Ads

Advertisements like Dove can’t alter the image of physical beauty in America because their aim is to show American’s something that they like (and therefore already perceive as beautiful) in order to sell a good or service. Although the advertisement could alter the image of physical beauty if it showed Americans something that they both liked and hadn’t ever seen before.

In ESPN the magazine the models usual have on under armor type clothing (especially if it’s an under armor ad), and they almost always have sweat dripping off of them (the exception generally is golf ads). The men and women in these ads also appear as physically fit.

I can’t say that I would pay more attention to ads that featured people who look like me (unless it was exactly like me). Generally I look at ads either because it is unique and therefore catches my eye or if it’s obviously one about something I want. As far as aesthetic standards go I would say that they vary by individuals. There may be some correlation between a specific age buying a specific brand because of its advertising appeal, but correlation isn’t causation.

I think that the Dove ad works in that it effectively appeals to its audience. Obviously it works because Dove is apparently still in business and buying ads. I see the point of their ad being to appeal to women by showing the other “beautiful” women using Dove. This is trying to make it look as if Dove causes the beauty and I suppose it works.