Exactly. I wouldn’t mind all the palaver so much if they at least had the decency to use age appropriate models (and even then you know they’re going to airbrush the life out of them.) But twelve-year olds “displaying” the benefits of age-defying products… and even THEY are airbrushed! What’s stupider is that it seems to work on consumers. Now THAT is the real problem…
It kind of reminds me of the early United Colours of Bennetton Ads. Is this a current one? (You may be able to tell my complete ignorance on fashions in make up by this question…)
So misleading…I remember as a teen reading “Teen” magazine and wondering how nice and tan and pretty everyone was, and it made me feel bad. I don’t look at that stuff anymore. You can live a much happier life that way.
It’s awful that girls have to feel that way, ever. And no amount of ‘telling’ them will help, right? I guess in discovering the sham ourselves, we become stronger. But, unfortunatley, I suspect it’s only if the majority stop (literally) buying the ‘mirage’ that manufacturers will consider appealing to a woman’s intelligence. What a concept! (;
What dismays me is just how young girls are when all this stuff starts, and how difficult it is to keep it out. We are bombarded by these images everywhere we go. I certainly see my 9-yr-old becoming more and more aware of them.
I’m stunned by mothers who actually promote The Look for their daughters by BUYING the inappropriate clothes, etc. It’s like they’re playing dollies, or re-living their own mis-spent youth. I’m thinking of shows like Toddlers & Tiaras. It should be outlawed. But too many people are making money. And others are, I don’t know… it’s beyond stupid. Whatever happened to that slogan: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby…” Feels like we’ve gone a long way backwards, in a different get-up. [sigh]
We think we’ve made progress, and then this. These girls look like mannequins. And if that were an artistic statement, that would be fine, but it’s not — it’s advertising. And it’s so misleading. I can’t believe the beauty products and services consumed by teenage girls we know, or our sons know. And then you watch a show like “Princess” and see how it has far-reaching effects, on self-esteem but also on finances and relationships. A think-photo for sure, Carin.
I agree, Allyson. If it were art it would be interesting. Unfortunately it’s one of the regular covers The Bay sends out advertising ‘beauty’ products. I made a list of some of the language for another blog — incredible the subliminal messages we’re [all] exposed to. But especially the young, pliable, uncertain minds of girls in the middle of all that schoolyard competition. Yikes. They’re conditioned from a younger and younger age to grow up not even noticing these ads… they just mindlessly buy/want the stuff, the look. And feel rotten when they never achieve it. So they buy more. As you say, devasting on self-esteem and the pocketbook.
Matilda Magtree 
Probably best if I remain wordless re: what I think of this cover.
Don’t be silent on my account. The whole “industry” makes me want to scream.
Fabulous, thought provoking WW, Carin. Reminds me how ‘ticked’ I get when 16 year old girls market miracles for the aging skin …
Exactly. I wouldn’t mind all the palaver so much if they at least had the decency to use age appropriate models (and even then you know they’re going to airbrush the life out of them.) But twelve-year olds “displaying” the benefits of age-defying products… and even THEY are airbrushed! What’s stupider is that it seems to work on consumers. Now THAT is the real problem…
It kind of reminds me of the early United Colours of Bennetton Ads. Is this a current one? (You may be able to tell my complete ignorance on fashions in make up by this question…)
That you are ignorant on the subject of make-up merely makes you brilliant in my view! :)
So misleading…I remember as a teen reading “Teen” magazine and wondering how nice and tan and pretty everyone was, and it made me feel bad. I don’t look at that stuff anymore. You can live a much happier life that way.
Happy WW and thanks for linking up :)
It’s awful that girls have to feel that way, ever. And no amount of ‘telling’ them will help, right? I guess in discovering the sham ourselves, we become stronger. But, unfortunatley, I suspect it’s only if the majority stop (literally) buying the ‘mirage’ that manufacturers will consider appealing to a woman’s intelligence. What a concept! (;
What dismays me is just how young girls are when all this stuff starts, and how difficult it is to keep it out. We are bombarded by these images everywhere we go. I certainly see my 9-yr-old becoming more and more aware of them.
I’m stunned by mothers who actually promote The Look for their daughters by BUYING the inappropriate clothes, etc. It’s like they’re playing dollies, or re-living their own mis-spent youth. I’m thinking of shows like Toddlers & Tiaras. It should be outlawed. But too many people are making money. And others are, I don’t know… it’s beyond stupid. Whatever happened to that slogan: “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby…” Feels like we’ve gone a long way backwards, in a different get-up. [sigh]
Reblogged this on Wordless Wednesday reblogs..
We think we’ve made progress, and then this. These girls look like mannequins. And if that were an artistic statement, that would be fine, but it’s not — it’s advertising. And it’s so misleading. I can’t believe the beauty products and services consumed by teenage girls we know, or our sons know. And then you watch a show like “Princess” and see how it has far-reaching effects, on self-esteem but also on finances and relationships. A think-photo for sure, Carin.
I agree, Allyson. If it were art it would be interesting. Unfortunately it’s one of the regular covers The Bay sends out advertising ‘beauty’ products. I made a list of some of the language for another blog — incredible the subliminal messages we’re [all] exposed to. But especially the young, pliable, uncertain minds of girls in the middle of all that schoolyard competition. Yikes. They’re conditioned from a younger and younger age to grow up not even noticing these ads… they just mindlessly buy/want the stuff, the look. And feel rotten when they never achieve it. So they buy more. As you say, devasting on self-esteem and the pocketbook.