Women's magazine Redbook can be added to the ever-growing list of women's magazines that have been 'caught' re-touching celebrity photographs. The original, untouched photo of country singer Faith Hill appeared on the web site Jezebel.com, alongside the re-touched version that was used for Redbook's cover. It has reignited heated discussions and outcries about the unrealistic images portrayed in women's magazines.

"...experts say the Hill photo has struck a particular chord because the singer is already a beautiful, thin woman - calling into question the beauty industry's idea of 'perfection.' 'Do you know anyone who is female who wouldn't want to look like the real Faith Hill?' asks Michael Levine, professor of psychology at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. 'And yet looking like Faith Hill isn't enough for the [beauty] business.'"

Boston family therapist Carleton Kendrick says the biggest problem with these deceptive photos is the toll it takes on women and young girls, affecting their self-esteem and body image. Redbook explains away its actions by stating that a magazine cover is a 'beautiful image' much like an album cover or movie poster and that it's not supposed to be a real or accurate picture. But critics feel the statement is simply an excuse for continuing with business as usual. Read more online.

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Labels: media_influences, self-esteem, body_image

Posted By: Aspen Education Group