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 student’s 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 information, 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.)
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?
Boys and Body Image
Although there are less campaigns acknowledging the damage of the media’s idealized body standards for men, this video shows how they are just as affected as their female counterparts.
The Reverse Selfie
A good lead-in for a discussion around social media and its influence on identity. By age 13, 80% of girls distort the way they look online. Social media is a big part of young people’s lives – but retouching apps and the pressure to post the ‘perfect selfie’ are hurting their self-esteem and confidence.
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.
Shattering Beauty Stereotypes
70% of women still don’t feel represented within media & advertising. That’s why Dove is taking action with Girlgaze Photographers, Getty Images and women everywhere to create Project #ShowUs – the world’s largest stock photo library powered by women to shatter beauty stereotypes around the world. We’re showing women as they are, not as others believe they should be.
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.
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.
Women Redefine Beauty
Inspired by the film “Selfie,” Dove partnered with Soul Pancake to bring you a series of videos that reveal how 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.
Dear Media: An Athlete’s Beauty is her Say
When the media focuses on an athlete’s looks, we don’t see her at all. Change the way the media talks about female athletes at http://bit.ly/2aiClb9
Are you your own Worst Critic?
Is the list of things that you dislike about your body longer than the things you love? Sometimes we really can be our own worst critic. We took to the streets for our Dove film Inner Critic and asked women to tell us their least and most favourite body parts… which answers came easiest? We bet you can guess…
Body Image is not just a Girl’s Issue
The idea of getting bigger and the obsession and danger of achieving the perfect male body.
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.
Are Body Image Issues Increasingly Affecting Boys?
It used to be assumed that women were the predominant victims of body image issues. However, there has been a recent surge in boys who are succumbing to these social pressures.
