Israel passes law banning use of overly thin models
In Israel, don't expect to see as many stick-thin models in advertisements in the future. The Israeli government has passed a law banning use of models that are too thin and requiring disclosure if a model's appearance was modified to make her look thinner.
Israel passed a law earlier this week that bans local advertisers from using overly thin models in their campaigns.
It also requires publications to disclose when images are altered to make models appear thinner. The law's supporters hope it will promote healthier eating habits among models and stop glamorizing extreme thinness among the general population.
Adi Barkan, an Israeli fashion photographer and modeling agent who has long championed this legislation said over the past 20 years, television and advertising have been overrun with overly skinny, unhealthy some would argue, looking women.
"Now, it's too skinny, and no one knows the difference between skinny and too skinny," Barkan said.
Barkan said the law will save lives by changing the perception of what is normal among young women, and men, in Israel.
Barkan said the government had to step in and tell society what was too skinny — because no one else was and it was costing people their lives.
"Too skinny is not sexy. Too skinny is going to make you die. Too skinny, nobody wants too skinny. A guy wants a woman," Barkan said.
-----------------------------------------------
"The Takeaway" is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what's ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH Radio Boston.
JOIN PRI COMMUNITIES:
Post your comment