The Need To Label Airbrushed Photo’s Truthfully

Today, MEP Nessa Childers is hosting meeting in Dublin to propose that airbrushed photo’s used by magazines and other media be labelled as such, so that people are aware that they aren’t real.

This idea is a practical approach to a major problem that effects all age groups, not surprising given that Childers worked as a psychotherapist for 25 years before entering politics.

Society’s obsession with it’s physical image has increased as the years roll on; so much so that “selfie” is 2013’s word of the year as determined by the editors of Oxford dictionary.

While an interest in ones physical appearance isn’t unhealthy, obsession isn’t. The cause of eating disorders cannot solely be blamed on famous celebrities and glossy magazines; an eating disorder is a complex disease that is usually rooted in issues around control. A person in the throes of an eating disorder can feel that while other aspects of their life are spinning out of control, their food intake is something they can control.

A picture that has been digitally enhanced. Photo: nextnature.net

Emotional distress, trauma and self-esteem issues can all contribute to the development of an eating disorder. But while the blame can’t be solely blamed on our self-obsessed society, it plays an extremely negative role.

The banishment of fashion magazines showing pristine perfect models wouldn’t banish eating disorders. To believe so is to show a lack of understanding of the disease. But the portrayal of unhealthy body weight by magazine editors and fashion designers alike has made woman worldwide feel inadequate. Young men and women, looking at the media that surrounds them everyday – from billboards to newspapers, TV shows and social media – constantly tells them in a not so subtle way that there abnormal.

A video showing the dramatic changes Photoshop can make went viral. Photo: webpronews.com

A size zero accompanied by a blemish-free complexion, lustrous hair, cutting-edge outfits makes many feel as is they are failing because their image doesn’t match up to the one portrayed. The funny thing is, neither does the real image of the model in the photo. The prominence of airbrushing has increased in the last decade, as if it wasn’t already traumatizing enough to compare yourself to the most beautiful stars and starlets in Hollywood, we’re now forced to do so when they have been computer enhanced to a level beyond perfection.

The rise of the selfie alone shows what weight we put in a person physical attributes. Young teenagers, taking cue from a host of celebrities, take photographs of themselves with enough make-up, hair extensions and fake eyelashes to make a drag queen blush. But for many, that still isn’t sufficient, they’ll use Instagram filters to make their photos flawless. The process is completed when photos are uploaded to social media – where there self-worth is determined by the amount of “likes” a photo gets.

The horror that this message is sending – that acceptance and appreciation by your peers is determined first and foremost on your physical appearance?

While eating disorders and body issues are not solved by a simple, magic solution – a simple act of labeling unreal images for what they are can go a long way to helping us all stop comparing ourselves unfairly.

If you’re concerned about some of the issues raised in this article, the following supports are available:

BodyWhys: The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland

ReachOut.com: An dedicated online youth mental health service 

 

The Trouble with “The Troubles” Is That It’s Not In Our Past

“The Troubles” – a term long used to describe a time of violence and political unrest in Northern Ireland, from the late 60s to late 90s. For many in the Republic, the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 signaled an end to this terrible time.

Photo: bbc.co.uk

While the Good Friday Agreement was an important milestone in the recent history of the two countries, it by no means meant the end of “The Troubles”, but the start of the peace process; a difference that is important to distinguish.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

From the beginning, there were issues in the process. The two years of talks which preceded the agreement were not truly inclusive of all parties in Northern Ireland. There were delays in implementing the agreement as Unionists refused to establish institutions of devolved government until there was movement on the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons; an issue which plagued the process for a year and a half.

Photo: fenian32.com

It took until 2005 until the International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) reported that the IRA had rid itself of weapons. In the same year, Michael McDowell, then Irish Minister for Justice, said Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Martin Ferris were all members of the IRA’s Army Council – allegations they deny to this day.

Ongoing Violence

Due to Unionist mistrust, a power-sharing executive was not entered into until the beginning of 2006 when Northern Ireland was finally ruled by appointed ministers.

That, however, did not mean the end of unrest. In May of the same year, a Catholic teenager died after being beaten with a baseball bat and a paramilitary member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) was shot in Antrim.

In 2007, for the first time in the party’s history, Sinn Féin  voted to support policing in Northern Ireland and after 108 new members were elected to Stormont Assembly, the DUP and Sinn Féin held a breakthrough meeting in which they confirm power-sharing will return to Northern Ireland, hearlding the move as a “new era.”

Progress Plagued With Problems

The transfer of policing and judicial powers occurred in 2010 and the 2011 elections were praised for it’s focus on political and economic issues rather than “the troubles”. But that did not mean that all wounds had been healed.

