I was reading an article recently on a journalist’ daughter who received a Vogue Magazine Subscription for Christmas. It was really interesting because it went over how it could cause the young reader to believe they need to grow up and look like the super thin, amazing faced models on the front page. Being an avid fashion magazine reader, I understand all of that, but I’m not sure whether there should be a worry? (Images from Vogue)
Many children now are quite mature with things like this, and I don’t want to sound vain or big headed, but I do understand quite a lot about things like this more than most. I have read Teen Vogue Handbook & In Fashion which both cover things like air brushing, modelling, magazine editing etc and I have learnt quite a lot, so to be honest, I understand that I don’t have to look like the person on the front cover. But, some girls will, and it’s not just girls. Many boys will look at GQ magazine which has been left around from when their dad was reading it, and think, ‘I need to have guns like that!’ (Um, yeah, sorry about the cheesy-ness) But, it’s true! If you have been reading my blog some time now, you may have read my post on Airbrushing in Teen Vogue. I also found that interesting because, why should teens need airbrushing!? It’s a teen magazine! Okay, if they’re well known celebrities then fine, but teenage life is one of the most important times, you don’t want to have to have the pressure of looking like something.
As, I love fashion, I would die to have a subscription of my favourite magazine (preferably Elle or Company Magazine), and I totally agree with it. But, for 9 years of age, and having it in your hands every month, for a year, and perhaps even more, could influence things. Even if they stopped reading it after the first year, it could have some impact. When I, hopefully, have children, I don’t want them to avidly read magazines with stunning models on (unless, it’s an article on me… then, I may change my mind, but that’s thinking a bit too far ahead…), because, how many imperfections they think they may have, they should believe they’re beautiful, they should have confidence & courage in what they look like. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t let young children and teens read magazines, but at least make something out of it. Discuss things, make collages, don’t just have them stare at an air-brushed ‘angel’ of beauty.
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