VOGUE

We spend a lot of time talking about the negative aspects of the media. Because there are quite a few of them. 

But there are some moves in the right direction. Vogue Italia Editor in Chief Franco Sozzani (the Anna Wintour of Italy) recently started a petition against Pro-Ana/Pro Mia (bulimia) "thinspo" blogs.


Vogue also is launching 'The Health Initiative' across 19 of their international publications as a is a pact between the magazines' editors to encourage a healthier approach to body image within the industry.

 "Vogue believes that good health is beautiful. Vogue editors around the world want the magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the wellbeing of their readers."

-Jonathan Newhouse, chairman of Vogue publisher Condé Nast International

 The pact agrees to not work with models that have eating disorders, are underaged, and encouraging designers to consider how they do their sample sizing. (read all 6 agreements here)

Perhaps this marks the beginning of a new time for the fashion industry, With companies like CLEANSE promoting wellness to models worldwide.  Curves for a Change promotes philanthropy and body image for models of all sizes. And let's  not forget Model Alliance which promotes fair working conditions for models. (it's a ridiculously tough work environment)

We at Guiltless certainly think this is a step in the right direction by the fashion industry. What do you think?

Consumed by Media

Media is everywhere and constantly surrounding us. It changes our thoughts and our actions in ways we don't even always realize. I love this video by the team at Miss Representation and had to share it.
 I find that I have to just say no to picking up and leafing through most fashion magazines. I instead look at the world around me for inspiration, with all the diversity that it presents. I surround myself by those who refuse to include "fat talk" in their life, and quickly squash any comments of "i feel so fat today" that i hear around me.

What are you doing to change your relationship with media? To maintain a high self esteem when surround by unrealistic images?

Miss Representation

Have you ever watched a movie that made you want to yell/scream/punch something/change the world/write/call your congressman first-thing? Food Inc was one of those movies for me. And then last week I saw Miss Representation with my good friend Kara

This documentary is a fascinating look at how media treats women-celebrities, average women, politicians, CEOs. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. We are constantly bombarded by messaging and consciously or subconsciously it affects what we think, do and say. I think this Women In Numbers infographic says a lot.

This film got me riled up. And I think it will have a similar effect on you.

• Go see if Miss Representation is playing anywhere near you
• Remember that our actions influence others. Mothers, aunts, sisters don’t downgrade or judge yourself by your looks. Fathers, uncles, brothers—treat women around you with respect. Remember children in your life are watching and learning from you.
  
• Use your consumer power. Stop buying tabloid magazines and watching shows that degrade women. Go see movies that are written and directed by women (especially on opening weekend to boost the box office ratings). Avoid products that resort to sexism in their advertising.
• Mentor! It’s as easy as taking a young woman to lunch. Start by having open and honest conversations with a young person in your life.
  

Have you seen Miss Representation ? Are you #NotBuyingIt?

A Walk Down Memory Lane

by: Stephanie Horton

My very dear friend Katy is well aware that I have a magazine addiction. So when she was at a flee market this summer and saw three Cosmopolitan Magazines from 1939, she instantly bought them and delivered them to me as a gift (yes, Katy is incredible). I cannot stop flipping through these magazines! Every page is an awesome experience. From news about Hitler's supposed downfall to Pabst Blue Ribbon and Camel Advertisements to relationship advice to ads about gaining weight in order to become more attractive, these publications seem foreign compared to today's women's mags. One article titled, "What America is Thinking: War, Unemployment, Politics," is the only article I read that could maybe resemble one from today.

However, there is a message that is consistent in both 1939's and today's women's mags: how we, as woman, can perfect our looks and our lives with 'these simple tips.' Now, I'm not saying that magazines are all bad. In fact, I will admit that I read most of them on a regular basis. Some magazines, like Good Housekeeping and Self Magazine, empower women and produce quality articles with excellent advice. But it's no secret that magazines today (and apparently from 1939) are peppered with images that infest our brains and cause us to compare and contrast ourselves on a daily basis to airbrushed models. The purpose of this post is to not only to entertain, but to remind ourselves that this message isn't new. People have been under "perfect pressure" for years. Take a look at some of these photos. I think they speak for themselves!

"The Cosmopolitan Girl is in the early twenties, is five feet six, and weighs one hundred and twenty; she has blue eyes, golden-brown hair and beautiful teeth. She is a member of a small family; her parents are living, and her father is a businessman. She has college training. She loves dancing, and next to it horseback riding and swimming. And she works, or expects to work." -Cosmopolitan Magazine, 1939

Pretty interesting, no? Share your thoughts and perspective on this. We always love hearing from you!