Eating disorder specialist Lydia Turner from BodyMatters Australasia, who has become something of a regular here on the MTR blog, has a piece worth reading in The Drum Unleashed on the Government’s new voluntary body image code (no, we’re not done with the critique of that yet, see this and this and this).
Last week Youth and Sport Minister Kate Ellis revealed a new code of conduct for the fashion and advertising industries, backed by the Federal government, in what is claimed to be a world first attempt to regulate the industries contributing to increased rates of body shame and eating disorders.
The voluntary code, outlining a list of proposed changes that reward magazines, fashion labels, and modelling agencies who comply with its criteria with a ‘tick of approval’, has met with mixed response. Responses have ranged from the dismissal of the need for any regulation, to claims that the promotion of anything other than a thin ideal will inflate obesity rates. Others who acknowledged the need for industry regulation expressed scepticism that the code would work, given its voluntary nature.
5 Responses
both great pieces, MTR. there are far too many conflicts of interest with that national advisory board, good on Lydia and Dr Samantha for actually speaking out against this!
I know so many people who feel absolutely disgusted with this weak attempt to “do something” but what’s more disgusting is the blatant disregard the board members have for their own recommendations.
This is such a joke. It’s time to get some real experts in!
I think you have a previous blog relating to the Dove campaign for ‘Real Beauty’ Melinda. Their emphasis on being “real” but also being totally ‘flawless’ when they advertised for new models, is somewhat pathetic!
I am also tired of this industry pretending to care about real women, when all they care about is their back pocket!
I agree with Samantha Thomas! We’ve all had enough. These half assed token attempts at promoting positive body image are merely an attempt at preserving the status quo while appearing to promote change. And voluntary? yeah the beauty industry is going to volunteer their profits. The beauty industry thrives off women hating themselves.
Hi! Thank you for your blog/site i love what you write, but please as a doctor, let me tell you what I am sick of. I am sick of obese and overweight people in denial about the health issues that affect them due to their body weight. I think we need to promote health not body size, exercise not shopping and good healthy food. Its not about body shape or the clothes that you wear. This in my mind mixes up the issue with health. In my mind i do not like the connotations of laziness and overeating that are involved in weight gain. I admit that when i put on weight it is because i have not eaten correctly or have been lazy with physical exercise. The denial of resposibility for our weight gain is the issue. People should look after themselves in body mind and spirit not just in their minds. WE are people of more than just intelligent thoughts. WE have bodies that we need to look after.