Photoshopping Skinny

Has anyone else seen this picture?

I think the “scandal” happened in 2009 but I firmly believe it’s an ongoing problem in media. This pictures sparks two conversations for me.

First, why is it okay to photo-shop model so much that they look like they are dying? She’s grotesquely skinny–deathlike in my opinion.

Second, are we still susceptible in this day and age to feel like we need to aspire to that above image? Or do we as smart women think, “That’s photo-shopped.” And move on?

So the scandal was that Ralph Lauren photo-shopped an ad making the model above disgustingly skinny. Notice how her head is larger than her pelvis? Um…don’t think our bodies are suppose to look like that!

A spokesman for Ralph Lauren said : “‘For over 42 years, we have built a brand based on quality and integrity. After further investigation, we have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman’s body. We have addressed the problem and going forward will take every precaution to ensure that the calibre of our artwork represents our brand appropriately.”

Hmm. Fancy words. No real fault being admitted, though.

My visceral response to seeing pictures like that is “Vile.”

Although…Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein are notorious for having anorexic-looking models that have no boobs, no hips, no curves.

And on the same subject…how do men feel when they see the pumped up male models selling jeans but showing off insanely large arm muscles? I KNOW I have a few male readers out there…give me your opinion!

It doesn’t make good business sense to photo-shop at all. The ads are there to sell a company’s clothing. Wouldn’t the average woman be more likely to purchase an article of clothing represented attractively on a normal sized model? Normal meaning like a Size 8 or a Size 10. Or even a 12. I think size 12/14 is the new “average.”

My opinion? I may be talking into the wind on this subject matter but as a person who SHOPS for clothes that fit MY body, I am more apt to go to stores that have real ads. I’ve been at both ends of the spectrum: Lane Bryant AND The Gap. I’ve been obese, and skinny.

As a skinny person who used to be obese and NEVER thought I’d EVER be skinny…I would longingly gaze at skinny people wearing cute clothes and think, “I would be so happy if I was her size.”

Now that I AM “her” size…I am less concerned about being skinny and more concerned about being fit. I’d much rather look like this:

Than the anorexic Calvin Klein model above.

What do you think is more attractive? A fit, lean, muscular body like this:

Or No Curves. No Hips. No Boobs like this:

Eeew eeew eeew!

QUESTION: What do you think about these pictures?