This was evident in the appointment of Dr Richard Haass, a seasoned US diplomat, as peace envoy earlier this year, who was given the weighty task of trying to solve the issues of flags, parades, emblems and Northern Ireland’s violent past. Setting himself a Christmas deadline, Haass stated upon his appointment that he hoped to have an strong agreement between parties on these issues.

Photo: cfr.org

The issue of parading, in particular, by the Orange Order, has long been a sore point for the country and the street violence during the marching season in 2010 and 2011 were some of the worst in recent memory. Tensions were highlighted once again in 2012 following a decision by Belfast City Hall to fly the British flag only on designated days rather than all year-round, was followed by protests and some violence.

Photo: scoilursula.com

Although dissident republican groups don’t have the same capacity as they did in the 70s and 90s, they still remain an on-going threat to the process – continuing to recruit members, acquire weapons and target politicians. It is believed that a group formed only last year, calling itself “the IRA”, brings together several dissident republican groups and claimed responsibility for the death of a Protestant prison officer as he drove to work in 2012.

Reports also suggest that some members of loyalist groups are heavily engaged in serious crimes and continue to seek weapons and recruit new members.

The Republic’s Response

While for those in Northern Ireland feel the limitations of progress, the Republic had remained somewhat removed from it; Micheal Martin correctly stated earlier this year that in the Republic, people only paid attention to Northern Ireland when problems arose.

But whether we want to or not, the issues that still plague Northern Ireland are the Republic’s responsibility too. Yesterday, Northern Ireland’s Attorney General proposed an end to all investigations and prosecutions into killings that took place during the Troubles – a controversial move. Taoiseach Enda Kenny was forced to address the matter when Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, brought up the issue during Leader’s Questions. After saying he believed it would be “difficult” for families to accept this, he said debate about the issue should be stalled until the conclusions of Richard Haass’ work was completed.

Haass’ Task

With Dr Richard Haass’ Christmas deadline looming, a round table discussion of thorny issues will occur tomorrow with members of Northern Ireland’s political parties. “We have reached a crucial stage,” DUP negotiator Jeffrey Donaldson said “There are major challenges in front of us.

“The real stuff with Haass begins this week,” Sean Murray of Sinn Féin  said. “It’s down to the nitty-gritty.” Haass will also meet with Alliance, the Ulster Unionists and SDLP. One thing all parties agree on is that while flags and emblems are an issue, the crux of solution lies in deciding how to deal with the past.

The next fortnight will reveal if proposals on how to deal with these issues can be made before Christmas, with every step on shaky ground. Haass was confronted by angry relatives of Bloody Sunday victims yesterday as he walked through a hotel foyer in Derry (Londonderry? Even the name is contentious), as they urged him to deny the amnesty proposed by the Attorney General. Today, it was revealed that soldiers from an undercover unit used by  the British Army in Northern Ireland admitted firing on unarmed IRA suspects in west Belfast 40 years ago. The confession comes about as part of a Panaroma investigation which will air tonight on BBC One.

The “Military Reaction Force” said they shot and killed unarmed civilians and drive-by shootings of nationalists – despite a lack of hard evidence that any of them were members of the IRA. A solicitor for two of the families who will feature on the documentaries has called on the Attorney General to launch fresh inquiries into the deaths – the complete opposite of what the Attorney General wants.

With the stakes being raised ever day, “The Troubles” remain an issue for both Northern Ireland and the Republic to address. To achieve lasting peace, the past must truly be put to bed. How can this happen? Only time will tell.

“Immoral” 95 Hour Week: Mother of Junior Doctor Who Died

The mother of a junior doctor who took her own life last December has described her daughter’s working hours as “immoral” following an inquest into her death.

Dr Jessica Murphy. Photo: independent.ie

Jessica Murphy was just 26-year-old when she took an overdose which resulted in her death. Murphy has been working as a junior doctor in neurology at Tallaght Hospital.

During the inquest into her death, Murphy’s parents raised the question of her working hours which they say were 95 per week. Murphy’s mother, Marian, believes her daughter was “put under too much pressure”, contributing to her death.

Mrs Murphy welcomes recent moves to reduce junior doctor’s working and also said she is glad to see public figures speaking about depressions because her own daughter had been afraid of the stigma attached. “It is an illness like anything else and should be treated properly” Mrs Murphy added.

Jessica’s father believes that his daughter had been self-prescribing sleeping tablets among other medication in the days before her death. When Gardai searched Jessica’s home, they found a number of empty medication boxes along with a letter of resignation to the hospital. Jessica’s cause of death was ruled respiratory depression due to overdose.

Tuesday Newspaper Round-Up

We’ve got the top stories for today, wrapped up in a few sentences for you.

