Body Image and the Media

Images in the media revere women in an extremely limited manner and often depict only a single body type. However, women are blessed with a wide variety of shapes and sizes that warrant equal appreciation. Advertisements featuring unnaturally thin women as beauty icons create an unrealistic standard that leads young girls to develop unhealthy self-body issues. The Campaign for Real Beauty, by Dove products, will not only have a tremendous effect on the media’s portrayal of the ideal body, but also the women who idolize these images as role models. The use of real women in the Dove advertisements will generate a more diverse conception of beauty.

                The Campaign for Real Beauty will produce a wider variety of female body types seen in advertisements and inevitably lead to a healthier body image for young girls. Girls today are plagued by the unrealistic image of women portrayed in the media. The use of cosmetically enhanced or unnaturally thin women in advertisements creates a one dimensional persona of what is beautiful.  This notion leaves girls feeling self- conscious and unfit.  Our culture is infatuated with extremely thin women. Most advertisements encompass a common theme depicting beauty as tall and extremely thin. This is representative of only a very small portion of the female population. However, this leaves the majority of girls feeling like they are the anomaly and in need of radical changes.  Dove’s campaign strategy of utilizing real women instead of models in their ads will broaden the range of what is considered beautiful. In turn, girls will experience psychological improvements and develop a healthier body image.  Women will begin to accept diversity and see beauty in all shapes and sizes. Other companies may also follow in Dove’s footsteps and expand their advertisements to accommodate all figures. These simple changes could revolutionize the media's portrayal of women and beauty for years to come.