With March being Woman’s History month it’s always important to talk about how far women have come in the world. Dove started a campaign a while back on showing women and young girls what true beauty really is.
As part of the campaign for Real Beauty, in 2006, Dove started the Dove Self-Esteem Fund that claims to change the Western concept of beauty from ultra-thin models with perfect features to making every girl (and woman) feel positive about her looks, no matter what they are. In an effort to promote the Fund, Dove ordered a series of highly-successful online-based short films promoting the self-esteem concept.
The videos are truly inspiring. As someone who has grown up with advertisements shoved in my face of flawless bodies, I never realized the effect it has until you see all of the changes and adjustments that go into printing a simple magazine ad. Today’s youth is bombarded with countless music videos, print ads, bill boards, and more to push the idea that no matter what, there is something wrong with you and there is a pill, knife, machine, or drink that can fix it.
I, like many girls, like to feel pretty. There are parts on my body that I like some days and hate on other days. It is a constant struggle to remind yourself over and over again of all the glass half-full aspects of my life. But then I remember that I was lucky enough to have parents that told me I was beautiful, smart etc to build that self confidence. Some girls and women were never given that and that’s why Dove’s campaign is so important.
The campaign Web site is something that needs to be shared with as many women and girls as possible. As mentioned before, it has many helpful videos but the site also features many interactive experiences such as the "Self Esteem Editor" and can learn what really goes into making a magazine. Other helpful tools include how to talk to your daughter about body image, a quiz to see how confident you are, and how you impact others self esteem (very important!). Upon finishing any one of the campaigns, the girl who completes it receives a printable certificate that is suitable for framing remind them of their accomplishment. Another great feature of the site includes showing you images and asking if you can tell if the image has been photo shopped or altered in any way. Do you think you could tell?
The results and effects of this campaign are not yet known, but as a consumer, it helps that there are big companies out there that help women support other women because, let’s face it, as women we all could do a better job of supporting each other.
For more information on the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty and Self Esteem Fund visit the following:
Campaign for Real Beauty Home Page
Self Esteem Fund
Dove’s Controversial Videos