“Selfie” named 2013 word of the year: Following a tough choice of decisions by the editors of Oxford dictionaries, “selfie” has been picked as the word of the year; beating off twerk, binge-watch and showrooming. Use of the word has increased by 17,000% since this time last year.

14 people killed as storms hit Sardinia: At least 14 people have been killed overnight on the Italian island of Sardinia following strong storms. Hundreds of people have been evacuated, but many areas remain out of reach to rescue teams. A woman and daughter drowned in a car after they become stuck inside the vehicle.

Ireland’s Birth Rate Still Declining: Statistics from the ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) show the number of babies being born in Ireland continues to decline. This rate has been on a downward slope since 2009. In 2012, there were just under 7c2,000 births.

 Death Toll in Philippine’s nears 4,000: International aid agencies around the world are facing a humanitarian crisis following the damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan. Up to four million people are now displaced from their homes and the death toll is still increasing as search work continues.

Sharon Ni Bheolain Craves New Career Path: After presenting RTÉ’s Six One news for eight years, the broadcaster has revealed she is ready for something new. Speaking in the RTÉ Guide, the 42-year-old said “It’s been a very enjoyable experience, but I’m ready for something new.”

 

 

Dublin Man Banned From Every Pub In City

Nope, this isn’t a joke. David Lee (30) has been banned from every single pub in Dublin city after fleeing into a bar lounge to avoid Gardaí.

Lee struck a guard over the head with an object he picked up from a table after he chased him into the pub. The judge at Swords District Court decided the most fitting punishment was to ban Lee from ALL pubs in Dublin for 12 months and a four-month sentence suspended for one year.

Pretty unique punishment but we’re not sure how well it will be enforced…

21st Century Stupidity: Willie O’Dea On Alcoholism

Would you choose to be an alcoholic? I doubt any of us would. An addiction is something which controls you’re whole life. It’s a leech; robbing the victims of their enjoyment of life. It can be debilitating and difficult to beat.

But, according to Willie O’Dea, this isn’t the case and he doesn’t think that the 124 people in Ireland claiming illness benefits from the state due to alcohol addiction deserve the money.

Why? The  Fianna Fáil Social Protection spokesman  told The Irish Daily Mail it was wrong to pay people who were “literally indulging themselves”, adding that “If someone has a disease called alcoholism, then you don’t drink, you give up the drink.”

If we were living in the early 2oth century, O’Dea’s comments wouldn’t be that astonishing. But in 2013, with a wealth of scientific and proven information to show that alcoholism is a disease, O’Dea’s political stance is to deny those who are ill  financial help because of some cracked idea that it’s their own fault they’re sick.

” I know people who have cancer or are suffering from motor neurone disease who can’t get medical cards. They didn’t drink or bring those things on themselves and they’re the victims” he said. The Mayo Clinic states that alcoholism is a “chronic and often progressive disease”. A disease. Not something that the person asked for.

It is disgraceful that seriously ill people are facing the loss of medical cards due to cutbacks. But to link that issue with addicts receiving social welfare for an   is inappropriate and stigmatizing.

To insinuate that those who receive social welfare as they try to battle addiction are some how stealing services from terminally ill patients is disgusting. If you want to find blame in this, look to those who are responsible for cuts in our healthcare – the TD’s in the Dáil.  Not a vulnerable group in society who Mr O’Dea deems unworthy of help.

O’Dea’s comment that alcoholics should simply “give up the drink” demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of addiction and mental health issues. Should we also tell people suffering from anorexia to just eat more? Advise people suffering depression to get up and get on with it and stop moping around?

As a public figure, O’Dea’s comments are ignorant, hurtful and perpetuate damaging stereotypes. He should be ashamed of himself; I know I’m ashamed that he is a politician in my country.

Man To Plead Guilty To Rape Of Athlone Children

A 30-year-old man has admitted raping two young girls in Athlone on September 29 and declared his intention to plead guilty when he faces the courts. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with raping two girls aged 6 and 9, twice each, in a horrific attack that shocked the country.

Protest outside prison following the sexual assault. Photo: breakingnews.ie

The children had been attending a birthday party in the local area when the alarm was raised that they were missing. It later emerged that they had been raped at a nearby house. The man has no fixed address and  has been placed on suicide watch at his own request as his awaits trial in Castlerea Prison. His due before the court again on December 6.

Espresso Shot Of Morning News

We’ve got the stories leading the news today, all wrapped up into a neat bundle for you. Prepare to wow the office with your water-cooler talk!

