Magazines and Photoshop: The False Sense Of Perfection

By Kate Mueller on November 20, 2014

Who knew one magazine cover (and Photoshop) could nearly break the internet. But that was the plan when Paper magazine put a nude Kim Kardashian on its cover with the words “Break the Internet” plastered below her naked trademark body.

Chances are that I don’t even need to show you the picture because you’ve seen it anywhere from Facebook to CNN.

via ABC News

People went crazy. Supporters and fans stared in awe of a woman with such confidence. However, those supporters seemed far and few compared to the loud opponents of the picture.

She was reminded by many, including Naya Rivera, that she is a mother and that she should be ashamed that baby Nori will see these pictures in the future. I think they forgot she already blew that with her ex-boyfriend Ray J; plus why can’t a mom want to be sexy?

“I normally don’t. But … you’re someone’s mother …”
- Naya Rivera, actress and singer

She was then criticized for constantly making money by being naked. Again, that was what put Kim on the map in the first place. Although all of these arguments have their points, we forget that it’s Kim Kardashian we’re talking about. Her rise and claim to fame are definitely not conventional or ‘holier than thou.’

But what about the use of Photoshop?

“All images in magazines are, to some extent, touched up with Photoshop. While this does create unrealistic expectations for men and women, potentially prompting body image issues, it is a moot point with Kim Kardashian who generates an unachievable standard for women regardless of how her pictures are edited.”
- Ian Baker, student at Florida State University

For argument’s sake, let’s not look at the person in the image as Kim Kardashian. Let’s look at it as another edited magazine cover model. The editor claims that the image was only slightly altered – saying that Kim’s butt is really that big and Kim’s waist is really that small.

But he did admit there was some airbrushing. While unaltered photos have not been released, many Photoshop gurus have put together what they think are realistic images of Kim.

Now I’m not sure how accurate or close these images are to the real deal, but simply pulling her waist out makes her look less Barbie-ish and more human. If you look through the thousands of pictures of Kim that are out there, you notice a small waist and huge behind. So the image is somewhat true; Kim has a killer body, just not AS killer as the one on the Paper cover.

“It’s shocking what they do to pictures.”
- Hailey Amundson, student at Florida Gulf Coast University

Then a barrage of humorous Photoshopped photos included turning Kim’s behind to everything from a Krispy Kreme donut to a Centaur. (And, then this happened.)

So why do editors continue to put altered images on magazine covers? Beauty and sex appeal sell magazines. It’s that simple.

But why do celebrities and models continue to allow their bodies to be manipulated? Self-esteem? Pressure? I mean, if a professional photographer was taking my picture and I knew it would be seen by even a hundred people, I’d definitely let him get rid of any blemishes, dark circles and cellulite. Every woman (and man) would want to look their best. Imagine millions seeing it.

Almost a week before the Paper magazine cover photo was even released, Keira Knightley took a stand against Photoshopped bodies, posting her own topless picture that didn’t create nearly the buzz that it should have.

via Fox 2 Now

“I’ve had my body manipulated so many different times for so many different reasons, whether it’s paparazzi photographers or for film posters. That (shoot) was one of the ones where I said: ‘OK, I’m fine doing the topless shot so long as you don’t make them any bigger or retouch.’ Because it does feel important to say it really doesn’t matter what shape you are.”
Kiera Knightley

However, there’s a huge difference between masking a pimple and significantly bringing in your waistline or bust line. Models and celebrities need to speak out more on the issues with altered body images, like Keira Knightley did. They need to say “it’s not OK to change my body” and call out Photoshopped images.

We grew up with Barbie dolls and now we have to look at these women with “ideal” bodies? We’ve been living in a world with a false sense of what perfection looks like.

Beyonce has told us that we’re ‘flawless’ and beautiful no matter what, yet she’s also been part of Photoshop scandals on Instagram. So are our flaws beautiful? Because it’s getting a little hard to believe with all the Photoshop being done these days.

Behind the filters of Instagram and the Photoshopped bodies in the magazines is the true beauty of women, and that needs to be shared more.

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