I call bullshit

[inever]

I've been thinking off and on about the Dove campaign for real beauty. For those not familiar, it's an advertising campaign based on the premise of "real women".

Comments

[electric_worry]

I think I have a different set of problems with the phrase "real women," but that's a rant for another post.

[inever]

Yeah, I didn't get into it in terms of the gender binary.

[chiyo_no_saru]

*nods*

Your icon says it all. :)

[akaneko]

Well, ad campaigns usually are for the purpose of bringing in profits, but even so, there are ads that have worthwhile social messages and ones that are trash. The campaign is a lot more positive about finding beauty in a diverse set of body types than a lot of portrayals of women in advertisements are. Doesn't necessarily mean there won't be problems with these portrayals either, though.

[chiyo_no_saru]

I absolutely agree.

Also, Dove sells skin lighteners, especially in third world countries, soooooo....

Not so much "real beauty."

[leastlikely]

I've thought the same thing. While I appreciate the fact that they are showing not-so-conventional models... they still look like models to me. There are plenty of people who are happy with their bodies and who are totally beautiful, even though they are less conventional. Where's the belly flab? Where are the unsightly birthmarks? Where are the scars, the unshorn bikini lines, the cellulite thighs, the outie bellybuttons?

While I understand the point they are trying to make, I can't quite applaud their efforts. This is definitely a step in the right direction, but there are still so many more types of beauty to be covered. I guess... baby steps.

[gromko]

I appreciate it for being a more realistic, idealized beauty, if that makes any sense.