Sarah Murdoch is a very famous and I can also now attest, very lovely, person. I had only chatted with her over the phone in contributing to the National Body Image Advisory Group’s Strategy until Tuesday of this week, when we met in person at Parliament House Canberra. The occasion was the handing over to Minister Kate Ellis of Australia’s first National Strategy on Body Image of which Sarah, myself and a wide range of community, medical, media and research academics have contributed to.It was also the day that Sarah, together with the Women’s Weekly, unveiled Australia’s first full colour magazine cover and spread that had not been digitally retouched, photoshopped or altered in any way. I am sure you will agree with me that she looks beautiful with wrinkles, crows feet, sunspots, freckles, uneven skin tone and creases on display.
Seeing these lovely natural shots really makes me wonder why airbrushing exists at all when it comes to the publication of photo’s shoots such as these ones. Surely seeing images such as these can attest to someone’s real and natural beauty which shouldn’t be tampered with in any way. Sarah explained to the Body Image Advisory Group however that was certainly not everybodys thinking and that both the art editor and photographer from the magazine tried to convince her that she would look better ‘touched up.’ Sarah resisted, and I admire her for staying true to what she wanted which was a cover and spread that did not erase her wrinkles, smooth over skin creases or indeed change her in any way - ”It makes me mad that we can’t embrace the beauty of ageing, because we’re all going to do it.”While I fervently hope we see more magazine spreads like this one, the editor of Women’s Weekly Helen McCabe is making no promises, which I find frustrating- “There are real business imperatives why magazines have gone this way, it’s a very competitive industry and I’m at this stage just taking a little baby step and seeing how this goes for now.” Geez Helen. C’mon. Do something bold and brave. Don’t just make this a one off – commit to doing it every issue. If it’s all about the money, I wish to tell you that while I have not bought your magazine in years I did buy this one. I’ve put my money where my mouth is so to speak and if any readers out there are passionate about this issue I hope you do the same. Maybe if this edition is a runaway seller Helen may change her tune and we will see more beautiful, natural and real photo’s of prominent Australian women like Sarah all the time.
