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First Dakota Fanning, Now Hailee Steinfeld Ad Banned In England
But their latest ban – a Bruce Weber-shot Miu Miu ad that has Hailee Steinfeld sitting on a railway track – is totally ridiculous. The ASA is banning the ad because Steinfeld is only 14 years old and is photographed in a “potentially hazardous situation.” They called the ad “irresponsible” and “in breach of the Code in showing a child in a hazardous or dangerous situation.”
Really?! Yes, railways are no place for kids to play, and apparently they’ve posed somewhat of a problem in parts of England. But as a Prada spokesperson was quick to point out (Prada owns Miu Miu), the ad was “part of a serious, high-fashion campagin aimed at adult women.” (You might be wondering why a 14-year-old is modeling adult women’s clothing, but that’s a whole other issue.)
It’s reached the point where it feels like ASA is just trying to meet some kind of “banning” quota. I think it’s awesome that they’re taking action when it comes to anorexic-looking models or underage girls in precarious poses. But to ban this Miu Miu ad simply because of its location, well, that’s just silly. I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind would even make the connection that a child is “dangerous situation.” Next thing you know, they’ll be banning ads featuring young models around a swimming pool (no water wings! Gasp!).
What do you think? Was the ASAP right to ban this ad or does it take overprotective to a whole new level?
(Photo: guardian.co.uk)