Revealing the Artificial Standard

Our culture puts a great deal pressure on the external appearance as revealed through the media (magazines, websites, etc.). As a result there is a great deal of comparison taking place by young ladies as to what they ought to look like, and young men who often get caught up in comparisons. We need to understand that there is a tremendous amount of image "enhancement" which is being done. An artificial standard has been created which is impossible to achieve.

It is for us to be reminded that what we see is most often not the real thing. We used to hear that "pictures don't lie." Now they can. This is also a good opportunity to have a discussion with your daughter or son about artificial standards. The Scripture is right when it says that "charm is deceitful and beauty is vain" (Proverbs 31:30) but the quality of character which comes from a growing walk with Christ, is something that doesn't fade, but in fact, can become even more attractive as we mature in years.

HERE is a link to be able to click on "Before" and "After" to see the immediate affects of photo retouching.

HERE is a link to a youtube video which includes a professional photographer revealing that it is almost unheard of to release a photo that has not been retouched.