In one of my classes, we are learning about how the media can have an effect on peoples’ body images. I work with young teenagers every day. I have had conversations with them about self-esteem, body acceptance, etc. Today I was telling them that the pictures they see in magazines or on the Internet aren’t always real – and how it’s not realistic to think that because a celebrity looks a certain way, they too should be able to look that way, because oftentimes these celebrities either spend hours in the hair and makeup studio, or are photoshopped to within an inch of their lives.
Some of the kids believed it, but the vast majority didn’t.
So, I decided tonight that I would be making up a little slide show (photoshop skillz represent, yo!) because I want them to see that yes, celebrities are nice-looking people, but in day-to-day life, they’re not as glamorous as we see in ads or on the screen. They are, for the most part, NORMAL, like you and I (well, maybe less like me; most slebs aren’t old baldies) so it’s ridiculous for teenagers to try to hold themselves to the standard that’s set with all these Photoshopped, airbrushed, made-up, hair-extensioned people.
Here’s where I need help: with my Google-fu, I have found tons, TONS, of photos of female celebrities before and after photoshop (although most of these are older, like Cameron Diaz or Faith Hill, so not totally someone the kids would emulate – I do have a couple of Kiera Knightley, Kelly Clarkson, and the girl who plays Hermione). What I’m sorely lacking are male celebrities who have had “work” done on their photos. Anything from adding or defining muscles, to changing skin tone. I have one photo of Owen Wilson, where his nose has obviously been straightened out, and one of Andy Roddick where Men’s Fitness added tons of muscles to his arms (and removed a birthmark), but that’s it for the dudes. I’m thinking of adding the one of Barack Obama where the magazine lightened his skin colour.
I don’t know if I’m just entering the wrong search terms into Google Images or what, but I’m not finding any pics like this – and I KNOW they exist. So this is where I ask for your help. I know that I only have three loyal readers but here’s hoping that you tell a friend, who tells a friend… because the whole wanting to emulate celebrities thing isn’t entirely limited to girls.
I will be showing them this video (which is amazing), but my photoshop slideshow needs your help! If you have good material for this (whether they’re male or female celebrities/models whatever), please email me the photo or a link to the photo (jeezDOTlouiseDOTblogATgmailDOTcom, or hit the “contact me” link at the top of this page). It sounds completely corny but you may be helping to save a kid’s self-esteem. Obviously, everything has to be G-rated because I want to help them to feel good about themselves, but not by getting me fired.
Thank you SO much in advance.