America The Beautiful

2010-05-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

There is a big controversy apparently about changing my design for America The Beautiful. Mine is the Liberty design. Daryl Roberts reported people's reactions (positive and negative) to the new design on his newsletter. See below:

Last week I showed you the new cover that the DVD company was proposing to use to sell "America the Beautiful" when it hits stores this summer.

41,236 of you emailed me your comments. That's pretty significant because it represents 20% of the people signed on to this newsletter. I've never had this kind of feedback from you.

I forwarded your comments to the DVD distributor and I'll let you know soon what their final decision is.

Here are some of your comments. I couldn't include all 41,000 of them because my hand started hurting cutting and pasting, cutting and pasting.

Thanks for your support and here are some randomly selected comments:
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The DVD cover they designed for you will trigger EVERY eating disorder patient I work with to restrict or purge! Their bodies look almost perfect like the cover and they have all those thoughts about needing to change it.
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Hey Darryl:

I'm so happy that you're taking this potential new image on the cover of America the Beautiful so seriously! Kudos to you for not wanting to damage or hurt any woman or child (or man, I presume). As for the artwork on America the Beautiful, I don't LOVE the Statue of Liberty image (or necessarily see the connections between what you said you think she represents). However, I do think it's a good cover for the film, especially because of it's title AMERICA the Beautiful. For that reason, I'd be hesitant to change it to a stock model.

I do see the DVD company's point about how the new image is satirical, and that feels legitimate to me--although the change is still unnecessary. Quite frankly, the new image does make the DVD "pop" off the shelf and is probably a little more attractive and appealing than the Statue of Liberty cover, but it feels like a compromise. Even though the image is satirical and ironic, you're using this beautiful woman just to sell more DVDs.

If I didn't know what the movie was about, I'd probably buy the stock-model DVD over the Statue-of-Liberty DVD. BUT, since I DO know what the movie is about, I'm PROUD TO OWN THE STATUE-OF-LIBERTY DVD!!!! All that to say, I can see both points of view, but I respect yours more. I guess this is not much help to you, but I wouldn't sweat it too much. Maybe they can go back to the drawing board and come up with something else entirely--maybe a liposuctioned tomato!

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Hi Darryl,

Ever since I met you at the Eating Disorders Coalition briefing on Capitol Hill in fall 2008 and saw the documentary for the first time I have been a big fan of the film and of you. I think the work you have done to empower American women is outstanding! As a male feminist working in the body image and eating disorders field I'm always a believer that we need people who are the least connected to a subject to be the champions so that they can relate it to people who are not connected or interested. Given the false stereotype that eating disorders are a "choice that affect blonde white young girls from California" it is great to have an advocate that is an older African American male out there pointing out that body image and eating disorders affect females (and males) of all ethnic groups and ages! Our screening here in February was very well received by a diverse audience of males and females and we have two copies of ATB for students to watch in our Wellness Center.
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Hi Darryl,

Here's my thought on the proposed change to the America The Beautiful cover: No. Freaking. Way.

The original Statue of Liberty cover lets you know right off the bat what you're looking at. The proposed new cover could be anything. It could be an exercise program, a how-to on Photoshop, a promo for cosmetic surgery, or even a pornographic film.

If the powers that be are really that determined to change the cover, then my suggestion would be to change the American Icon in question. The Statue of Liberty is the perfect image to my mind, but I would be satisfied with something like, say, Rosie the Riveter. The thing that simply does not work is to take an already anonymous, airbrushed, fill-in-the-blanks random model and put those notes on her. That's business as usual. Your film is anything but business as usual. Nobody who would want to see your film will be attracted to it by the suggested image, and many who would want to hear your message would either never notice this cover on the shelves, or pass by it assuming that it isn't what you intended to say.

Even changing the cover to someone like Marilyn Monroe would get the message across better than the one they put together.

Please, please, please continue to fight this appalling cover. It's a travesty of everything the film stands for.
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OMG, Darryl!

It's the DVD company that's out of touch - and missing the point completely !! Where's their originality? They phoned in that ordinary copy. It was probably cut and pasted from ANY of several gazillion other ads/tv shows. That blonde may represent AdAmerica; she doesn't represent the real America. But the Statue of Liberty does - and drives home the important message in mega numbers. And why would Blockbusters be considered an authority on this level of film - their mentality is that of the boring repetitive covers on the cheapie romance novels. With apologies to Barbara Cartland (not her real name).

