Growing up I’d hoped that society would catch onto the unrealistic stereotypes that media promotes through advertising. While managing retail boutiques in the 80’s I knew then that our size 12 to 16’s sold out a lot faster than our size 6 to 10’s. Most women didn’t look like the emaciated models that were on tv, in magazines and for whom they seemed to design clothes for. Fortunately, companies caught onto this double-digit sized market, and there are some half-decent fashion choices for larger women now.
What surprised me over the past 20 years is that media hasn’t become more realistic towards women, they’ve instead begun to inflict the same stereotypes on men. There is one company that stands out as different from the typical image advertising barrage and as a result has my ongoing respect. I’m referring to Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty. I love their advertising. I make a point of stopping to watch the commercials when they’re on. No other company has gotten that much attention from me over so many years.
My neighbor sent me the following video via email. It is meant to be funny but comedian Anita Renfroe’s message is a great one. Regardless of what stage of life you are in, take the time to appreciate and love who you are and how you look. “Make peace with it.”
Do you know any other companies risking their bottom line to promote a more realistic image of men and women?
