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B&T > Advertising > Advertisers Need A Conscience
AdvertisingFeaturedMedia

Advertisers Need A Conscience

Staff Writers
Published on: 15th January 2015 at 4:37 PM
Staff Writers
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The United Kingdom’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) recently ruled that a controversial image of an underwear model’s thigh gap must be removed from Urban Outfitter’s U.K. website. The ASA said that the image is “irresponsible and harmful.” Kudos to the U.K.!

In a response, Urban Outfitters told the ASA that it’s “common practice to use slim models in the underwear industry” and that they thought she “had a naturally tall and slim physique.”

While it may be true that this particular model is naturally tall and slim, the advertising industry is still largely promoting images of bodies that are unattainable for the majority of the population, or encouraging a “thigh gap” to unwitting teens. What the industry needs firstly, is a conscience. Eating disorders, although treatable, still have the highest death rate of any psychiatric illness. And, we know that these over-the-top ads promoting thigh gaps, extreme thinness and non-stop diet promises continue to tell our young people that they are not good enough, translated to thin enough.

We know for a fact that these kind of images have a negative impact. 69 percent of American elementary school girls who read magazines say that the pictures influence their concept of the ideal body shape and 47 percent say the pictures make them want to lose weight. Eating disorders usually start with a diet.

Read the full article here.

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Staff Writers
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Staff Writers represent B&T's team of award-winning reporters. Here, you'll find articles crafted with industry experience spanning over 50 years. Our team of specialists brings together a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to delivering insightful, topical, and breaking news. With a deep understanding of advertising and media, our Staff Writers are dedicated to providing industry-leading analysis and reporting, both shaping the conversation and setting the benchmark for excellence.

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