I recently found an ad in one of my industry magazines, Rangefinder, for a company called Teen Identity. It didn’t say much as far as what the organization was about, but the imagery struck me. There were photos that told a story about teens being sold in to the sex trade. Whether these girls were actually affected by this issue or not, I do not know. I did have to go and check out the site to see what it was all about.
Teen Identity is an organization dedicated to promoting a paradigm shift in the concept of beauty for teens. The daily visual reinforcement of the “ideal” that teenagers go through today is worse than it’s ever been. Models, actors, musicians, everyone seems to look supernatural. It’s hard to imagine how an “average” girl might feel beautiful in this type of environment!
There is a pledge for photographers to sign, that says we commit to this cause and will do our part. I cannot wait to get started! As a plus size woman, who knows all to well what it’s like to struggle with weight and self esteem, I have always wanted a way to empower and give back. This seems like the perfect opportunity!
I am sure there will be more on this subject later… in the mean time feel free to check out the organization on their website!
- A
