Banned Ads in the UK

Click here for an array of ads recently banned by Britain’s Advertising Standards Authority, which has the power to force companies to pull ads that are “misleading” (which includes “excessive” use of Photoshop) or endanger children.  I think the photos featuring Hailee Steinfeld and Dakota Fanning are particularly interesting because of the way the 14-year-old and 17-year-old girls are portrayed.  The authors of the article state Steinfeld looks “adorable” – I key in on the fact she looks vulnerable – like a lost child – but yet is dressed like an adult woman (although I can’t say that I agree with the Advertising Standards Authority’s reasoning for banning this ad!)  The Fanning ad is very similar to images of sexualized girls we see in the US.

PLUS Model Mag Promotes Size Acceptance, But Are Their Photos Really Body Positive?

Recently, Plus Model Magazine ran a photo spread of a “plus” (size 12) model holding another woman, who is a “standard” size for modeling.  The photos are fascinating on their own, but this article takes a critical look at how even the “plus” size model’s body is unrealistic and that the original magazine article promotes the idea that all slender women are unhealthy and anorexic.