This topic comes up time and time again, but I tend to ignore it as a somewhat intelligible person that can distinguish reality, versus fantasy. But really, does Photoshop put unrealistic standards on men and women on how we should look, or do we need to just get over it and recognize that sometimes things are just ads, and marketing should go on as usual. Or am I even asking the right questions.

Photoshop is innocent.

It's the intent behind modifying someone for advertising that is harmful.

But unless it gives you unrealistic belief in the product, I don't care that it exists.

The bulk of entertainment media is all about fantasy. We specifically request it. People should know that most media images are retouched. The level of the modification for things like product ads is more of an issue because it's being passed off as reality. And it's been typically a reality created of a non-standard body type. Or, one that is only able to be achieved by surgery and witchcraft.

I agree with Erin. It's marketing...bottom line is no one wants to look at plain joe or plain jane or snap shots. You are trying to sell something! I think people who think the industry puts a unrealistic standard on how we look are probably just ugly people. Maybe we should add an ugly person to the discussion and see why they feel that way. Oh wait..is that why I'm here?