I'm way more steamed about this, but have to run to an appointment. I have more to say, and will ask you for names and addresses. I'll be at the Vigil on Monday. So glad you're such a staunch supporter for this issue - rather, ISSUE, as there are so many issues contained in this ISSUE !!!!

Keep up the Good Fight. I'm in your corner for sure - for my Granddaughters and all the women in the world.
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Dear Darryl,

Your message is lost without the Statue of Liberty. The subtle layers of meanings perhaps go way beyond what Blockbuster is capable of imagining. America the Beautiful was written by a graduate of and professor at my college, Wellesley, an all women's college and the alma mater of our current SOS whose job it is to smooth connections with other countries, one of the many goals that France's lovely statue achieved centuries ago. By setting aside the "dumb white blonde" and picking up on a creature whose words welcome all races you voided out the confusion that this is a disease that only befalls one ethnic group. Moreover, the "dumb blonde" idea obfuscates the issue....and how could anyone not make the connection?

Stick by your guns.
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Hi Darryl,

I am one of 6 women in at eating disorder group for women who together watched your film, laughed, cried and fell silent at many of the aspects of this subject you touch on. I have been severly bulimic for over 18 years and after I watched your film at the group, I bought the film and have since seen it over 10 times. I show it to all I know and each time I watch it, for those 2 hours, I know in my heart how beautiful I am. You expose what a trick everything around us is that is what these companies who are trying to convince you to change the film are doing...trick you too. Please don't give in.... I know it my be worth a few more quick dollars in the end (because that is the world we live now) but your film is changing people and the world bit by bit...maybe not with money, but with what each moment of your film represents. I support and respect your stand to the companies and if I can do anything to help, I will....Thank you for giving something to the world that is literally saving lives. Each two-hour block of time that I lay my own eyes on the film, I know a little piece of mine is saved.

Keep up the good work
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Hi there. I have a suggestion for the DVD artwork. What about a compromise? So, they don't like the Statue of Liberty design. They don't "get it." They don't think it will "work" on middle-America... Whatever. The photo of the model is absurd for the DVD cover - it's the opposite of the image you want to convey as the "point" of the movie. So, what about a cartoon? A cartoon of a woman with all the notes about her figure and her appearance?

Just an idea.
Best of luck in your endeavors.
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OK, they don't want the Statue of Liberty - How about using some epic piece of artwork like the Statue of David or the Mona Lisa and making suggestions on how we could make that piece of art to look better - more "Americanized?" Just a thought which is probably as crazy as Hollywood's. Maybe Darryl should get Ralph Lauren's permission to use a photo of Ralph - LOL ;~)
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Darryl you are a hero to all!!
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I completely agree that the newly revised cover concept is a problem. While it may be true that it will catch the eyes of people who are obsessed with physical/cultural beauty, I feel...

It is making a break with a pretty well-established brand and will lose customer loyalty and/or create consumer confusion;
It has homogenized the art to a point that it has lost it's interest and uniqueness
It is completely anti-thetical to the core message.

As to your sales/marketing guy's comment:

4) The new art better utilizes the great satirical concept at the center of your original idea...i.e. that the fashion (etc.) industries make money by criticizing that which is essentially flawless. The woman on the box is a standard beauty, but the fasionista making the notes is essentially saying that she is ugly. Isn't this at the core of your film? I think the essential message was confused by the use of the Statue of Liberty, whose beauty is symbolic, not literal.

The whole reason the Statue of Liberty worked is because when we look at that image we are reminded of what really matters - Ms. Liberty stands for freedom, for justice, for the beauty of character, which is why the juxtaposition of various "change this/add that" language surrounding her is so jarring and intriguing. Like, "Why would we mess with something so beautiful at it's core just so it could look like what we think every woman should look like?". To put a "standard beauty" on the cover and then add all of that completely misses the point, and loses the intelligence of the original concept. Additionally, even if you were to keep the new art, they have completely dumbed down and over-worded the little quips. They've completely missed the point and this WILL impact the connection w/ the viewers/fans.

Bummer. Mass marketers suck. I can say that because I used to be one...
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Dear Darryl,

I agree with you. That new image for the cover of America the Beautiful is absolutely horrendous. I have no problem with conventional beauty, but I wholeheartedly agree that to use that image is to support the very things we criticize. I understand the the "conventionally attractive" woman obviously does not need those cosmetic procedures, but as a woman with an imperfect body, to me that image sends the message, "Of course SHE doesn't need work done. Neither would I, if I looked like her." As opposed to the film's amazing message of loving oneself "as is."

