With the way women are portrayed in the media today, it’s no wonder a lot of girls are growing up with low self esteem. The ideals set forth on movie screens and magazine covers are virtually impossible to measure up to, yet they’re made to seem like the norm.
It’s hitting at younger and younger ages. Pumpkin is six, and she already has a hangup about her “hairy” arms. It didn’t just come out of nowhere, though. Two of her cousins commented on them, and now she keeps saying she wishes they weren’t so hairy. I tell her not to worry about how much hair is on her arms, that she’s beautiful inside and out. But it often seems like it just goes in one ear and out the other.
Dove is making some great strides in dealing with issues like this in young girls. The Dove Self Esteem Fund is holding self esteem workshops for young girls to help them understand how unrealistic the images they see in the media are. They encourage the girls to realize that their uniqueness is beautiful. Here’s a clip that explains what it’s all about better than I can.
Dove has held nearly 2,700 workshops such as this around the world. I think it’s great that they’re putting forth so much effort to get this message out to young girls. It’s something that’s needed to be done for many years.
Friday, 11. July 2008
Thanks for sharing the videos and kudos to Dove for the workshops. Kids have no idea the mental torture they put another child through by some crazy remark or comment. It creates a hang-up which takes ages, if not forever overcome.
Monday, 4. August 2008
I have seen the Dove commericials on self esteem issues and would like to know if there are any workshops offered in or around Batavia, New York for young girls between the ages of 13 to 18?
I have a 17 year old daughter and I feel this program could greatly benefit her as well as many other girls in her age group.
Thank you for any assistance.
Donna Smallwood
Wednesday, 13. August 2008
Hi Donna,
I haven’t been able to find dates and locations for the workshops, but I did find some information for those interested in holding such a workshop. You can take a look at it here:
http://campaignforrealbeauty.com/workshop/Template.aspx?page=learningmore&vanity=0
I’ll keep looking to see what I can find out about existing workshops, and if there are any listings to be found I’ll be sure to post them for all to see.
Wednesday, 20. August 2008
I also can not find workshop locationsin AZ..Just info on holding my own ..Any info on how to find a workshop?
Wednesday, 20. August 2008
Hi Lisa,
I’ve got an inquiry in about it. I’m thinking maybe they just provide the materials and instruction for those who want to hold workshops, and they’re responsible for putting the word out for each individual one. But I’ve asked about it, and will post when I hear back.
Thursday, 18. September 2008
If anyone has suggestions for materials - websites, books, videos (free) about self esteem for girls 8-12, I agree advertising puts pressure on these girls - I home school 2 between these ages and am always looking for interesting supplementary lessons for them.
Please email me if you have any ideas: wphoenix@leo.tamu-commerce.edu