We have all seen the new Dove commercials that feature real women instead of the impossibly ideal models that are usually selected. While the Dove girls are universally attractive and fit, they also reflect different sizes and shapes, designed to represent the average American woman. Is that what we want?
Glorifying our variety seems like a positive development which should lead to increased self - content and improved self esteem. Comparing ourselves to the imperfect bodies displayed is supposed to lessen our self criticism and sense of inadequacy.
Does it?
We are a race of strivers, constantly seeking to better ourselves. Self improvement is the biggest marketing niche of the 21st Century, from books and classes to online information products, magazines, and television. The gurus of our day, from Oprah, to Martha Stewart, to Dr. Phil, to Donald Trump, all entice us towards crucial ourselves, our looks, our relationships, our finances, our surroundings — our integral life. We are dissatisfied with ourselves as we are because we have partial a glimpse of what we can become.
To keep us motivated in that rule, we need a vision of perfection to work towards, even if we know we’ll never quite get there. When it comes to weight control, what will keep us riveted on our goal? To look as gorgeous as the cover models on Cosmopolitan or the chunky figures in the Dove Ads?
We don’t want to be patronized by the marketing mavens. We don’t want a subtle reminder that we need to okay our sights lower or aspire to something less than excellence. We want a dream that soars, that inspires us to unbelievable heights. We want a vision to move towards, no matter how unlikely it's that we will reach that destination. So keep your condescending Go ahead and settle for this coming away, please.
