France's Thin-Model Ban is the New “Fashion Forward”
Body image is an issue that affects everyone at some point in their life. In order for things to change for the better, wouldn't that change have to start with the luxury brands and fashion magazines?
Time to Read: 3 min
Although this story originally ran late last year, the news of France banning ultra-thin models hasn't gotten many people's attention until recently. This information was submitted to Upworthy, a brand focused on societal change and tolerance.
Many are arguing that the model law is "body shaming" skinny girls which brings up the debate of what body shaming truly is. However, that could not be further from the truth. This campaign merely scratches the surface of hot-button topics, such as mental illness and health, obesity, anorexia, body image, and societal preference.
Men and women are heavily influenced by the images seen in magazines and the models walking for luxury brands. Oftentimes, men feel as though women are attracted to beefed-up gymaholics. Alternatively, women feel that men want women with a one-foot thigh gap and a granola bar diet. The reality is that these images sway public opinion and preference so much that there are people who become obsessed with the idea of thinness and form mental illnesses.
Fact: Body image is an issue that affects everyone at some point in their life.
For things to change for the better, wouldn't it have to start with the luxury brands and fashion magazines that book these models? With France being the center of high fashion, it comes as no surprise that the country would go forward with a ban that promotes positive body image, weight, and mental health. The country's people have suffered enough from being inundated with retouched images and unrealistic standards, much less millions of people all over the world.
Hundreds of people cry out for social change and overall acceptance on a daily basis, but when the time comes for it to finally happen... Where are they? Are they in the comments throwing out accusations of bullying and body shaming or pushing forward the change they demand?
Certain steps have to be taken, certain laws have to be made, and a certain number of people need to be behind an idea for social change to work. One example of this is Whitney, of TLC's "My Big Fat Fabulous Life." Whitney Way Thore is the founder of the No Body Shame campaign that pushes for accepting people of all ages, sizes, races, and backgrounds. Her campaign started with a fun two-minute video of her dancing, which has now grown into a television series and full-blown movement. Another example would be the influx of brands eliminating retouching and "skinny" models like Lane Bryant and Aerie by American Eagle, showing signs that brands are pushing for the fashion industry to reflect true authenticity and representation of consumers.
The fashion industry is a billion-dollar, worldwide influencer. It determines what people want to be, how to look, and what to strive for. Wouldn't it feel good if everyday people were reflected in luxury ads and television? The only way this is going to happen is if we hold each other accountable. Stop arguing semantics. Learn about social problems, figure out how to advocate for progress, and maintain a positive outlook long enough to motivate others to contribute. Every movement had to start somewhere, right?
What are your thoughts on France’s thin-model ban?