Critical or just plain rude?

Hmmm.. well I think anyone in the public eye is fair game.
People may well criticise me when I walk past; in fact, I was in our local paper regarding a council issue, and the comments about me were very unkind, to say the least.
Its ok though, I can live with it. I don't care, because I don't know the people who commented, and they don't know me.

,misadventure I have no doubt that I too have been the subject of personal slurs! I just try to avoid commenting on physical appearance.
Clothes may be a different matter..you have a choice about that!

Yes, fair point.
We have no choice about what mother nature bestows upon us.
I'll try to make sure I don't make fun of peoples looks.
it is unkind, you're right.
How about if they have surgery and make themselves look ridiculous?

I expect the ‘celebrities’ cry all the way to the bank don’t you!

I agree. It's rude and unkind and unacceptable to criticise someone's physical appearance ....even if its the RF!

Oh dear, please disregard my statement about Helen Mirren on another thread.

Oh dear, do you remember the "saint Mary of Berry" thread?

Well, you only said you couldn't stand Helen Mirren.
You didn't say it was to do with her appearance.
I'm sure that's ok.

It's allowed then
Phew!

I dunno. I'm no authority on what's allowed.
I'm having to hold myself back on Gemma whatsername on the 'dancing on ice' thread.

If they put themselves out there court publicity at every opportunity they can’t grumble if they get some negative press What a bland place the world would become if we all just said ‘ he’s nice’ ‘ahh she’s lovely’ let’s face it most of today’s celebrities live off their faces or figures so have to learn to accept the rough with the smooth However I don’t like negativity for the sake of it only if it’s justified So no second thoughts to say Jorden s face looks a complete mess and her poor boobs have been up and down more times than a hotel lift and if she wants to say I look like the back of a bus that’s her choice

I think it depends on the context. If someone is, say, a fashion model, then it would be acceptable to comment on her size or appearance. If someone is a politician, then it wouldn't, but a comment on the policy or the speech would be fine – and far more useful than talking about her clothes, shoes or make-up.

I don't think its fair to criticise aspects of physical appearance unless its to say someone is pretty/not so pretty etc. Any surgical enhancement is of course fair game.
It does seem unfair that women in the news get their looks, clothing and age all commented on but its not the same for men. Also ' mother of three' when introducing a woman, never ' father of three ' !!

If public figures have made an active choice to undergo surgery to "enhance" a perfectly good face/ pair of boobs etc. then I think a comment on the result is legit. I just find it uncomfortable when people " don't like" someone and rant on about appearance or mannerisms rather than " who" the person is.

I understand all the above ladies and it’s all so true but I can remember my mother’s words whenever I was unkind about someone- “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”!

If it's about me, I don't care.

I'm a fat woman and anyone built like me has to suffer almost daily insults about their appearance and perceived habits from complete strangers, not to mention health professionals.
No one who knows me insults me or blames me just because of the shape of my body.

Even if celebrities are in the public eye they are still humans capable of being hurt and fame doesn't make you immune to nastiness and vicious taunts. But the media are not known for their dignity and respect, it doesn't sell papers or magazines.

I see a difference between making personal comments on an actor - say Judi Dench, who doesn't present herself to the world as other than an actor and should be criticised only for her acting and someone like Jordan/Katie Price, whose saleable asset is the way she presents her body. In which case, it is reasonable to comment on the goods on sale and how they are draped. (I make it clear I am talking of her show business career.).

The same thing applies to presenters - the Claudias and Davinias and such whose presentation of themselves is part of their brand.

Vicious, unkind or cruel remarks are always unacceptable.

I must clarify. I think its unfair to criticise what someone is born with. All else is fair game.

Yes I totally agree if it’s something they use to make them more money by supposedly enhancing their so called beauty, its one thing however it’s never acceptable to put emphasise on what people look like through no choice of their own Like her or dislike her the stick Diane Abbot and many other politicians take is unbearable to hear
I think there is a huge negative cloud over the world (and it isn’t just UK) and comedy is probably at its most harsh about appearances unfortunately that then gives some ordinary folk the ability to go one step further

I suppose it depends on a persons perception of harsh?
My mum was really cross that I don't think Kate Middleton is stunning.
She is very average as far as I'm concerned.
Is that harsh?

We all have different perceptions of beauty which is why over focus on appearance is shallow. I think too that having a chat with your mum about the beauty or otherwise of a royal is not the same as posting "Princess Aurora is an ugly flat chested pizza face! "

I can't stand Davina and Joanna.....there I said it!

I’m with you on this PECS and yes, I does say how shallow some people are and how unkind.

Lily65 of course we like and dislike people..see my comments on Meryl Streep. She may be a really lovely person but I cannot like her! Totally irrational but not based purely ( or at all) on her appearance!