Airbrushing, anyone?

It's not often that I agree with anything the Lib Dems have to say, but lobbying the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to introduce notices on ads targeting under-16s which feature airbrushed and impossibly skinny models is an excellent idea. As any parent will attest, trying to lead your kids through the Tween/Teen marketing minefield is difficult enough at the best of times without having to deal with images which promote body dysmorphia (whether latently or overtly).

The use of airbrushing in other demographics is entirely another story, however. Looking at my haggard reflection this morning while feeling the affects of a rather nasty bout of Man Flu, I could probably do with some re-touching myself at present.

All of which set me to wondering: Why are Adland's battalions of airbrushers and Photoshoppers focussing on beauty products and the like when it comes to helping conjure up alluring yet unattainable realities? I can think of a whole heap of politicians and bureaucrats who, (a) seem to be in the same business; and (b) are themselves in desperate need of a make-over.

So ASA, just a suggestion, but? Maybe the disclaimers accompanying altered images of politicians in the lead-up to next May's election should read either 'May cause drowsiness' or 'Objects may appear closer than they actually are'.

Closer to what, exactly, I'll leave for you, dear readers, to decide.