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[Thoughts★] Thousands of People Want Victoria’s Secret to Apologize for ‘Perfect Body’ Ad

(P1) But can it make a difference?

(P2) More than 16,000 people have signed a U.K. petition asking Victoria’s Secret to apologize for an “irresponsible,” “body-shaming” ad.

(P3) The lingerie company sparked outrage for a new campaign celebrating “The Perfect ‘Body.’” The ad copy is a riff on the brand’s “Body” lingerie line, but since the slogan hovers above the supermodels’ bodies, people say it sends the wrong message.

(P4) Dear Kate, an underwear company “made by women for women,” insists that the lingerie industry as a whole can and should do better. “As if women need a reminder of our society’s homogenous definition of beauty, the ad features ten models with almost identical body shapes,” its website reads. “The creators of the ad probably didn’t think twice about the message it is sending, and to us, it’s irresponsible marketing.”

Here is Dear Kate’s alternative:

(P5) But can the petition incite change? Petition writers Frances Black, Gabriella Kountourides and Laura Ferris note that “we have yet to hear a single word from Victoria’s Secret! It can’t be much longer until they listen up and realize that they have some apologizing to do.”

(P6) Victoria’s Secret did not reply to TIME’s request for comment.

(P7) But the “Perfect Body” campaign is in line with past marketing efforts. Victoria Secret’s previous “Love Your Body” campaign (which also incited backlash) provides a stark contrast to companies like Dove’s take on promoting an ideal body image.

(P8) Some companies just prefer companies opt to promote “perfect bodies” rather than “real beauty.”

WORDS: 292

SOURCE: HTTP://TIME.COM/3551892/VICTORIAS-SECRET-PERFECT-BODY-AD-BACKLASH-PETITION/

VOCAB: [H021A] VICTORIA SECRET_VOCAB

TO PRINT: [H021A] VICTORIA SECRET

Discussion Questions

If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.

1. Briefly summarize the content of the article in your own words.
2. What are the 16,000 British citizens asking Victoria’s Secret to apologize for (P2)? Do you agree with their argument?
3. “The creators of the ad probably didn’t think twice about the message it is sending, and to us, it’s irresponsible marketing. (P4)” Do you agree with Dear Kate’s argument?
4. Do you think this petition can incite change (P5)? Why or why not?
5. “The society tends to converge to a single image of beauty.” Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Why or why not?

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