I bought and loved the film, and I am glad to have a copy with the original artwork. The way to help women begin to reclaim their own beauty is not to objectify them on the cover of a movie. Thank you for taking a stand on what is right!
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Hi Darryl,
Wow. I can't believe they changed the artwork so fully! While I can understand their view that some people will get pissy over the Statue image (because you are going mainstream with the film, it is something to consider), but it's a great image because it's what people associate with America. And in this country, we have the fanatical obsession with looking good. The fact it's a woman, who is strong, a leader, a beacon, in all her natural glory, who then is being put to the "woman's perfect image" test, I think is a fantastic portrayal of what your movie covers. I myself wouldn't change the artwork at all. And, there are PLENTY of other films out there destroying or defacing the Statue of Liberty, and no one seems to balk at that. Their argument on that doesn't fly with me.

The woman THEY have placed on the cover has already been airbrushed and chosen because of her gorgeousness, and is the very epitome of what the film is trying to speak against. I would not pick it up. It is hypocritical to place that woman on the cover. They are still selling the image of the "perfect body" in order to sell your film! They even say this:
4) The new art better utilizes the great satirical concept at the center of your original idea...i.e. that the fashion (etc.) industries make money by criticizing that which is essentially flawless. The woman on the box is a standard beauty, but the fasionista making the notes is essentially saying that she is ugly. Isn't this at the core of your film? I think the essential message was confused by the use of the Statue of Liberty, whose beauty is symbolic, not literal.

They are saying that this woman is flawless, thus leading the consumer to once again be given images of the "perfect" body which is not the norm. "The woman on the box is a standard beauty.." WHAT? No, she is the standard model in the fashion world, which is just what you are addressing in your film. I think THEY are the ones missing the point. And then they say that Liberty herself isn't literally beautiful, only symbolically. Hmmm....I'd take symbolic beauty any day. And there is MUCH more to your film that what they say is the core. If they had watched it, they would have seen that.

If they want to change the artwork, then take a NORMAL, average size-14 women or average young woman, girl next door type, and put HER on the cover with all the of the markings. Have it be someone we can ALL relate to - our own daughter, mother, sister, friend. I don't relate to models being further put to the fashionista's suggestions because she's already gone through all that to look they way she looks!

Feel free to send this to your contacts there. Tell them I work in publishing and DVD distribution, and this would just not fly if this had been our project. I just goes against everything you make a case for in your film, and I really can't believe that they would think the new artwork would pass muster with you. I hope you retained the right to vote down artwork, and that you can request some other versions to choose from.

Wow. I'm surprised how upset that got me!
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Dear Darryl,
I am a psychotherapist who keeps a copy of your film in my office to loan out to clients. I actually had one client lose 50 pounds which she credits to your movie. The movie relieved her of her self-hatred, which then resulted in her effortlessly ceasing to binge. It changed her life. She is a new person now. If the DVD had had the new bikini cover on it, I would have put it in a blank case and tossed the cover. I do not allow images like that in my office or in my waiting room. Your gut instinct is right on. The people who chose this cover are brainwashed and are using the cheapest marketing technique in the world: which is to make women feel inadequate so they will buy the product in the hopes of becoming worthy. Unfortunately billions are made with that approach. The Statue of Liberty is a brilliant cover. It's a thinking woman's cover. American advertisers sell billions by tapping into self-hatred and fear of inadequacy, the very things your film speaks out against.

It's a pure case of cross purposes. Your purpose: to make a difference and change lives. The Hollywood DVD company's purpose: CASH CASH CASH.
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Darryl -

First, let me say that I'm thrilled your film is getting the attention and distribution it so richly deserves. I first watched it in a little tiny screening room in Chicago in 2007 with a handful of other folks (from an ad you put on craigslist, no less!), and was blown away - I talked about it nonstop for months after. I have so enjoyed watching this film's success over the intervening years - and watching it (on DVD at home now!) I'm still just as blown away as I was that very first screening.

To see this film that I find so important given the very marketing treatment it's calling out - and then to have the distributor come back in such an insulting manner - is beyond disappointing. Quite frankly, as much as this film has been such a boon for those with eating disorders, it's shocking that anyone would suggest marketing it under an image that - satirical as it might be to some - could undoubtedly be taken very seriously by someone seeing it though the lens of body dysmorphia. On top of that, selling something through the use of a half-naked, stereotypically beautiful woman? Really? That's the best they could come up with?

