Dear SELF Magazine - it's time we talked

Dear SELF:

For years I've been a SHAPE magazine kind of girl but recently I discovered you. And boy was I glad! Since then you and I have become good friends. In fact I have to confess I love your workouts (who knew something from a magazine could kick my butt) so much I've even shared them with my fellow bloggies.

And then you went and did something bad . . .

Don't look at me like that! You and I, both know I'm talking about your September issue.

You decided to publish a cover featuring Kelly Clarkson. Good old Kelly has always been a sweet girl. She doesn`t seem to be at all jaded by show business. In fact she appears to be the same lovely Texas girl who first walked on the Idol stage. Now there`s no denying that Kelly has gained a few pounds in the last year (who doesn`t have their ups and downs). Of course this has led to some vicious media attacks. Thankfully Kelly continues to show a remarkable amount of confidence both on and off stage. She`s comfortable in her own skin! That alone makes her a positive body image role model.

I guess you must agree since you put her on the cover.


But you didn`t just leave it at that - you photo shopped the living daylights out of Kelly. You didn`t perk her up - you took about 50lbs off. And then you had the nerve to position her next to headlines that promote total body confidence. Clearly, you want us to feel good about ourselves just like Kelly. But then why was she not good enough . . . why did you have to alter her so drastically!!!!!


Of course you could smell the controversy brewing so you decided to put out a statement. This was the part where you could have saved yourself. But nope. You dug yourself an even bigger hole and admitted you retouched the photo to make Kelly look her best. You also managed to spout some incoherent dribble about being ashamed of your body even after it got you through a marathon.


Seriously! It baffles the mind!!!!


So here`s the bottom line - I am disappointed in you. I expected better.


From now on you can consider yourself on probation. To get off probation I expect you to practice what you preach. To promote a healthy lifestyle and above all to promote a positive body image. Girls and women are bombarded by the media telling them they are not good enough . . . they don`t need you to contribute to the negativity.


I will be watching.


Yours,


A Disappointed Reader