Does my bum look big in this ad? Review
SHORTLISTED CALEB 2010
DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS AD?
Lisa Cox
Wombat Books
Lisa Cox’s Does my bum look big in this ad? is a timely and informative booklet that exposes the tricks of digitally enhanced and airbrushed photographs that promote images of flawless perfection. Many of these photographs cause teenagers to be very unhappy with their own bodies and result in damaged self-esteem.
We are presented with constant contradictions in glossy magazines. Last month’s issue was critical of a model for being ‘too thin’ but this month’s issue criticises a normal sized celebrity for being ‘too fat’. From an early age we need to be media literate - that is, to understand that in the main the media promotes and produces that which sells for profit.
Does my bum look big in this ad? aims to educate young people to celebrate their uniqueness and can be used as an educational and fun teaching aid. It is a book written for young people to help them get through their teenage years with their self-esteem intact. This book can be a ‘guidebook’ for navigating through today’s hazy media and cultural maze. It helps young people differentiate fact from fiction and ultimately have the real power of beauty that comes from acceptance, confidence and empowerment.
DS
DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS AD?: BODY IMAGE AND THE MEDIA
Lisa Cox
Wombat books
Lisa Cox’s jobs in advertising and modelling have provided an interesting insight into how the media manipulates body image. While discussing issues such as eating disorders, surgical interventions, cosmetic enhancements and bullying, she also encourages teenage readers to develop a positive body image, to build up a supportive peer group, and to be an informed consumer. Advice is provided for both males and females. Homework suggestions at the end of each chapter could be a good basis for group discussion. A foreword is addressed to parents and educators. An adjunct to this purse-size book is the website Muse in the Mirror (http://museinthemirror.com/ ) – complete with video clips of distorted advertising. NS
DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS AD?
Lisa Cox
Wombat Books
Having worked as a fashion model, as well as having studied and worked in the media and advertising industry, Lisa Cox knows what she’s talking about. An advocate for having a healthy body image, Lisa wants young people to be media literate and wise to the ways of advertising. If they can think critically about the media and popular culture they won’t allow others to influence or control how they think about themselves. In a time when eating disorders are rampant, this is a very important book. WN
Does my bum look big in this ad? is available online from one of our sponsors. Or at your local independent or large chain bookstore.