I grew up in an environment where I was surrounded by pictures of skinny blonde women with perfect bodies. They were not overweight like me or had any hair on their legs or arms like me. I thought it was the South Asian in me that caused me to look different. But even then, I saw models from South Asia who looked just as beautiful. I then thought that maybe it was just me. I would awe at the magazines while waiting in line at the checkout at my local grocery store praying I could look like them when I grew up. Little did I know, these celebrities looked this way because of photoshop. Their bodies are made slimmer and more defined while giving them glowing skin and silky hair.
        To photoshop something is to alter a photograph digitally using Photoshop image-editing software. Almost all magazines use it on their models and even on images of scenery to enhance the beauty of the picture. By publishing fake pictures, false hope is given to vulnerable children. This negatively affects how children view themselves growing up. They have a fake image that they are trying to pursue, giving them false hope, which will lead to low self esteem and body image issues. Many times young girls and even boys deal with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia because they believe that they are not good enough.

         Many believe that only girls would be affected, but boys can be affected as well. Many male celebrities such as Zayn Malik have admitted to dealing with eating disorders. Boys have this pressure to have muscles and abs, and since fitness magazines make athletes appear more muscular, they have a need to achieve that exact body through hard workouts and even steroids.
         Photoshop should not be used anymore. No one body looks the same, and this should be expressed in magazines, advertisements, and the media in general. These fake images are ruining teenagers' self esteems at such a young age. Going through puberty, children are extremely vulnerable and should realize that stretch marks, hairy arms, and love handles are normal. Young boys do not have to worry about building up muscle just yet. Everyone should realize that they are beautiful and handsome the way they are and should learn to love themselves. Photoshopped pictures are standing in the way of this mentality.

by Brittney Joseph