Since we see this look of "perfection" on a daily bases, we do not realize that people do not actually look this way. People all over the world try to have the "look" but fail, because no one looks this way. We should all appreciate the way we look and how unique we all are. Instead, these brands are taking people who are already beautiful and morphing them into something far from reality.
Most say, "Oh Photoshop does not affect anyone in a negative way. It just accentuate their beauty." What they do not understand is this has a destructive affect on young boys and girls. Statistics show that 42% of girls in grades 1-3 want to be thinner. Appearance is the last thing a little second grader should be thinking about. When I was 6 the only thing I cared about was coloring inside the lines and when recces was. 78% of 17-year-old girls are unhappy with their bodies.30% of high-school girls and 16% of high-school boys have an eating disorder. This is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly.
We must stand up to these companies and tell them the way they are exploding women and men is unacceptable. It has a serious affect on the way children have an outlook on life. The influences that Photoshop has is taking a toll on our mental health. With Photoshop it creates this idea that everyone should look the same. It teaches the youth to not embrace their unique side.
You brought up an important issue in our society. Although it may seem like a harmless marketing tool it is what the audience does with it that makes it an issue. I agree with your point on how someone as young as a second grader should not be focused on their appearance. However, the idea of having the "perfect look" is a huge business in society. I personally feel the brands and advertisements do this to invoke the audience to purchase more of their items. I do not think this will ever stop, because the greed of these companies overpower the original intent of their product.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything that you have to say about this issue. This is just one of things that define our materialistic culture. Companies are out for money and by trying to achieve the "look", they are turning the cheek to the problems that are a result of this. I think that this issue will not permanently disappear, but it can be relieved. People should show others, that these photos are touched and that they do not depict the truth. In the magazines I've been recently reading, their have been companies and celebrities who leave their photos untouched. Untouched photos are becoming more popular, and if it becomes a trend, then in the future, there's a chance where photo shopped pictures won't really affect people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement of Photoshop and how it's detrimental to our society. But the with way that people are, it's just their nature to want to look beautiful, or whatever society thinks its beautiful. It's sad to say that this is something that will probably stick in our generation, but there needs to be a realization within our society that beauty cannot be defined.
ReplyDeleteI think these stars should stand up against editing their images. It's just so hard because they have to compete to keep their celebrity status. I think it's a terrible issue that is completely preventable. (Don't forget to edit..."exploding women"?)
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