You know, you story has changed my views a little. For some reason I’ve never thought about the body ideals being different in the past. And besides, what is ideal? Everyone has their own tastes. It is indeed a little discouraging to see anorexic-looking models all the time – they got boring. It’d be interesting and refreshing to see something new, something more realistic. So I actually love Daphne’s idea. But this subject must be approached carefully. Brian can’t just start creating such campaigns whenever he feels like it – or he would lose the job.
When I read Brian’s words, I realized it’s indeed not the best idea… hmm. I’m confused now :) I don’t know with whom I agree more.
Oh, that scene from the past was hurtful. I felt so sad reading it… poor little boy Brian, he had no one to turn to then. Claire is a cunt, Jack is a bastard, Joanie is… worthless. I’m so happy Bran has Justin now, but of course it’s not easy for him to trust and love. And Daphne should have been more perceptive – it was obvious Brian was affected, she should have stopped.
The chapter started out funny, but it ended so sadly, it nearly broke me :( But great ending. I loved it, thank you!
Author's Response: Body image is a hard topic. I actually like Brian's idea (but then, I came up with it). There are women today (like Lena Dunham) who showcase bodies on TV that aren't the 'ideal'--who refuse to meet the ideal and refuse to have ONLY those who do meet the ideal on her show...I think Brian could do something similar. Making people in campaigns 'healthier' doesn't have to mean those people are way overweight. It would be a small step, but one that regular people would be grateful for. As a comparison, think about race and orientation. There it's easier to see how not having a variety of people in the media is harmful. It's been a struggle to get TV/advertising to show women, people of color, and gay/bi/trans people, even though they make up a significant part of the population. For me, that's what it's about when it comes to body image. If you see only people who look very different from you in the media, you start to hate who you are and try to be someone else. That's no good. Here as in canon, Justin is inspiring Brian to think critically about what he puts out into the world.
This story has allowed me to explore Brian's childhood more deeply, which I like. Too often only Justin is shown suffering and struggling, but in this one, they both are. They are both struggling and both helping each other.
