I'm really surprised at this thread. I cannot imagine letting advertisers, clothing manufacturers, or retailers have so much power over me.

When I was growing up, my biggest source of insecurity about body image was from people I knew in real life -- mothers, teachers, etc.

I know the world has changed -- young people are exposed to much more advertising than I was in the 1950s and 1960s. And people with power over children are -- I hope -- a bit more evolved.

Even so, someone has to mention personal responsibility -- we don't have to be passive victims of advertising we choose to look at.

Advertisers are going to present their products in the most attractive way because doing that works to sell products.

When I shop for an electronic product, most likely I will not see the power cord in photos of the product. That doesn't lead me to conclude the product operates without electricity.