What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Most people see at least one part or aspect of their physical appearance that they don’t like. Constant exposure to idealized media images of flawless human perfection can amplify students’ awareness of their own perceived physical shortcomings. Striving to reach the unattainable ideals the media sets out for us is leading to an increasing number of unhealthy body image issues.
These issues can range from being slightly annoyed by a tiny flaw to developing an obsessive dislike of a particular body part. For those suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), real or imagined physical flaws come to rule their lives.
For more informations click here to read Psychology Today‘s article, “Dealing with Body Image Issues“.
Videos related to and addressing the topics of self-worth and body image:
(Watch videos before viewing to ensure content is appropriate for age and maturity of your class.)
Body image is how you think about what your body looks like and how you compare it to the other bodies you see on the street, on TV, in magazines, in movies and commercials. In fact, you’ve probably only seen a few kinds of bodies over and over again. This might trick you into thinking there are only two kinds of acceptable bodies for men and women and that you’re constantly comparing yourself to them. You’ll sometimes feel like you fall short, like you’re not doing enough, or you, yourself, aren’t enough. But, here’s the thing—what we consider to be an ideal is constantly changing!
Dealing with Bodly Image Issues
It’s all too easy to buy into the belief that your body is just not good enough. It’s too easy to feel inadequate, like you need to constantly change who you are and what you look like to fit an ideal of beauty. Sometimes, we get so focused on the parts of our bodies we wish we could change that we forget to recognize how amazing we are. Here, we offer five suggestions to help you quiet unhealthy, negative thoughts about your shape and size, and boost your self esteem.
Dove Evolution – Photoshopping
A good lead in for a discussion around manufactured images; reality versus media fantasy. How much work goes into creating the images we see in the media?
How Girls Define Themselves
As girls grow older, beauty related pressures increase—making them believe their appearance isn’t good enough. Make a difference in a girl’s self-esteem and encourage her to realize she doesn’t need to change one thing.
Selfie Project
Watch the journey of a group of high school girls and their mothers, as they create a new type of selfie—one that celebrates their unique beauty. In partnership with the Sundance Institute, directed by Academy Award-winnning documentary filmmaker Cynthia Wade and produced by Sharon Liese, Sefie reveals how we have the power to redefine what is beautiful in all of us.
Beauty on your own Terms
Somewhere along the way, it has become the norm to judge women based on their appearance and use their beauty against them. With the #MyBeautyMySay campaign we feature stories of amazing women who stood up for their own beauty.
Boys and Body Image
The pursuit of the perfect body is no longer just a girl thing, boys also fall prey to the images of unrealistic bodies splashed in the media. This video gives some tips in helping promote a healthy body image.
Conversation About Body Image
Five boys talk about their body image issues, stereotypes, and how the media influences the perception of how they should look.
Real Women Redefine Beauty
Inspired by the film “Selfie,” Dove partnered with Soul Pancake to bring you a series of videos that reveal how real women are defining what #BeautyIs.
Would you say what you say to yourself to a stranger?
These strangers teach each other an important lesson on the impact of the critical things we say to ourselves.
Beauty Standards for Hair are a Form of Bias
Can hair affect your career? Dove reveals how the the length, volume and texture of your locks can influence how people see you, treat you, and form a #BeautyBias about you.
Beauty Standard of Weight is a Form of Bias
Why has your weight become a reflection of your personal success and aspirations? See how Dove explores the beauty standards of body size with women who have been distracted from what really matters in their lives by this form of #BeautyBias.
Beauty Standards of Age are a Form of Bias
“Grow old gracefully” they say. We say act however you like, whatever your age. See what women from all walks of life have to say about how #BeautyBias has unfairly made your age taboo.
Girls 6-18 Talk About Body Image
What do girls today think about body image? We sat down with girls ages 6 to 18 to find out.
Dove Real Beauty Sketches
In one of the most famous Dove films, Real Beauty Sketches explores the gap between how others perceive us and how we perceive ourselves. Each woman is the subject of two portraits drawn by FBI-trained forensic artist Gil Zamora: one based on her own description, and the other using a stranger’s observations. The results are surprising.
Body Image not just a Girl Issue
(gr 6-8)