 

Photo: rte.ie

John Murray’s Battle With Depression: RTÉ Radio One host John Murray returned to his 9am slot today – and revealed the crippling depression which had left him unable to work for the last 6 months. “Depression doesn’t just drop in for a quick hello and run for the hills” he said. “It took a fancy to me… and boy did it make it’s presence felt. Murray thanked all of his team, friends family and listeners for their on-going support.

Photo: thejournal.ie

Search For Remains In Meath Ends: Gardaí have confirmed that the search for the missing remains of Christopher Gaffney concluded this morning – but more searches may be carried out as the investigation continues. The 37-year-old’s arm was found in Clonee at the weekend, prompting an extensive search of the area. He was identified by fingerprints and DNA. Gaffney was a convicted drug-dealer and it is believed this criminal association may be connected to his death.

 

Photo: revenue.ie

Property Tax: Following outrage from homeowners last week after the Revenue Commission sent out letters about paying next year’s property tax the boss of the Revenue is to face TD’s questions about the issue.

Josephine Feehily is expected to appear before the Oireachtas Finance Committee sometime this week. Letters sent to almost a million homes last week said that people who wished to pay next year’s tax in a lump sum by card, would have to do so by the end of November. People were advised that if they wanted to make the payment by credit or debit, they would have to pay immediately. Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week In Politics, Minister Joan Burton admitted the Revenue needs to explain more clearly to people how to pay their tax and insisted that “people don’t have to pay until next year”.

Photo: misgl.com

Ryanair Seats Reserved For Free: Ryanair have really been surprising us lately by making a number of changes to improve their customers experience. The latest move, revealed today, is that from February, the airline will allow passengers to choose their seats 24 hours in advance of the flight at no cost. Front-row or oer-wing seats will still require a fee if you want to reserve them, but the new system will now enable travelling partners and families to sit together.

Egypt On High Alert: Deposed President Mohamed Morsi begins his trial today in Cairo amid fears of violence. 20,000 policemen are to be deployed and authorities say they are ready to deal with any conflict.  Morsi is accused, along with 13 others, of  causing the death of protesters. He was removed from office by the army four months ago. Supporters of Morsi say the army-installed government fabricated the charges against him and are calling for protests against the military. If found guilty, Morsi could face the death sentence or life imprisonment.

Hangover Catchup: Today’s Breaking News

At this moment, you’re probably languishing in bed wondering why you had that final shot last night and wishing scientists had discovered an instant hangover cure. But that doesn’t mean you need to be uninformed while you’re doing it! Here’s the stories you might have missed overnight topping the agenda today:

1. Human Arm Found in Meath: An investigation is underway after a human arm was found in Clonnee, Co Meath yesterday evening. Searches were suspended last night after it became too dark, but have resumed this morning. The scene was sealed off last night. The arm was found by a passerby on open ground around 4:30pm yesterday afternoon.

2. Water Restrictions Extended: Water restrictions are being extended across the Greater Dublin area from 8pm- 7am until Thursday. Along with the general annoyance the rest of us are suffering, restaurants are calling for compensation for lost business.

3. Shooting at LAX Airport: One person has died and several others have been injured following a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport yesterday. Police in the US are investigating the motive of the shooter, who has been identified as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia. Ciancia acted alone and was captured alive, but wounded. It is suspected his actions may have been the result of a personal grudge against the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

4. Bye Bye Blasphemy?: The Constitutional Convention will debate the possibility of removing the offence of blasphemy in our constitution at a meeting in Dublin today. As it stands, a person who publishes or a utters blasphemous statement, is breaking the law.

5. UK response to Irish Abortion Laws: The largest provider of abortions in Britain has back at Ireland for making it illegal to obtain an abortion here. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) has taken an advertisement out in today’s The Irish Times with the slogan “We’ll care for your women until your government does.”

6. O’Neill And Keane: BFF’s To Be: If emerging reports are true, while it’s all but a done deal that Martin O’Neill will become the new coach of Ireland’s football team, Roy Keane could be his assistant manager, with several media outlets reporting the likely hood of this occurring.

New Love/Hate Animal Row: Is it all OTT?

Although complaints about Sunday’s episode of Love/Hate cannot be accepted by RTÉ until later today,animal rights campaigners have said they are being “tormented” by scenes in the latest series.

Following catgate a few weeks ago (which resulted with the cat in question being a “guest” on The Late Late show), the Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) are not pleased with the dog fight scene in Sunday’s episode.

Two dogs were featured, chained and with blood on them, as onlookers cheered on for them to attack each in other in an organised dog fight. Director of ARAN, John Carmody said that this kind of thing means the show is “putting the wrong ideas into people’s heads”.

He also added “The fact of the matter is, some viewers will come away from watching that thinking dog fighting is cool”.

What do you think? Is there a legitimate point here or a fuss over nothing?