Let Me Know It’s Real :: Should Digitally Manipulated Photos Be Banned?

The webosphere has been up and arms about Beyonce’s new album promotional ad, that apparently has her looking lighter than her usual skin tone .  The new ad is a photo that’s being used to re-promote her “4″ album.  In the photo, Beyonce is wearing a crochet bodysuit, with red lipstick, laying on a leopard print throw and looking pale.

Though studio lightening could be partial blame, this isn’t the first time white-washing has been a scandal for Beyonce.  Back in 2008, the cosmetic company L’Oreal was under fire for digitally lightening Beyonce’s skin on advertisements.

Digitally lightening isn’t the only issue under scrutiny for the cosmetic giant.  Just last year, L’Oreal was forced to pull Lancome ads featuring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, because critics claimed the images were overly airbrushed.

With so much emphasis on anti-aging and looking attractive, digital manipulation has become the norm, and only it intensifies the issue of  perfection with women.  Girls want perfect hair like Gwen Stefani and women want flawless skin like Andy MacDowell, just as they see in the ads.

Check out this spoof on photo manipulation

As a consumer and product junkie, I know that ads play a crucial part in the promotion and success of a product.  When I see a mascara ad that promises length and volume,  or my favorite celeb on a skincare ad promoting clear skin, I’ll admit, I’m on the bandwagon.  I’m also willing to admit, I get pissed when the product doesn’t live up to the hype of what is advertised.

Should consumers start to hold advertisers accountable for their misleading ads?