic program, she has a 3.9 or a 4.0 gpa. She played high school basketball and is very active. She just came back from volunteering in Africa, she's funny, insightful and amazingly caring. She's incredibly sexy not only because she's physically beautiful (and she is, very) but also because of the person she is. Looks do matter, but it's not what matters most.