This is an odd one...

Bit over the top but I think Dove should be given credit for handling a real
problem like this and in your face must be the strategy?

ahmward...

I don't think it's over the top at all; in fact, it is very real and
very sad.

Ruddell...

Oh, absolutely it is sad. Yet the truth as well and I suppose an eye opener
for those with kids at that age to think about. Will this type of strategy
work for parents who haven't thought about it? I hope so...

cofarb...

Is it a strategy? It points out the problems of girls' self-esteem

Ruddell...

I think so? That's what I meant originally about being over the top.

regarding their appearance, but I'm not sure it contained any helpful tips
on counteracting it. It was definitely sad.

Barbara...

Well, it did contain one. When the young girl said that she likes it
when sometimes her mother sits down and really talks with her, and
really listens. I thought that was the point that they were trying to
make -- talk to your kids, don't poo-poo their concerns about these
issues, and remind them how beautiful they are.

Ruddell...

Obviously aimed at parents and there seems to be some sort of group to join
to collectively try to solve this situation. My daughter who is now 28 and
happily living her life wasn't any different than anyone else at that age. I
think they're on to something here and Dove may have done it right. Maybe
not, yet I honestly now think they're trying to focus on the positive by
pointing out the negative.

Ruddell...

Yup, no denying that...

ami kio...

Even more depressing is that these girls are all lovely and have all these
issues.

kpr54...

It may seem over the top, but I've had conversations just like this
with my own daughter just within the past few months. And she's only
11. We have to be very, VERY careful about what we say regarding
appearance, clothing, skincare, and ESPECIALLY weight. She has no
weight problem at all; she's built like a very slender athlete. kpr54

Ruddell...

Hope it all turns out well for you both and from the sound of it, so far so
good. But at 11 there is much to come. I guess you're more than aware of
the problem and likely will handle it all with loving care. There are some
out there who aren't and with any luck, they'll pick up on it...

cofarb...

It's incredibly common. I remember thinking I was fat, starting when I was
about 12. Now it's down to much younger. But now we're supposedly so much

David RL Gärtner, RMT...

when i was 19, i thought i was fat. but the truth of the matter
is that i was 6'2" and 155 lbs. now i'm 35 years old, 6'2" and
199 lbs. and i like my body a whole lot more now than i did
then.

Ruddell...

Well David, usually this problem is one of the female types yet I suppose
there are some men it affects as well. But as long as you're happy and
healthy, then everything is cool. Glad to hear it ;-)

cofarb...

Sadly, this problem has been increasing among males. It is jokingly
referred to as manorexia. The condition, however, is no joke.

Ruddell...

To be honest I never knew it was a male problem. The attention is always
towards the female side and that's where it probably originated and continues
to carry on today.

Absolutely no joke. Anything that isn't healthy isn't something to treat in
any other way than a serious problem. And speaking of which, it's time to
walk our doggies. Not much of a walk (45 minutes) but it's still a bit of
exercise...

cofarb

more aware of the problem, yet it seems more pervasive than ever. (My
mother used to let my brother call me fat. I would *never* let my kids get

AJ...

Actually the two male populations among whom it's been a huge
problem for years and years are high school / college wrestlers
and jockeys. (Racing jockeys.) If you follow horses, even a little
bit, you hear some terrible stories.

away with that.) So why doesn't it get any better? (Rhetorical question.)

ami kio...

Maybe I'm just too rational about these things, but I wouldn't expect Dove
to do any differently. If you're selling a beauty care product, of course
you want attractive models to imply that if you use this product, you'll be
attractive too. I would find it extremely weird to see an ad with a model
who has 2 rolls of fat hanging over her belt and horrible acne.

ami kio...

Personally, I'm just pleased that the models are cookie cutter.