The thin of it (From York Press)

The thin of it

9:23am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Letters By Reader's letter

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for the students at the Joseph Rowntree School, New Earswick, who have had the good sense to challenge York retailers who promote, through photographic images, “only thin airbrushed models in their shop windows” (The Press, December 28).

They are so right to campaign against the negative message that this conveys to the average person and the resulting lack of ‘body confidence’.

Fortunately, when I was young, there was not so much emphasis on body size and shape, so we were much more accepting of our differences, and I suggest that fewer people suffered from eating disorders.

Also, those at City of York Council who are supporting the pupils’ campaign are to be gratefully acknowledged.

How many York retailers have responded to the challenge to show more realistic, life-like images I wonder?

Let’s all get behind these sensible young campaigners.

Janet Rowntree, The Dower House, Escrick, York.