Airbrushed Politicians

Recently, while watching television, I came across a news segment on Fox that was discussing a magazine issue of Newsweek with Sarah Palin on the cover. One woman argued that, “This [magazine issue] is a clear slap in the face to Sarah Palin,” as Palin’s face in the up close picture showed imperfect flaws such as wrinkles, and a few light mustache hairs. The three women on the news discussed how Newsweek should have air brushed Palin’s face before publishing the photo, as her imperfect face will somehow affect voters around the country. I am not sure how or why this photo could potentially affect the election, but I was very surprised to view news anchors discussing how the vice-presidential candidate’s face should be airbrushed on a magazine. This illustrates how this country has become so entertained with looks and beauty that people cannot even see politicians for who they truly are. Air brushing photos originated as something to touch up celebrities, so the concept of touching up politicians faces seems to be surreal, as well as the idea that people would not vote for McCain because of a non-air brushed, real picture.
It seems as though this is a sign that America takes the idealistic approach in terms of beauty, in that people cannot even view a real picture of Sarah Palin without arguing that Newsweek is a liberal magazine plotting against the republicans. Ever since Sarah Palin was nominated, there has been a lot of people making fun of her by creating Palin spoofs, and more, but if McCain loses even more votes because of this, it shows how beauty obsessed America has become, a country who cannot even view a real picture of a politician. In class, we discussed how some election debate results differ if they are listened to on the radio as opposed to television due to the way a candidate may appear. Therefore, if one person looks nicer, then the country may agree that that particular person won the debate. Debates, and furthermore elections should not be won because of looks, but ideas for the nation. Politicians, or anyone for that matter, should not be airbrushed, and people should be seen for who they truly are.