As I was listening to the radio tonight, this Popeye quote came to my mind almost immediately. There was a news story on how one of the growth industries in the school picture industry (and I would imagine by extension, the "professional head shot industry") is how one can pay extra money to photoshop out one's little imperfections such as acne, braces, pimples etc.
The commenator went on to quote a psychologist who claims (rightly to, I think) that this might not be the best idea. The story went on to hypothesize that this ability to so easily crop out one's imperfections sends the wrong message in society, that one's worth is based on how "perfect" one's hair/skin/teeth/etc.. are. Spot right on, on that one, he is absolutely right.
What on earth are we doing and encouraging? Indeed, what kind of message does this send to our children. I'll tell you the message. The message is this "I'm so sorry, darling son/daughter that you're upset that you have this 'glitch' in your class picture. Don't worry, your concerns are legitimate, let's use technology to 'repair' you, to make you into a more acceptable person". That is EXACTLY the message that we are sending and frankly, this concerns me very much.
Great Caesar's Ghost! Do we really want to be part of a society where one needs to be electronically fixed/manipulated/revised? I don't know - maybe I'm too out of touch with the whole "I need to be accepted by my peers" thing.
Oh, by the way, could someone please photoshop my picture at work and (a) remove the wrinkles (b) darken the hair and (c) give me an electronic lipsuction?
Good gravy - the madness never ends.
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