Evolution?

The general public knows that the media uses photoshopped images, however very few of us understand just how far this "art form" has gone.

I was shocked to learn that in one country a billboard advertising the upcoming Harry Potter movie photoshopped Hermione's breasts to twice their natural size. Isn't she 15??!!?? Who decided Hermione needed size D breasts to be memorable?

The majority of the images we see on a daily basis have been "edited" up to 30 times, enhancing or "fixing" everything from the size of a models waist to the length of her neck. In fact, many images are actually a montage made up of 3 or more models - the "best" features of each model are chosen and then photoshopped together to create one girl with the "ideal" look.

These images portray an ideal that is impossible to live up to. Is it any wonder why the number of women and men suffering from low self esteem and anorexia have skyrocketed?

One Wikipedia entry defines photoshop editing as such:


Photo manipulation is the application of image editing techniques to photographs in order to create an illusion or deception (in contrast to mere enhancement or correction), through analog or digital means. Its uses, cultural impact, and ethical concerns have made it a subject of interest beyond the technical process and skills involved.


The impact of enhanced images portraying unrealistic beauty is worldwide. In France politicians have purposed a law that will require airbrushed/photoshopped images to contain a disclaimer, much like the ones on cigarettes. They feel this false advertising is equally detrimental to one's health.
(Read the article here: Proposed Law)
I agree with the brave lawmakers of France -The fact that we as a global society feel the need to dissect the images of 3 beautiful women to create a "perfect woman" is truly disturbing.

As a woman who has struggled with her own self image, I highly recommend this video:

Dove's campaign for real beauty

Here is another link. Click on the image to view a list of the changes and see the before and after effects.
Magazing Cover Before and After

Where is the evolution of beauty taking us? How will I (you) determine the outcome?