Recently, there has been an interesting spate of retailers using a diverse range of body types to model their clothing. It’s not like we haven’t seen this in the past, but usually the advertiser or magazine editorial will make a point of it, like: “Look at us! We’re being soooo amazingly inclusive! Aren’t we cutting-edge?”… Continue Reading →
Can we stop trying to define “real beauty?”
By now, we’re probably all familiar with Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign – in which the company showcases and celebrates “real bodies and real curves,” aiming to expand the definition of beauty and boost women’s self-esteem. Just take this picture on the left, for example – the familiar lineup of thin, lithe models is contrasted against… Continue Reading →
The BodyCon competition encourages advertisements that subvert the “ideal” body
The Butterfly Foundation in Sydney, Australia, a charity that supports people with eating disorders and negative body image, has created a new video competition that aims to expose the media’s representation of beauty. “The Body Con” is a competition encouraging entrants to “create a 30 second advertisement that confronts the belief that being in control… Continue Reading →
Facebook, give me a break from your dieting ads
Yesterday as I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I was treated to an ad that Facebook had decided was relevant to my life as a high school female. The words “Skinny Confidential” headed the advertisement; below, the post expanded, informing me: “‘1 Summer Weight Loss Trick:’ This Secret Was Designed to Lose Weight and… Continue Reading →
Menstruation: it’s only as big a deal as you make it
Have you ever wondered what sex ed might have been like for your grandparents? If you have, check out this 1946 video – made by Disney – called “The Story of Menstruation.” At first, all I could see were the ways in which it is outdated and incomplete. It debunks taboos that are completely alien… Continue Reading →
The advertising industry fails to step up to Australia’s body image diversity awards
Nearly two years on from their introduction, Australia’s Positive Body Image awards are failing to catch the attention of fashion, media and entertainment, and advertising industry organizations and individuals. About-Face has previously covered the Australian government’s National Advisory Group on Body Image, and their voluntary code of conduct and awards. In 2012, the inaugural awards… Continue Reading →
Will this be “Your Sexiest Summer Ever”? Magazines say yes (and why I say no)
The most recent issue of my favorite fashion magazine is promising me this will be my “Sexiest Summer Ever!” The one where I will have the PERFECT summer fling and my BEST beach body. Ha! Only if sexy means lounging in my extra-large t-shirt all day, watching reruns of Gossip Girl and eating a bag… Continue Reading →
American Apparel: v-necks and sexual exploitation
As the media coverage dies down regarding American Apparel’s knack for remarkably misogynistic and overtly sexual advertising (check out Nancy Upton’s hilarious/courageous spoof), and CEO Dov Charney’s nefarious past, the company reports an increase in net sales for the first quarter in 2013. This is a remarkable turnaround for the company who faced potential bankruptcy… Continue Reading →
Facebook falls flat in fighting gender-based hate speech
I am an avid Facebook user (is anyone reading this not?); it is an integrated part of my everyday life. So when I heard that Facebook had agreed to better control the content on their site and eliminate gender-based hate speech, I was thrilled. Or so I thought. When I learned that they had only… Continue Reading →