Tag Archives: controversary

Why We Should All Calm Down About Vogue Photoshopping Lena Dunham

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Some controversy I just don’t get. Like photoshopping. When I watch a film I know it is not reality, and when I read magazines and see posters I don’t expect that to be reality either. Which is why those making a huge deal about Lena Dunham being photoshopped in Vogue (of all places, Vogue is all about fantasy) are making a fuss over nothing. And the gleefulness of some people about the ‘before’ pictures is just bitchiness on a high-school level- she doesn’t look like a supermodel, but that doesn’t mean she is not beautiful. Beauty is debatable.

Dunham has said she is ‘confused’ about the uproar. Frankly, so am I. Jezebel even paid $10,000 for the unretouched pictures and featured them. Why? Models are also retouched in Vogue. Why is Dunham singled out? If anything her differences should be applauded. Dunham did a great Tweet on it.

In fact pretty much everything in the media is photoshopped. The sky, food…the list is endless. Of course men and women are photoshopped, yet it is only when women are photoshopped that the media have a huge hissy-fit about it. The same media that encourages the practice. You may noticed I said women. I meant it. Have you ever seen a media-storm about a man having his pot-belly removed or been made to look younger? I haven’t. Men don’t care either.

Jezebel article on Lena Dunham being photoshopped. Credit: Jezebel.

Jezebel article on Lena Dunham being photoshopped. Credit: Jezebel.

In my opinion it is just another form of sexism. Women are made to feel bad about their bodies so they can be exploited out of their hard-earned money with an endless parade of celebrities whipping themselves into shape weeks after birth, or starving themselves for two days a week. Then they are made to feel bad about not feeling good about their bodies. We can’t win.

Here is my opinion on photoshopping: I love it. I really love it. In fact my idea of hell is being in the media, especially in print, and not being photoshopped. Every flaw is highlighted when photographed. I don’t even care if they photoshop out an arm, as long as they make me taller, thinner and better looking. After all, it’s not reality and it’s not supposed to be.

 

UN Women UK comments on Queen’s Speech

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The Queen’s Speech on Wednesday 9th May caused quite a bit of controversy from quite a few sources. It also prompted UN Women to comment on flexible working practices.

Jan Grasty, President of the UK National Committee of UN Women, which focuses on encouraging economic empowerment for women as a route to education, career progression as well as benefitting society as a whole, comments on the recent Queen’s Speech:

“There are some welcome announcements from the Queen’s Speech, which offers opportunity for women to continue in their careers through moves to make parental leave more flexible. At the same time, we are seeing many employers in the UK taking steps to mitigate and challenge unconscious gender bias in the workplace, providing parents with greater flexibility in the workplace.

“These companies recognise the benefit of retaining staff – especially women – after they have children. Of these organisations, many have signed the CEO Statement of Support for the UN Women/UN Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), launched in the UK last week. These principles offer businesses of all sizes a set of guidelines to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community with the goal of creating a better working environment for all and improving financial performance for the company.

There is still a long way to go however, and potential remains for both Governments and corporate thought-leaders to implement flexible parental leave policies, particularly within small and medium-sized organisations or those companies working in sectors which have historically been male-dominated. There are many reasons for wanting to take extended leave and return from it, raising children, caring for elderly or infirm relatives are just some of them, and all can apply for men and women.”

The Queen Looks as unamused with former President Bush as some were with the 2012 Queen's Speech.


1) Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality

2) Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination

3) Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers

4) Promote education, training and professional development for women

5) Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women

6) Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy

7) Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality

Have your say.