Kelly Clarkson's new Self cover is receiving plenty of criticism after editors digitally altered the photograph to make the singer appear significantly skinner – and the Self editors are defending their move by throwing logic and reality right out the window. You know, much in the way they threw logic and reality out for the airbrushed photo. (Compare the cover to real-life Clarkson here.)
On Monday, Self editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger wrote an entry on the magazine's website in which she claims they were completely in the right to alter the photograph. Why? Because they want to inspire women.
"This is art, creativity and collaboration," wrote Danziger. "It's not, as in a news photograph, journalism. It is, however, meant to inspire women to want to be their best."
Yes, because Kelly Clarkson's real self, which she embraces and loves, is completely uninspiring, whereas a version of Clarkson that even Clarkson hasn't attained will give women hope. We would try to follow that logic, but it doesn't exist.
"Did we alter her appearance? Only to make her look her personal best," Danziger continued. "Did we publish an act of fiction? No. Not unless you think all photos are that. But in the sense that Kelly is the picture of confidence, and she truly is, then I think this photo is the truest we have ever put out there on the newsstand."
Even more ridiculous is that in her interview with Self, Clarkson defends her figure and shoots back against those who criticize it.
"When people talk about my weight, I'm like, 'You seem to have a problem with it; I don't. I'm fine!'" Clarkson says. "I'm never trying to lose weight – or gain it. I'm just being!”
Clarkson has yet to comment on the airbrushed photo, but readers and critics aren't exactly embracing the singer's Self cover, nor do they accept Danziger's explanation.
"Taking out red eye and airbrushing a pimple would be making her look her personal best," wrote one reader on Jezebel.com. "You completely changed the way her body looked. Why even bother asking Kelly Clarkson to pose in your magazine if you didn't think her body fit into your idea of what was best?"
But weren't you listening? They're inspiring people!
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