Sana Mir slams Mahira Khan ad for promoting unrealistic beauty standards | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Sana Mir slams Mahira Khan ad for promoting unrealistic beauty standards

Pakistan Press Foundation

Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain, Sana Mir has slammed advertising companies for promoting fair and smooth skin.

In a Facebook post, Mir mentioned how young girls who aspire to launch themselves into sports are being brainwashed by companies that aim to give them “beautiful” skin.

The former captain called out celebrities and sponsors who are always speaking up on matters of female objectification, but fail to realise that the products they are endorsing promote the same.

Mir wrote, “We see endless posts and statuses on social media expressing our anger. But I have seen very few sponsors or celebrities actually take a stand to support women being comfortable in their own skin.”

The 32-year-old cricketer said that a Mahira Khan ad for a hair removal cream pushed her to address the issue. Speaking of the campaign, Mir penned, “A campaign for both Pakistan and India is magnifying a girl’s concern about how she looks on a basketball court. The worst thing is that instead of sending a message to young girls that the colour or texture of their skin does not matter, we are promoting body shaming and objectification.”

SCREENGRAB
SCREENGRAB

Mir questioned why a girl’s talent and skill is not enough to make her capable of being on the field. She further added that there have been many sports icons around the world who have excelled in their careers because of their passion and skills, and not because of the colour of their skin.

The right-handed cricketer mentioned that during her 12-year career, she has rejected various offers of endorsements as they promote unrealistic and unnecessary expectations of beauty.

She concluded with a message stating, “I request all sponsors and celebrities to ensure that when we engage young girls to fulfill their dreams. We show them a path that gives them actual confidence, rather than disabling them by making them self-conscious.”

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