If you read the thread, you'll find that the threat of suicide, eating disorders, and what have you is raised by people who think modelling is harmful, around Post #40 in this thread. It wasn't raised by me, but I've been compelled to respond because the claims about modelling were erroneous.
I've already addressed the question of informed consent with regards to young models elsewhere.
The crux of your argument appears to be based on the following:
- "potential consequences, largely emotional"
- "the consequences for his under-aged models may well be analogous [to girls putting their scantily clad images on Facebook]"
- "Just because no-one has complained doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist"
All of this is supposition, without any evidence. If you're such a fan of "facts" and "truth," well the truth is that not one of Henson's dozens of models has ever come forward to complain about mistreatment or exploitation in the course of his 30-year career. All this despite the massive media and political firestorms that whip everyone up into a self-righteous fury every few years.
While you're speculating about problems that might or might not exist - if there "might be problems" with everything, that simply haven't been reported, you may as well ban children from every activity in life until they turn 18, except the basics of eating, drinking, and sleeping. Except that that regime could have potential consequences, largely emotional, too, I suspect.
Wrapping kids up in cotton wool and not allowing them to take responsibility and make decisions is what is wrong with raising children today in the first place. Children become teenagers or young adults and make BAD decisions, and people are SO SURPRISED that children who have had all the decisions made for them for years and years and who have been "protected" from anything with "potential consequences" have no ability to make good decisions later in life.
Education is the answer. These "protections" are a gilded birdcage, and they may let nothing in , but they never let the child out either.
Last edited by ElectricImages; 06-04-2011 at 12:51pm.
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Exactly, because as you yourself said "there is no evidence". Does that mean there is no risk? Absolutely NOT!
No, YOU are the one claiming your position has the support of facts, research and evidence. I don't see any that is relevant to the question at hand. Just a lot of interpolation from other areas. I have spoken all along about unacceptable RISK. Nothing you've written convinces me otherwise.
Emotive over-statement. I have suggested nothing of the kind. I have simply suggested that exposing 12 year olds to Hensen's art poses a high RISK. I'm not prepared to take that risk. Apparently you are ... until, that is, it is your son or daughter for whom you are making a potentially life-changing decision. I hope your conscience will always remain free of any personal recriminations over that choice.
More emotive argument. It is a poor strategy in debate to set your own parameters and argue to those rather than addressing the original parameters of the opposing view. * removed, members are entitled to an opinion that differs to your own, attacking them for that opinion is not on* Don't answer; it was a rhetorical question only.
PS. By all means have the last word in this exchange. It evidently seems important to you and it certainly isn't to me. Cheers.
Last edited by ricktas; 06-04-2011 at 3:33pm. Reason: Added PostScript
Waz
Be who you are and say what you mean, because those who matter don't mind don't matter and those who mind don't matter - Dr. Seuss...
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Closed before it gets personal.
There are clearly varying views that won't change and I can't see any more value in the discussion.