A music video by pop singer Ariana Grande has ignited a debate regarding celebrity body image and its impact on young audiences. In the video for "Petal," a scene featuring Grande with visibly protruding shoulder bones and a thin rib cage has drawn criticism.
Clare Foges, writing for the Daily Mail, argues that while Grande has spoken out against public scrutiny of her body, the visual representation of extreme thinness in the video promotes an unrealistic and potentially harmful beauty standard. Foges' concern is amplified by her own experience as a mother of three young daughters, who she fears are already internalizing societal pressures about body shape and size.
"It's time to take down your video to protect our daughters," Foges states, asserting that images of extreme thinness, such as visible ribs or twig-like arms, are not normal or achievable for most. She contends that normalizing such an appearance could exacerbate the rising rates of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia among children and young people.
Grande's management announced that the singer will take a break from public-facing work after her current tour due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." However, Foges shifts blame from the artist to those surrounding her, suggesting they allow or even exploit her appearance for publicity. She questions the sincerity of calls for less scrutiny when outfits are chosen that highlight an emaciated frame.
Foges contrasts the current trend with celebrities of the 1990s, citing groups like B*Witched and the Spice Girls as examples of entertainers who projected more diverse and less restrictive images. She calls for a pushback against images that showcase unhealthy extremes and suggests that online platforms should remove the video to send a message that this look is neither normal nor aspirational.
If those around Grande have her best interests at heart, Foges concludes, they will withdraw the video and seek support for the singer, who appears to be in need of it. The article also briefly touches upon other disparate topics, including commentary on political remarks, personal forgiveness, early Christmas merchandise, and public displays by celebrities.