Does my bum look big in this ad? by Lisa Cox
Sub-title: Body image in the media. Wombat Books, 2010. ISBN
9781921633058.
(Age 11+) Teenagers and pre-teens know the power of peer group pressure
but how many are aware of the dangers posed by images designed to sell
popular culture?
Lisa Cox can write with authority about self-image. She worked as a
fashion model and then moved to the advertising industry. After
explaining the importance of a positive body image, she provides a
'behind the scenes' look at the motives and methods of marketing. Her
aims are to expose photographic techniques used to enhance physical
appearance, analyse the psychology of selling and offer simple but
powerful remedies for the insecurities induced by unrealistic role
models.
The author's approach has considerable strength. After a brief Foreword
for
parents and educators, the bulk of the text is directed squarely at
a young audience. Lisa Cox speaks to young people not about them. Her
subject is complex but accessible because the information is well
organised. Each chapter deals with a particular aspect of the issue and
has been divided into topics, which are discussed briefly and
persuasively under headings. The language is frank, unadorned and
completely lacking in condescension. Critical issues such as eating
orders, depression and plastic surgery are presented in a
matter-of-fact manner along with crisply worded, practical advice.
The inclusion of pages on which readers are invited to do 'Homework',
suggests that the book has been designed to be bought rather than
borrowed from a library. Its dimensions, similar to those of a CD case,
could make it difficult to manage in a collection. Although the
author makes it clear that her message is for boys as well as girls,
most of the illustrations relate to young women. The small font size
may discourage some readers.
Lisa Cox has made a valuable contribution to the debate about a vitally
important aspect of adolescent well-being. 'Does my bum look good in
this ad? Who cares!!!'
Elizabeth Bor