It seems as though every time I open to the Opinion Page of The State News there is an article holding women’s magazines, certain clothing brands and the like responsible for destroying girl’s self image. Quite frankly, it’s old news.

Whether it’s religion, politics, a copy of Cosmo or an Abercrombie & Fitch sweatshirt, everything in this country is packaged with the same promise to improve your quality of life. The products or ideas that best promote this promise are the ones that sell. It is a fairly simple concept and we’re all guilty of buying into it in one form or another.

To those journalists who continue to condescend other’s choices in fashion or magazines I say this: Live and let live. I have never run into anyone who was truly unhappy about wearing a new Gap outfit. If people want to spend money to make themselves look or feel good, why not let them? The basic message your articles promote seem to be similar to the whole “girl power” thing that celebrates individuality and being proud of who you are. In trying to promote these ideas you are degrading those who choose to shop at Gap or Abercrombie & Fitch as a way of expressing their own taste.

I am not the only one who is tired of reading these articles. There are plenty of other controversial topics up for discussion. Please think twice before judging other lifestyles while trying to promote nonjudgmental attitudes.

Lindsey Ingram
journalism freshman