Reality Sketches: An Interesting Take

This Youtube clip ran across my desk the other day and I wanted to pass it along. Dove invited women into a studio for a series of "Reality Sketches." In the first sketch, a woman described herself to the artist. In the next segment, someone the woman just met described her to the same artist. A very interesting pattern emerged. To view the experiment, click below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpaOjMXyJGk

The Pattern: In most cases, the self-described portrait was much uglier & harsher than the one described to the artist by a relative stranger. It seems that women are perhaps their own worst critic and are fairly critical of their own bodies. The question is why?

The Quest for Perfection: In a video I placed below, an industry insider says that 99.9% of all photos in a magazine are photo-shopped. This means that even the hottest Hollywood actresses and models have their photos air-brushed so they can live up to a certain public image. All this after spending 2 hours a day with a personal trainer at the gym, hiring the best hair and make-up artists, and possibly having surgeries to enhance their looks. The average reader has no idea that their favorite Hollywood star doesn't look that good in real life, which creates unrealistic expectations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP31r70_QNM&feature=fvwp&NR=1

A Little Experiment: For fun and intrigue, go to the mall and "people-watch." Pay attention to all the different body-types, skin tones, hair styles, facial features... Note your judgments of people. Then, flip through a magazine, watch commercials, look at models, actresses... note the differences between the "average person" and the "celebrity person."

Dove's Message: The messages to be thin,beautiful and perfect are everywhere. Men and women buy into this unattainable notion of perfection and internalize it. I think Dove is trying to say, "Don't be so harsh on yourself." "Celebrate the unique nature of your face and body." "Don't allow your self-esteem to be so closely tied to your looks."  "You are more beautiful than you think."

Your Turn:
1) When you finished watching Dove's Reality Sketches, what did you think and feel?
2) How much pressure do people in your generation feel to look a certain way?
3) Can a person's perceptions of themselves (i.e. their self-esteem) influence the outcomes of certain situations? Can you be successful if you think you're dumb? Can you be truly confident if you think your ugly? Worthless?