Offourchests.org and MyNEDA.org have a petition to Congress, asking that advertisers that use airbrushing or photoshopping to alter human form, to put "Truth in Advertising" labels. Just as people need to know in car commercials that the drivers portrayed are professionals, not everyday people, people need to know that the individuals portrayed in print media are modified. With the rising number of women and girls suffering from eating related disorders, due to negative media images, our nation needs to take action. According to the petition, 53% of 13 year old girls are unhappy with their body, and by the 17 years old, 78% will be. Of course, negative media influences are not exclusive to girls. More and more young boys are affected by the image of 6-8 pack muscular men in media advertisements.
I see the negative effects of photoshop and photo altering programs even through outlets such as Facebook. I have friends who have girlfriends who are models, and are obsessed with how BEAUTIFUL these girls are. But in reality, although these model pictures are very impressive, to the analytical eyes it is apparent that it is a form of art, not a depiction of reality. In addition, as summer a.ka. swim season is nearing, I hear more and more of my friends worrying about cutting calories and watching their weight in order to look similar to the models wearing bathing suits. Looking in dorm rooms, the pictures of Megan Fox in some of my guy friends rooms also shows the powers of photo altering programs. In these types of posters, the model or actress is shown with flawless skin, having no pores at all, and having that perfect glistening tan. These media images are so called "ideal" human forms- yet how ideal can they be if they are unattainable?
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