Personally, I love the Statue of Liberty artwork. I think it perfectly represents the essence of the film, while not exploiting a living woman (in a bikini or otherwise). In my opinion, the film isn't just about beauty industry shenanigans, but also about how that impacts American culture - which is why applying "beauty standards" to maybe the most recognizable icon of American culture is a perfect fit.

I can understand, in our currently vicious political climate, why marketers would be a little worried about sparking controversy when using iconic symbols like the State of Liberty. I think, though, they should give people - even the kind of people who might have extreme reactions to any use of Lady Liberty outside her traditional context - a little credit for recognizing the message. And, if they're just not willing to take that risk (miniscule as I think it really is), then I challenge them to come up with something that doesn't entirely miss the point of the film, and the real-world effects of the practices it dissects.

I think it would be irresponsible, at the very least, to market the film under that artwork. I hope you're able to convince the distributor to reconsider. If not, you can be sure I will tell folks to avoid buying the film in Borders or Blockbuster, and continue to order directly from your website instead.
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Hi Darryl,

A few quick things. First off, love the documentary and I have loved being able to use in my work. I am licensed psychologist who works closely with adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. I work both in private practice and at an eating disorders treatment center.

Please, please, keep the Statue of Liberty on that box! The men seem to be missing the key point when they point out the new image is a "standard of beauty." The woman on the box is not the standard of beauty at all and to perpetuate her as the standard of beauty is insulting to the intent of your film. I highly doubt that image has not already been retouched, etc. It seems as if they are trying to market the film to men quite frankly. Boo!

Also, I agree with the need to use a registered dietitian with good eating disorder experience and training in your new endeavor. There are wonderful RD's all throughout this country who are working hard to demystify the BMI and preach a clearer focus on health. Two of my favorites: Amanda Bueller, RD/LD who was on a panel with you at the University of Texas-Austin and Lea Gebhardt, RD/LD also in Austin, TX.

Good luck!
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Hi Darryl

I don't normally reply to your emails because I know you must get hundreds, but I could not resist putting in my two cents about the new cover and Blockbusters reply. First off, I was absolutely appalled by the new cover. The skinny little model is as you said, no different than Ralph Lauren advertising. But what made my mouth drop was in the reply to your letter when they said: The woman on the box is a standard beauty, " !!!! Clearly, the model has already been severely photoshooped, so it looks laughable that those comments about further photoshopping are even there. And second, whoever wrote that the model is "standard beauty" is just demonstrating what your documentary is trying to change - that our society views that type of photoshopped, meatless model as "standard beauty"! I am on your side and am COMPLETELY against the new cover. At the a absolute minimum, if you have to change the cover because of political reasons, then they should suggest a NORMAL looking woman to be on the cover with the photoshop comments, not one that has ALREADY been massacred and looks fake to begin with!!!

Best of luck.
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Darryl,

Sorry, but I hate the new cover, and wouldn't buy it or rent it if I saw it. I'm disappointed. There is no excuse, in my opinion. It's triggering. The fact of the matter is that it leads us right back into the entire issue...what society/culture says "looks good" and what will sell. I don't buy their rationale, and frankly...would hope you wouldn't stand for it just to sell the DVD. Did I miss something?
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Well Darryl,

I have to say I love the Statue of Liberty art a lot more than the new version. Liberty represents all women, the new version represents only white women. It doesn't mean it won't sell and those that see it won't be as moved as those that saw it with the orginal design. But I do think it takes away something when we 'white wash' an artistic statement. Sorry to hear about it.

Regarding the dietician concern....I am currently serving as president of The Association for Size Diversity and Health. We can provide you with a lot of research and researchers, dieticians, etc that can help you with your new film. Not only should we debunk the use of BMI as a 'vital sign' (yes there is actual legislation now being considered to make that happen) there are a lot of myths about the idea of health and body size. I hope you explore our website and feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss how we can help you.
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I can not believe this!! Well, maybe I can - just goes to show you how messed up this world is. I have struggled with an eating disorder for about 18 years - yes, I know, call me a screw up, a nobody, a failure, a menice to society. But, Darell, when I first saw your film in Fargo, ND, I was so touched. I actually found some hope in this world. Your film is powerful and you have my support in a boycott. Actually, I think this is what we should do and I challenge everyone to participate: Create a note/cover/or something like it that will cover the DVD's new cover and when anyone sees the new covered DVD in the stores ----COVER IT!!!!!!

