What we desire and aspire to look like has today turned into something that isn’t even real. Back in the days, the ’super models’ signified a beauty that still was given only a lucky few, but could still be reached through training, staying in shape and lots of make-up.

Today, as a result of digital modernisation what we look at, the celebrities and models on posters and in magazines aren’t even real. Photoshopped till the break of recognition, necks are elevated, mole erased, hair color and volume changed and skin smoothened to a silky clean surface.

Photoshopped super models and celebrities – Before and After

Cameron Diaz – Before

After

Before

After

As you can see the beauty we grace in every magazine, poster, TV-commercial and newspaper has been altered. Yet another clear testament to our distorted view on beauty. But then again, now thanks to photoshop and the art of retouching – even I can be beautiful

Sure a good share of them like to objectify women to their physical shapes and figure, but then again so is the animal kingdom built. We are very much driven by animal instincts and though it is not an excuse for treating women or men in an inconsiderate way, it definitely helps to explain a certain behavior.

No, the enemy is indeed the beauty industry, men and women who are selling products through marketing campaigns with a clear focus: outer beauty, sex and a very distorted view on beauty.

I hence advice every parent to talk to your children before the beauty industry does. Physical attraction, sex and outer beauty are all wonderful things and essential parts of what it is to live. However, it does not belong in ads and campaigns nor does it belong convincing our children that being beautiful is having the perfect body.