Since I work at an advertising agency, it is kinda part and parcel with the job to be aware of ads. Being a woman, I am acutely aware of body image issues, how society views beauty, discussions on "what is beautiful?", etc. and the role they play in advertising. Add to that the fact I have a 4 year old daughter, and I have begun seeing things of that nature with new eyes… and trying to see them through my daughter’s eyes.

I just came across these Dove videos/ads that are part of their Campaign for Real Beauty which has been around for a while now. They are boldly making a direct statement on the subject of "beauty" in advertising.

The first is "Evolution" and it is an interesting comment on the reality of advertising, and how UNrealistic the final images we see truly are. It is worth watching, as it is actually pretty cool to see the transformation. Watch the "Evolution" Video (opens in new window – 1:18).

BEFORE

AFTER (SKIN AIRBRUSHING, NECK STRETCHING, EYEBALL ENLARGING, ETC.)

The end line of the ad is "No wonder our sense of beauty is so distorted." Hear! Hear!

This "Daughters" video is great too… it is lots of girls talking about their feelings on their weight, beauty, acceptance, etc. Made me a bit sad for the state of things. But it also made me hopeful to how I can work with my daughter to keep her self-esteem strong she grows up. Watch the "Daughters" Video (opens in new window – 2:41).

Feel free to check out the Dove website to see what the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty and the Dove Self-Esteem Fund is doing about the problem of low-esteem in young girls.