I am truly sorry this has happened. It is a shame. I actually had hope, a reason to maybe keep on trying to battle my eating disorder, but now, I am not so sure. Why do I waste even a second of my time trying to get better? I don't want to live in this horrible world. Maybe, just maybe, this eating disorder is God's way of beckoning me home - TWISTED, by maybe.

Darell - thank you for your dedication to the cause. You are an angel.
You have my support!!
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Hi Darryl,

Just wanted to respond to you on the latest glitch as to the proposed dvd cover design. I always thought the current design was brilliant and fit perfectly with the title and message of the film. Just to think of reconstructing changes to the already perfect Statue of Liberty sends a clear, defined and unspoken image message in itself as to how ludicrous it is to even consider these common superficial cosmetic changes on an already unflawed woman symbol of America's freedom and beauty and how that message transfers to all women, no matter age or race, country or culture, as the film delivers so effectively. The proposed dvd design suggestion is so far off the mark and even cheapens and contradicts the film's high standing message and purpose. I hope you can still run with what we have had as a strong and outstanding symbol of the film going forward into the next stage of dvd sales. The proposed cover isn't even close as an option and the design lacks originality and character and doesn't distinguish itself whatsoever from any other 'run of the mill' film devoid of substance.

In one word for this proposed design: Unfortunate.
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Dear Daryl,
I was appalled at the response you revived from the distributer regarding the so called "New Art Work". They just don't GET IT. This woman should NOT BE the representative of what is ideal, for the very fact the she is flawless. If they thought that they needed to use a real person as their "ideal" at least they could have chosen a model that looks like an average female human being and not an already air brushed, make up laden, bikini clad, example of what we are trying to stop, which is to have young girls who don't look like this attempt to achieve an "unachievable perfection.'

These marketers are idiots!
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Stand your ground!!! It's stupid to change it! Liberty is a perfect fit for the face of the film and the meaning. Anything I can do please advise!
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Dear Darryl,

First - LOVE the Statue of Liberty cover - FAR superior to the other one!!! These marketing people are in the OLD paradigm of life - YOU are in the NEW paradigm!!! I have a copy of the Statue DVD - Lucky Me!!

Second - the nutritionist vs. dietitian - you can find GREAT people in either field. The MAIN thing is to look for - are those who are on the cutting edge. There is SO much new information out there - and whoever you talk with - needs to be OPEN and again, living in the NEW paradigm!! I would seriously consider working with a Naturopathic DR. - there are MANY here in the Portland, Oregon area and the NW in general. THEY HAVE MANY hours of nutritional training, are doctors and have a very deep knowledge of how diet/food/vitamins, etc. affect our bodies.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey - is there going to be a screening in the Portland area?
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I just received the email with the copy of the new cover. I am DISGUSTED to say the least. Doesn't that cover go against everything America the Beautiful stands for??!!?? Are you actually going to let them market the dvd like this? I am beyond disgusted. If it is marketed with the new cover- you lose your credibility with women everywhere. Thank you for all that you do for the cause. I hope that yu take a stand against the dvd company.
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Dear Darryl:

I understand your situation.

It is hard to let go of your "baby" and it's perception in your mind. Although I like the original cover, the second one is not bad.

If the distributors are willing to "invest" in the new design, let them give it a try. If nothing else, you will have two ways to sell your product.

Just a thought.
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I wanted to take a moment and contact you in regards to the new DVD art. I'm a member of the Body Positive Dance team that was instrumental in bringing you and your amazing film to Austin and - in my mind - that version of the cover goes against everything that your film and our dance troupe are trying to do. Calling ANY woman ugly is insulting to the entire human race in my mind.

The appeal, in my eyes, of the original cover was that the Statue of Liberty - while a well known and recognizable icon - is not an actual woman. Nothing negative was being said about an actual person. The new art takes a real woman - lovely, as we all are - and tacks negative messages on to her. We all are surrounded by these on a daily basis - hence your film - so seeing someone else tagged with them is not helpful.

