The glamour industry
Fasion, makeup, weight loss
They all depend on the endless pursuit of something unatainble
Insecurity is the fuel that drives the glamoir industry.

Representing the truth is the last thing a marketer is going to do. The glossy airbrushed images will always be pushed as far as possible

CVS is just covering a liability cya.

PP and manipulation are just the 1st layer of the onion
The truth of a photograph is the real question here. Our brain composites what we see into our own unique vision. One could argue a composite shot is needed to represent what we see.
Is it even possible? Can it be judged?
Before and after photos are the best litmus test for the CVS policy. The purpose of before and after is to draw contrast. It is just a question of how far you can push the slider.

Great Post Great comments

Greetings fellow Uglies! I have a question, but first, I have to tell you I have been involved in previous discussions about the "Digital manipulation question." and have been slapped around soundly for stating my views. There are so many variables to consider in regards to the main question that there will never be an understanding that is universally accepted. Having said that, here is hypothetical situation that I would like someone to comment on. You capture a stunningly beautiful photo of the full moon, let's say, the Blood Moon, Super Moon or the Harvest Moon and you can't wait to get it out there for all to see. But the longer you look at it, it begins to lose some of it's original "bang" and you wonder if it is really as stunning as originally thought or is it just another moon shot. You've always wanted to be lucky enough to capture a moon shot with something flying in front of the moon as you take your shot, let's say an airliner, a flock of geese, your Mother-inlaw , whatever. It has never happened but now since you have discovered the wonders of post processing you have your choice of innumerable flying and non flying objects and it looks as if you finally got lucky. So you pick one out, paste it, publish your photo and an adoring public sings your praises! You know what my question is, Is this artistic expression that requires no explanation or is it just a flat out lie?

Something that I find interesting is that the most beautiful women that I know are frequently the most insecure because they feel immense pressure to keep up appearances. At times it can be extremely unhealthy physically, mentally, or both.

There are equivalent pressures upon men of course, but they come in different forms.

Setting unrealistic expectations in advertising can be very damaging. Especially in formative years. Why should we subject people to that pressure?

We don't seem to be very tolerant when we feel that a camera or a major vendor fails to live up to our expectations.

Almost all photographs are 'manipilated' in some way to create a 'better image', but the ethics and motivation do need to be questioned sometimes.

"Photographer General's Warning! This image may seriously damage your health."

I think the cause of what you are talking about is due to something else. Possibly the many women who want to be too skinny
are motivated to be that way because of issues far more complex than, keeping up with the Lesley Hornbies (AKA Twiggy) of this world.

One issue for (particularly female) models is loss of work. I shared a house with a very beautiful 19 year old model.
When she was 14 she did a series of advertisements for stockings... At 14 she was built a lot like Twiggy. However
she soon became curvy (and imho drop dead gorgeous... 11/10) and the agency dropped her.