Amanda Beard - A Girl of FHM - Sell Out?

Originally posted by gull80 She's cashing in on her fame and her good looks. I have no problem with that. But does this constitute a "modeling career?" Let's break it down. If you really believe this is modeling, then I guess you think exotic dancers really are dancers. As far as a career, that term could be applied more appropriately to, say, Jenny Thompson who is enrolled in medical school and plans to be an orthopedic surgeon. My opinions have absolutely nothing to do with morality. Admittedly my perspective is very definitely influenced by the fact that I have a teenaged daughter. In today's society young women are bombarded with images like this, which seem to be telling them that their appearance is paramount. Of course they themselves can never really look like this, because it's all an illusion. I have tried to instill in my daughter the belief that she is capable of achieving great things, independent of her looks. It's a constant challenge. By the way, if you have a teenaged daughter, I recommend reading Reviving Ophelia. I think what she is doing for Speedo would be considered modeling. She is in fact "modeling" swimsuits and active wear for the company in an effort to boost sales. I would agree that the FHM magazine shots are not really modeling, they are strip teases to get men to buy the magazine. What Jenny Thompson is doing is a great idea, she will be amongst the Stanley Tool club of physicians. I have two daughters, the eldest being 6 right now. I can understand your concerns and given a choice I would prefer that they become MD's, RN's, JD's, or follow some other professional career paths. However, I will support them in whatever legal endeavour they choose to pursue.

I was paid by the Dow Beer company to be in an ad and was paid for it. I am certainly not a model. I was supposed to make a lot of money from that ad. I did not it is a very sad story. here is the story archives.cbc.ca/.../

That's interesting, George. Did you pose seductively with water splashing on you?

No they made the ad with me and the top French Canadian actor of the time me walking down the beach. He was supposed to be my coach then they showed segments of me swimming. It showed for several weeks then 16 people died and they thought the beer killed them. That was the end of the add and the Company. It was found much later the people died of heart attacks and was not linked to the beer. It was the end of my acting career and Dow Brewery. Story here again archives.cbc.ca/.../ The drinkers drank 2 canadian gallons of beer a day the Canadian gallon is one fifth larger tha a US gallon.

Originally posted by gull80 She's cashing in on her fame and her good looks. I have no problem with that. But does this constitute a "modeling career?" Let's break it down. If you really believe this is modeling, then I guess you think exotic dancers really are dancers. As far as a career, that term could be applied more appropriately to, say, Jenny Thompson who is enrolled in medical school and plans to be an orthopedic surgeon. My opinions have absolutely nothing to do with morality. Admittedly my perspective is very definitely influenced by the fact that I have a teenaged daughter. In today's society young women are bombarded with images like this, which seem to be telling them that their appearance is paramount. Of course they themselves can never really look like this, because it's all an illusion. I have tried to instill in my daughter the belief that she is capable of achieving great things, independent of her looks. It's a constant challenge. By the way, if you have a teenaged daughter, I recommend reading Reviving Ophelia. I think this does constitute a modeling career. Why shouldn't it? She is indeed modeling. What makes a model who poses for Playboy any different than a model who poses for Vogue? Other than the nature of the photographs, absolutely nothing. They are both trying to pose themselves in the most attractive manner possible. Their career is to look good. Exotic dancers career is to dance. I do consider them careers. What you do to pay the bills is a career, whether it be a doctor, lawyer, striper, model, whatever. As for society bombarding teenage girls, (being that I turned 20 only 2 months ago), I'd have to say that the vast majority of girls know that these pictures are fake. While some do strive to lose weight and look good, the majority of pictures that I've heard people say that about have been in fitness magazines where the women seem more healthy, than stickly thin. As someone going into the advertising field, I have to say that I think the trend of stick thin models is a dying fad. More and more campaigns are starting to use "real" women in their ads as opposed to size 2 models. The one that jumps to mind is the Dove ads. Their slogan is campaiging for real beauty. While this change will take time, I do think it's on it's way.

Originally posted by gull80 That's pretty funny--"a solid backup career." Wait a minute, you weren't being serious, were you? What is funny about it? If she plays her cards right she could stop "working" in a few years and live off of her past earnings quite comfortably I suspect.

I have to agree with Seagurl. She is modeling and working on building a career for after swimming. Why judge her because she has different goals than Jenny T? Both are world class in the sport and appear to be good people. I don't see anything wrong with the photos. I received a Victoria's Secret catalog in the mail yesterday and thought of this thread. Seductive poses in a catalog are modeling and seductive poses in a magazine are not?

Looks like the consensus is that we'd all be proud to see our daughters pose for pictures like this (if the price is right). Just don't treat them as sexual objects. Nothing contadictory about that.

Originally posted by gull80 Right, but as my dad once told me, as a parent you worry about everything. That's why guilt was invented - so you can be there nagging in spirit when you can't be there in person. My mother's mother was a zen master at this. Ms. Beard's magazine pix are nothing more than "looking out for #1." While it would be nice if she would use her celebrity status, such as it is, to further the position of women in society, I don't see that there is anything implicit in athletics that fosters such altruism. -LBJ

Originally posted by kokkole my mom says, "educating teenagers is like nailing jello to a tree." kind of lets you off the hook from all the worrying. the best way to educate your children is through good example, and this includes drinking patterns... etc. just my 2 euros! :cool: Agreed! My sister has told me my daughter is exactly like me(OH my!). My daughter does not like to hear that. And my 18 year old boy is very much like his Dad.