A psychologist asks this interesting question: if slim models in ads make women feel bad about their normal-weight bodies, would plus-size models make us feel better about our bodies?
That can be extended to another question: do advertisers show slim models because they make the clothes look better, or because they're making an unspoken promise of what you'll look like?
These questions probably have sophisticated psychological nuances, but maybe not. Maybe fashion advertisers are merely playing follow the leader, or waiting for Simon to say hands on hips. I suspect that's the case.
I was told that Kate Moss is so popular as a model because she is "the perfect hanger to put clothes on". Everything looks great on her.
Maybe we give the media too much power over our own self regard. And stereotypes undoubtedly play too big a role.
A recent Newsweek magazine study of 202 corporate hiring managers revealed that 57% felt that qualified but unattractive candidates had a harder time landing a job. More than half of the hiring managers said candidates should spend as much time and money on looking attractive as on their resumes.
So where do we get our ideas of what's attractive? From the media, I would guess. Should recruiters have signs in the lobby explaining what they find attractive? "I tend to hire more blondes". "Plus-size bookkeeper wanted for accounts payable. Must have childhood issues." "Short brunettes need not apply, even with great programming skills". Of course that's silly, but it appears that looks do count.
I've been told that the Fox News Channel always seems to have smart female anchors --- who happen to be beautiful. Hey, rating points are rating points! I hope the other networks adopt the same policy.
The news is so ugly these days.
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