Unhealthy vs. Healthy Body Image in Marketing

Unrealistic expectations are placed on us, particularly woman, because of marketing and the technology behind photo editing. Many of you may have seen or heard about the Target Photoshop Fail in a recent swimsuit ad. Several pictures of girls in this season's swimwear left obvious Photoshop editing, where you can see where thighs were erased leaving an unrealistic thigh gap, underarm skin/fat was erased, waists were whittled, limbs were lengthened, etc. 

The photo to the left shows this. Shame on you Target - this is why so many woman, and young teenage girls (who this ad is targeting because it is a Junior's swimsuit) think they should look like something a real, flesh and blood woman, can not look like without starving themselves and being UNHEALTHY! Although I have never personally struggled with an eating disorder, I certainly can relate to feeling sub-par and have several women I know and love who have struggled with eating disorders. Photos like this and the extreme editing most magazines and ads partake in only feed self esteem issues, unrealistic expectations, and eating disorders.

On a brighter note, kuddos to Aerie (photo on right) for their real beauty campaign. They are no longer editing or retouching their photos, it is real women, with real beauty. Sure, most of these women are still models, but they are venturing into different sized woman as well. We are not all shaped the same! And you can really tell in their photos, they haven't been retouched! Skin is not flawless, thigh gaps are small or realistic looking, etc. I say GO AERIE! If only more retailers would take this approach. Here is a little more about their campaign: http://en.bellebeirut.com/b-city-news/aerie-real-embraces-natural-beauty/

So women, and men, focus on living a healthy lifestyle. Don't compare yourself to others, particularly what you see on magazines, etc. that is not realistic anyways. Just worry about fitness and nutrition and fostering good health - that is what matters! Trust me, I am speaking to myself too. And I will now stop my venting  . . .