If they really feel that new art is necessary, perhaps they could give the Venus d'Milo or Mona Lisa a similar treatment to that which the Statue of Liberty originally was treated. This would provide new art, could be made to "pop", but would not carry on the negative stereotypes that we are all working so hard to defeat.

Clearly this is just my opinion and should be taken as such. However, I hope that it provides some useful ideas and let's you know that I support your fight against the new art.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Gwen Way
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The new artwork is absolutely ridiculous and once again it's the media telling us what the standard of beauty is. To say this stick thin model on the cover "literal" beauty is saying that we are only allowed to say it's appauling when girls who look like this are criticized when 98 percent of women don't actually look like that. UGH!!!

Don't let them do it Darryl!!!
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OK. I do love the statue of Liberty poster,
However, from a marketing perspective- I am leaning towards agreeing with them.
A fresh approach wouldn't hurt. I saw the cover as "satirical" because the model needed none of those treatments,
just all women are beautiful with out all that.
I think you should lean towards their expertise.....
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Dear Darryl,

I just saw the new cover and the response about why it is more marketable. I agree. I think the obvious photoshopping comments on a flawless beauty will slap potential viewers with the satire. You know middle America can be very sensitive, so don't feel too bad about the change. Hopefully, you will not have to make any more sacrifices.
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Greetings Darryl,

In my opinion, changing the DVD box cover is, first and foremost, in bad taste. Yes, I see the irony that the distributors are trying to play on, but it's bland and, to be honest, common.

The film is called America the Beautiful. What could be more iconic than the Statue of Liberty? And using Lady Liberty in such a way plays to a sub-text of America, as a nation, having issues related to beauty standards. Using some model in a blue polka-dot bikini totally squashes the message of the sub-text.

Our whole nation needs help in seeing the beauty in everyone, even themselves.

So yes, I would boycott the change and would direct friends to do so as well. If you plan to keep offering the original DVD on your website I will direct friends there instead.

If you wish, I can assist in starting a letter writing campaign to the DVD company who is insisting on the change. Perhaps the words of many people can help change their minds.

At Your Service,
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I see both sides of the DVD cover issue however in the long run I agree with you that the initial image of the DVD box communicates a sexualized image of women - before you ever get a chance to read the text. While the 'concept' is similar to the initial design I don't think women will want to pick up the DVD at first glance. Is it possible to compromise with a close up shot of the woman's face or something like that?

Stay true to your vision and values my friend. I know this is a tough spot to be in.
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Dear Darryl,

I am a mental health therapist specializing in eating disorders in Portland, Oregon. I have watched your movie and loved it and have been receiving and reading your emails since. I appreciate the work you are
doing and look forward to more!

I often have responses to your emails that only remain in my own head. This is the first time I was compelled enough to write in response to both topics you address in this email.

I completely agree with your outrage about the new cover for your movie. The Statue of Liberty symbolizes what you have suggested for your film but also she is America. There are many people who we have deemed as less than American, historically and currently - blacks,
homosexuals, etc, and now fat people. This is the reason I liked your cover so much. It reminds us that all Americans are worthy of being fully American... no matter his or her size, race, religion, etc. The
new cover not only dismisses the larger woman but continues to devalue her.

Please keep your original cover wherever you can!
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Dear Darrell,

I have very mixed feelings about the new, proposed artwork. Yes, it will likely sell more copies, which, in the end, is arguably most important (for the viewing numbers rather than for the money-making, of course). However, it plays into the same game that toys with women's and girls' (and men's and boys') self-esteem. I love all the things that the original artwork stands for, but I can also appreciate the concerns about the patriotic factor and the visual impact factor. I cannot say I'm completely opposed to the new artwork because I think the juxtaposition of the "stereotypical beauty" and the critical words is meaningful and conveys part of the documentary's message. However, I also feel like the criticisms on the cover appear cruel and even verbally violent, so I am saddened by the image in that regard. Somehow, the overall image continues to look appealing and beautiful instead of painful and cruel, which seems saddeningly tragic, given the harshness of the words.

Thank you for passing along the information on this issue to your email list. As always, I appreciate your critical thinking regarding the larger American culture and its effects on its people.
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HI Darryl, I'm with you. The new art work is just another picture prefect, sexy body that 90% of real women can not live up to.. Thanks for standing your ground on this issue. But I understand that the media wants to make more money off the DVD and off women, nothing new. I'm glad I bought the original versus.
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Hi Darryl,

First, thank you!!! Thank you for standing up to those "in the industry" in regards to the new movie cover. I find the new cover to be a disgrace and quite frankly, I am not sure that he watched the film. What is so clever and beautiful about your design is that an iconic, American piece of art is being "nip and tucked." Many ask why would you change something that is so beautiful as is? But, for some odd reason, people don't have that same sentiment when it comes to our own bodies. I will fight with you about this new cover.

