RE: Palmers Underwear Campaign: Sexy or sorry, not sexy?

Here's a point from my view, which comes from investing time and money into studying literature and arts, consuming and creating them.

I understand that many people look to fiction and media as a form of escape or inspiration. When I read a book, I don't necessarily want to see myself reflected in the protagonist – I want to imagine being someone different, someone with qualities or experiences that I don't have in my everyday life. This doesn't mean I need to share the same skin color, background, or appearance as the character. What matters to me is a compelling story with characters I can connect with, whether they're flawed or idealized.

It's quite evident this perspective differs from what some vocal groups suggest, which is that everyone needs to see themselves represented in media. I however believe the focus should be on well-crafted stories that allow readers to dream and explore new possibilities. This doesn't necessarily require characters who look or act just like us.

Regarding the idea that many people find aspects of themselves they dislike, that's a common human experience. We often read about characters who face challenges and overcome them, perhaps as a way to find hope or inspiration. It is also not necessary for those characters to mirror our exact circumstances.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to representation I think. Different people want different things from their media. While some may find comfort in seeing characters who reflect their own identity, others, like myself, do prefer to explore new perspectives and ideas through stories and media