Photoshop should be banned for models

Digitally altering pictures or ‘Photoshopping’ is the norm of not only the fashion industry but any industry related to print media nowadays. Retouching pictures has not blossomed due to technology, we can trace it back to 1500’s when the period of high renaissance art was fading away a new form of art was emerging known as Mannerism which applauded the modified physic of the subjects over the regular ones(1). Setting impossible standards, models are made to look like virtual perceptions and nothing like their own selves. Being in the fashion industry, models that are already in perfect shape and in the pursuit of the ‘size 0’ are slimmed down to a point where the alteration is very apparent. Their faces enhanced, their curves made prominent, their wrinkles smoothed out and their tan sprayed are few of the many wonders digital alteration can offer. Not restricted to celebrities or models only, youngster’s today use editing applications to soften the tones and apply various filters that can hide blemishes whiten their tone and bring out clearer skin. These alterations are not offensive to some and they also argue that not only does this catch the viewer’s eye; it can associate a sense of beauty with the related product. Photoshopping in general should be restricted to colors and lighting and should not be used to alter models as this can set unrealistic standards for women and can incorrectly define beauty.
Media around us causes body dissatisfaction in teens. The world around us is flooded with the mass media (television, videos, films, movies, billboards, magazines, newspapers, music, fashion designers and the Internet). Staggering statistics reveal that, on average, a child or adolescent watches up to 5 h of television per day and spends an average of 6 to 7 h viewing the various media combined. (3) As seen exposure to these common forms of adverts is an enormous part of a child’s life. The altered women on these media are the inspiration to many and they are