Lastly, I have to second someone's suggestion of Ellyn Satter as well as Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. What a novel and comforting approach they take to nutrition.

Thank you again! You rock!
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Hi Darryl,

Regarding the new "look" I am in total agreement with you! That cover looks like any Cosmo, Glamour, or whatever magazine that is out there. There is absolutely no purpose being served to change what is a very clever and eye catching cover to a basically "generic" (since we all see this daily) one. Stay the course.
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Hello. I work in corporate communications and am a big fan of your film. I wanted to reply to your question about the new DVD artwork. I agree with you that it is COMPLETELY ridiculous! Honestly, my first thought is that the new proposal makes your fabulous documentary look like a cheesy porno film. The whole point of the Liberty artwork is that you are saying that just as we shouldn't mess with the natural beauty of Lady Liberty, nor should be mess with the natural beauty of any girl or woman.

It is EXACTLY because LADY LIBERTY is an image that is not to be touched that the image resonates as thought-provoking.It is the *implied* disrespect of even thinking of messing with a national treasue that resonates - I do not pereceive any disrepect in the actual use of the image itself...but am absolutely offended by the stereotype of the new image (not to mention the condescion of the executive whose email you provided).

I wish you the best of luck with the ongoing promotion of the film - and I'm glad I've already purchased a copy with the original artwork :) Keep fighting the good fight!...
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Dear Darryl,

You are doing fantastic work with a great film: American the Beautiful. I completely agree with your text in your message below concerning your use of the Statue of Liberty along with your written modifications on that image. Like you express, I am shocked that the movie distribution industry would change the cover as well, in my opinion, including their including several words of advertising/endorsement text ("funny, shocking, enlightening"), that overall then seems together to express a significantly different and significantly light-hearted/less serious message that your movie and that you have worked hard and successfully to communicate to many. Accordingly, I disagree with the reply comments that were sent to you, including the two paragraphs that I have quoted immediately below:

4) The new art better utilizes the great satirical concept at the center of your original idea...i.e. that the fashion (etc.) industries make money by criticizing that which is essentially flawless. The woman on the box is a standard beauty, but the fasionista making the notes is essentially saying that she is ugly. Isn't this at the core of your film? I think the essential message was confused by the use of the Statue of Liberty, whose beauty is symbolic, not literal.

In other words, we are (as with your original artwork and film itself) calling the degrading practices of the beauty industry absurd and wrong. In my humble opinion anyone that would boycott this based on the new art simply doesn't get the real point of the film.

Best wishes to you, your intent, and your continuing accomplishments that disseminate your important and serious message.
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The new art work is not satirical in my opinion; it is offensive and does no justice at all to the quality or message of the film. How better to show the dis-connection between the natural human body and media driven cultural expectations for beauty than to use a cultural icon. They would have been better off to use a lovely, healthy toddler aged child or find a non-celebrity yet culturally linked recognizable person as the model. I woulod be embarrassed to show that cover in my classroom except as an example of multi-layerd social oppression and injustice.
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I agree with your disappointment. I wouldn't buy the new edition of the DVD with the new cover. It seems contradictory to the essence of your film. I don't think that the model on the cover represents the women that are portrayed in the movie. I think the cover is disappointing to those of us that identify with your documentary. Please do all that is possible (if it still is) to stop this edition from hitting the major stores.
You are an inspiration. Thanks,
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Hi Darryl,

That new "improved"poster does no justice to your beautiful film and I resent the fact they chose a skinny, blonde, caucasian woman. The LIBERTY model represents all of us from all geographic origins.
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Is there a way to stop them from changing your art? Not only is the bikini version they are suggesting offensive, I think it's also potentially triggering for women dealing with eating disorders, body dysmorphia and other issues. How disappointing that they can't leave your great work alone to stand by itself.
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This from a male producer at CNN News:

Hey! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Provocative! Eye-catching! Can actually, it makes the point more clearly that Lady Liberty. Liberty is certainly more creative. But sometimes, the direct approach works. I think you're too close to the project. Be a good boss and let good people do their job.
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