One of the most powerful uses of modern media is the Dove Self-Esteem video ads the purpose is to educate women of all ages (and men) that real beauty is inner and to warn of the massive dangers of allowing children to be assaulted by the fashion industry.
•Why do you think there is so much focus in our society on body image? I would think body image is not only a natural instinct within our brains, but it is also a mental state of mind and feeling. Not only does a good body image make us feel good mentally it will also help with our instincts to find a mate of the opposite sex.
•Where does our notion of an "ideal" body come from? The notion of an ideal body image comes mostly from the media. One person will think that a good body image is right for them and make it available to the public from forms of media such as the internet, newspaper and magazines. The end result will be us thinking that this body type is ideal. As well an “ideal” body can come from the culture type as well as the friends and family one surrounds themselves in being taught or grown up in a certain type of environment.
•Why do we think we should look a certain way? We think we should look a certain way because it makes us feel good emotionally, makes us happier and as an end result we become more open and sociable.
•How does the ideal image of a woman's body differ in other cultures? In other historic times? How does this compare to the ideal image of a man's body? In a woman’s body previously women with a little more weight were seen as healthier and they ate more, a skinnier girl in older times was seen as poor or unhealthy. Plus wide hips were also seen good because they were known at the time to be good for child bearing. Now.. Guys usually look at skinnier girls as being better looking and larger girls, or girls with more weight as fat, obese or unhealthy.
A man’s body from a possible warriors society would assume to have more bulk muscle, and be fit. Low fat content and good muscle tone may show signs of good physical fitness.
•Who controls what images we see? Our access to media and our surroundings control what we see. If we were in prison all our lives we would see something totally different then someone that is in the free world.
•Do you think teenage girls are especially vulnerable to these ideas? Do teenage boys feel similar pressures? Yes, Girls are always purchasing make up. I think boys feel similar pressures but in a different way. Like to work out more.
•Dove paid 2.4 million dollars for 30 seconds of commercial time during Superbowl XL (2006) to launch the commercial featuring the young girls. The Dove commercial is very different from most of the commercials featured during Superbowl broadcasts. (Typically these commercials are light-hearted, comedic, and rarely address social issues.) What do you think are some of the reasons why Dove would choose the Superbowl to showcase their commercial? I think Dove chose the SuperBowl to showcase their commercial because there is a viewing audience. Parents and teens both watch it. Parents are able to help make choices for their kids/ teens and Teens can see with their own eyes.
•For the most part, the Dove campaign has been well received by audiences. However, in addition to a few critics, there have also been some examples of the ads in public spaces being defaced. Why do you think some people may be critical of the Dove campaign?Some people may be critical of the Dove campaign for jealousy reasons. Possibly certain popular teens think they are really pretty and do not want their image to be changed.
