Imprefections Ignored

Keira Knightly was photo shopped for her 2004 movie, King Arthur.  The most noticeable difference from right "before" to left "after" is the change in her bust.  Keira, who often refers to her bust as "pecs," reported, "those things certainly weren't mine."  I've always thought of Keira Knightly as a small-chested actress, and have respected her for that.  I think its interesting that my perception of her being small-chested is caused by real-life enhancement. I'm not sure if she has had pressure to have plastic surgery to enhance this, but I am  glad that she has remained flat-chested and true.  However, I think that its odd that even after post-production enhancement, she is still scoffed at as being small-chested. 

GQ is going to amp up the sex as their targeted audience is stylish men.  Here, Kate Winslet has been photo shopped in order to give a more svelte appearance.  Her curves have been cut "in third" and to distract from her fuller shape, she has been cloaked by a dark mens-style shirt that hides her arms, part of her torso, and fullest part of her thigh.  To lengthen the eye, her outfit includes mesh boning and dark, slimming colors as well as dark, slimming panty hoes.  In reaction to the obvious physical changes (which would realistically require months in the gym), GQ admits to their actions.  I think that while it is good that they can admit that this image is not natural, the image is more powerful than the back-hand story.  While many people will see this image, not everyone while realize that it is digitally altered, and it becomes an accepted part of reality. 

Photo shop is not restricted to mature, developed, or even post-pubescent adults.  Disney has doctored up this promotional image of Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana.  The image on the left has an edited smile.  Miley Cyrus, who had normal teeth, ended up investing in veneers to ensure a more perfect, Disney smile.  This reminds me of the "flappers" that toddlers wear in the abhorrent Toddlers and Tiaras.  However, Disney decided to manipulate this image and give their star a bright, perfect smile.  I think this puts unfair pressure on our youth because here's Miley, a naturally beautiful young girl, and they see her with perfect hair, teeth, and skin.  On the other hand, they're dealing with acne, braces, and frizzy hair.  This manipulation causes our youth to hold themselves against this false standard and create an unreachable standard of beauty.