A Chinese lifestyle magazine took advantage of the unique backdrop created by the rubble of the recent Sichuan earthquake, but not everyone is recognizing the artistic initiative as a positive one.
New Travel Weekly published a racy photo shoot of models, some wearing nothing more than underwear, posing among the debris of a fallen building. The message they seemed to convey was one of sexuality, not of remorse, shock or sorrow. As a result, it's being harshly criticized for “severely violating social morality, and causing extremely negative social effectsâ€.
The Xinhua news agency confirmed the magazine has been closed and the editors fired.
The Australian adds, “Most leisure venues closed throughout China during the days of mourning that ended yesterday, and television channels showed only news of the earthquake and the relief effort.â€
The May 12, 2008 earthquake shook the entire nation, in every sense of the word. Take a look at some of the other things that have arisen in the aftermath of the 7.9 magnitude natural disaster:
Controversial Earthquake Fashion Photos
Chinese Magazine Closed After Racy Rubble Pics
Trend Themes
1. Disaster-inspired Artistic Expression - The controversial earthquake fashion photos highlight a trend of using disaster sites as artistic backdrops, providing an opportunity for artists to explore unconventional themes and challenge societal norms.
2. Controversial Marketing Strategies - The Chinese magazine's racy photoshoot sparks debate on the appropriateness of using provocative imagery for promotional purposes, presenting an opportunity for brands to reevaluate their marketing tactics.
3. Society's Perception of Morality - The backlash against the magazine's photoshoot reflects a growing concern over social standards and moral boundaries, creating an opportunity for discussions on the evolving definition of morality in different cultural contexts.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Photography - The controversial earthquake fashion photos highlight the potential for artists and photographers to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms within the fashion industry.
2. Media and Publishing - The closure of the Chinese magazine emphasizes the need for media companies to critically evaluate the content they produce, opening up opportunities for more responsible and socially conscious publishing practices.
3. Marketing and Advertising - The debate surrounding the magazine's marketing strategies presents an opportunity for the marketing industry to reconsider the impact of provocative imagery on societal values and consumer perceptions.