Seriously?
I’m about to reference this article: http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/h-m-bronzed-model-swimwear-campaign-controversy-isabeli-fontana.html
These ads are all over London and not just on buses. But massive glowing, moving, screens. Very catching and great planning from a marketing perspective. Fine and dandy.
Does no one have an objection to the provocative nature of these ads?
Does no one have an objection to the unrealistic and unfortunate message being sent through the incredibly photoshopped campaign?
Please tell me I’m not alone. When will women come out and say “this is enough”? I don’t want to be sold anything but the clothing. I don’t want to feel like a seductress on the beach, there is too much sand and it gets everywhere. Why is H&M trying to tell that if I wear that suit I will look that hot? Anyone who has ever been to the beach can tell you that no one looks sexy or natural sprawled out on the sand like that. No one even sits like that anywhere. Beach, bedroom, office, concert, no where. Because it’s weird.
And no one looks that “perfect”. In “real life” her body isn’t that tan. It’s not that toned. And that swim suit will not look that way on anyone, not even the model.
These images are unrealistic. To many, they are cruel. They do more harm than good. For some men, they think this is what a woman is or at least should be. And most women want to look this way because it’s what has been shoved in their face their entire lives.
I love the way I am. I’m pale. I’m average sized. I keep my legs together unless I’m trying to jump a fence. This is the way my God made me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wish (insert clothing company) would stop trying to suggest otherwise.
I don’t like to raise issues without solutions. I can’t think of any that would realistically have any impact. In an ideal world, we could all come together and support each other. Men could tell their mothers, sisters, significant others, friends that they are beautiful. Women would compliment each other with words of affirmation and encouragement. Little things can change big things. I don’t even think that’s too idealistic.
That’s realistic. Let’s encourage one another, reaffirm each other in all aspects of our lives. We don’t need to turn to the billboards or sides of buses, we need to turn to each other. And if you are the religious type, turn to God. The ads may never go away, but neither will we. And as long as we, as humans, are around we can help each other deal with the lies and false images that we are fed day after day.
yikes.
