It is no secret that advertisements, magazines, and the media all participate in saturating, slimming, and physically editing their models. After years of controversy between this phenomenon and the public, some may say that the world of photo shopped 24-inch waists has come a long way. Living in an era where acceptance and expression is in effect more than ever before, the posing question of why are people still so critical towards models and public figures that have “normal” body types is just as common.
Photoshop specifically, is almost essential for any advertisement. Brands, like Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters, are now challenging this standard by developing a new policy where they have ceased the use of Photoshop on their models in any picture. To make the public aware of this, they use the hashtag, #AerieREAL, on social media.
“The purpose of 'Aerie Real' is to communicate there is no need to retouch beauty, and to give young women of all shapes and sizes the chance to discover amazing styles that work best for them,” Aerie's Chief Merchandising Officer Jennifer Foyle said.
However, even with campaigns such as Aerie’s, women are still body shamed for being portrayed in photographs as their un-retouched selves. Earlier in April, Aerie model Iskra Lawrence was called a “fat cow” by a commenter on Instagram. Lawrence responded on social media by posting a video of her in lingerie, eating potato chips, and flashing the camera with her middle finger.
“This is for anyone who has ever been called FAT,” Lawrence wrote in the caption.
The video received over 1 million views and thousands of comments supporting her as she stands up to body shaming.
“Eventually I learned you are more than your body. Your body's your home, and you need to love and respect it. You are meant to be in that body, so look after it, love it, and don't let it be the reason for not doing something,” Lawrence told Elle magazine in February.
Models seen in advertisements influence younger girls as well, and set a standard for how they should look as well.
“When I see a lady with a small waist, I feel a little jealous just because I know that I probably won’t have that, but at the same time I don’t really care. That was her choice to have a waist like that and if that’s what she likes, then great, she did it. Go her. But I think it’s a little ridiculous at the same time because when they are so small, it makes you wonder what they have to go through to get to that point,” NHS sophomore Lauren Montague said.
Many agree that the way models are edited to perfection has a great impact on the audience who will then see that picture. It is perceived as what a “normal” body type should look like, and thus leads to self-image insecurities.
“The reason as to why we’re still body shaming in 2016 is because of social media or media in general,” NHS sophomore Jeydy Rodriguez said.
Categorizing models and celebrities as “normal” by photo shopping them to have idealistic bodies sets an example for young boys and girls which can force them to believe that this is a standard set by society. As a result, eating disorders, self-hate, and even depression affect those who look up to these models or celebrities. However, through emphasis on acceptance and love for all body types in the media, a positive perspective on image can be achieved by all.
Image Courtesy of goqii.com