the only problem i have with supermodels is that I don't look like one. heh. i mean, i have a huge problem with the fashion industry in general and the impossible standards that they push, but none with the models themselves. anyway, i applaud gisele's efforts to take on the pope. though i'm not catholic, i would imagine that it would be quite difficult to speak out so publically against such a powerful person who could do such things as excommunicate me (which i believe is quite a big deal and not something a catholic would want). we need more women who are in positions to be heard to speak out (and not just against the pope).

Good for her. Though I'm still pretty peeved at her over her anorexia comments from a few months ago, I'm thrilled when ANY woman in a public place expresses her support for contraception-- especially in a place with as much Catholic influence as Brazil. So yes, for this she does deserve props.

If I was six feet tall and naturally lanky I probably would have gone into modeling myself. Talk about easy money.
I'm glad she's speaking up about this. I hope people listen to her and don't write her off just because of her looks and her job.

I agree w/ what everyone's saying, there's a whole lot to say about the fashion industry, and yeah feminists have been saying it forever...but i guess its good that at least more people will hear it. I feel the same way about celebrities & politics...sometimes im like "shutup, you're an actor, no one cares about your political opinions, nor do we think your opinions are higher than our own." Then on the other hand, if you're in a position to use your fame or wealth to do some good, then thats a positive thing.

oops that first part sounds weird, i meant to separate the thoughts. i meant "theres a whole lot to say about the fashion industry." then the next thought was "and yeah, feminists have been supporting contraception forever, but..."

Go Gisele. At least she's speaking out on an important subject.

Adriana Lima , another high profile Victoria's Secret model, is anti-contraception, anti-abortion, devout Roman Catholic. She's also big into the "I'm a virgin until I get married" deal. I don't have an issue with people saving their virginity if that's what they want to do, but the whole anti-contraception, anti-abortion, obsession on virginity combo makes me a bit sick.

So, good for Gisele. The more women that can be heard in support of this issue, the better. I'm not a fan of the supermodel thing, but she's a visible woman that a lot of girls look up to, and i think it's an important message to hear.

Adriana Lima , another high profile Victoria's Secret model, is anti-contraception, anti-abortion, devout Roman Catholic. She's also big into the "I'm a virgin until I get married" deal.

I'm guessing that she doesn't see the irony in promoting chastity and policies which condemn sex while simultaneously selling sex? [Oh, that's right. They're paying her millions of dollars.]

I'm guessing that she doesn't see the irony in promoting chastity and policies which condemn sex while simultaneously selling sex?

Took the words right out of my mouth.

"I'm guessing that she doesn't see the irony in promoting chastity and policies which condemn sex while simultaneously selling sex?"

Selling sex? I thought she was selling underwear.

Wear that sexy underwear and you'll get some sex.

In case you haven't looked at a Victoria's Secret catalog, it's basically women posing half naked with come hither looks on their faces. It's not a Kholes catalog.

Also, we'll see how anti choice she is when she's constantly pregnant and loses her supermodel body thus losing her supermodel paycheck.

She sells "sexiness." I meant it in the "sex sells" sense that when you see hot women selling products you're actually selling the consumer the sex the people in the ad are supposedly having/going to have. In other words, Axe cologne says "buy this cologne and you will get laid by hot ladies" and victoria's secret says "wear this underwear/lingerie thing and you will look hot and get laid." The magic of advertising!

Also, VS does sometimes sell playful sex toy kits (blindfolds, handcuffs, etc), and underwear that says things like "sex kitten."

"Also, we'll see how anti choice she is when she's constantly pregnant and loses her supermodel body thus losing her supermodel paycheck."

Good point.

"She sells 'sexiness.' I meant it in the 'sex sells' sense that when you see hot women selling products you're actually selling the consumer the sex the people in the ad are supposedly having/going to have."

Ah. I thought "sex sells" meant that sex is the marketing technique, not the merchandise offered.

Meanwhile, if someone does have sex and doesn't buy any VS products, and someone else practically can't have sex and does buy a pair of jeans or whatever from the VS catalog, which one does VS profit from?

Well, actually...

Some people do wait until they are married to have sex. But that is EXTREMELY rare and should not be forced onto all people.

"It's ridiculous to ban contraceptives - you only have to think of the diseases that are transmitted without them. I think it should be compulsory to use a contraceptive."

A contraceptive, by definition, only works to prevent conception and some contraceptives (ie: The Pill) do only that. Only condoms work to prevent both pregnancy and STDs.

But good for her!

Good on her!

These aren't profound thoughts, but you don't expect those from a fashion model. She's speaking her mind sincerely, and taking a big chance by contradicting the Pope.

She's one of us. I'm all for her.