Dove's Social Missons...

Dove’s real beauty campaign is supposed to explore the issues of low self-esteem in girls, and the impossible standards of beauty imposed by the media. But is it strange that as this company is telling young women to love themselves for who they are, they are also promoting products such as special shampoos and lotions claimed to make one look “gorgeous” after use?

On Dove’s website there is an article and section entirely dedicated to the cause as seen here: http://www.dove.us/Social-Mission/default.aspx

The website looks innocent enough, discussing the issues girls have with themselves and giving advice to mothers and parents about strengthening their bonds with their daughters.  Also a few activities and videos scattered about. But isn't it funny that to support the cause, one must buy products of Dove's that are used to enhance appearance. Now, shampoo and soaps can be debatable. Those who use shampoos and soaps would defend that they are used not for vanity, but for horrible smell. But, getting rid of your horrid stench and de-greasing your hair is all part of maintaining a good appearance. It's not just the fact that Dove is selling soaps to young girls, but it's really what the shampoos and soaps claim to do for appearance. Actually, right as I pull up the hair care section of Dove's website, I get this first ad that is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. 

"Get gorgeously well-defined, bouncy curls that last as long as you do" [1]

Here is a screenshot as well.

http://www.dove.us/Products/Hair/default.aspx

 Is it necessary to add the word "gorgeous" in the description? These products claim to promote self esteem in girls, but are playing off the insecurities of women and girls to sell products.  

Here is another ad, this time for lotion. just look at this picture. You can tell the woman is too shiny to be real. She has clearly been photo shopped to look perfect. Apparently this lotion will help you feel extra beautiful. Something insecure young girls might want, huh?

http://www.dove.us/Products/Lotions/default.aspx

 After a young girl sees these ads, she could be confused. She may be thinking 

"I will not be beautiful like Dove says unless I buy their products." 

This is the sort of mindset that beauty companies want you to conform to, regardless of whatever charities, causes, funds they stand for. There is one more section of this website that I would like to explore, Dove for Men [2]. Going through this part of the website, I don't see any emphasis on mens beauty. None of these products are claiming to make men look more "manly" or "hot" or what have you. There are no underwear clad models, or lush descriptions of products. 

I do see one thing though. Why does Dove think men need to have their own separate line of soaps? Can't men smell like flowers and sunshine, or do we still live in the 1930's? How come there are no male examples in the campaign for real beauty articles? Young boys feel self conscious as well growing older. Not to go off topic any further, my point is that Dove doesn't seem to be as grounded in their campaign as they claim to be. But it's hard to put all the blame on them. Products sell on the basis that customers feel they need them. How can Dove try to throw a campaign for accepting oneself while still trying to pursued the public into buying their products? 

Cited

[1] http://www.dove.us/Products/Hair/default.aspx

[2] http://www.dove.us/Products/Men-Care/default.aspx