Rated M for Mature, Unlike Richard Roeper
Because if I tried to actually say something about this, I'd end up sputtering obscenities. Here's a few of the hundreds of links concerning Dove, Richard Roeper, and the difference between normal and chunky, model and real, acceptance and ignorance.
I always knew there was something off about him. No wonder Ebert looks like he's in pain when they're on set together.
So their slogan is clever "Firming the thighs of a size 2 supermodel is no challenge. Real Women have real bodies with real curves. And Dove wants to celebrate those curves." Yeah, they are still trying to sell a product that's basically saying "Eww. Use this stuff quick!" But it's a be-the-best-you-can-be approach, as opposed to use-this-and-look-like-Kate Moss.
It really is in the eye of the beholder (and yes, the advertising we are subjected to). Which is why Roeper is so not my type.
posted by Vicarious Living @ 2:00 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Hmm, a very interesting "controversy". There's a lot I could say here but it looks like most everyone has said it.
Roeper certainly isn't very smart. I mean, to say what he did and not expect a reaction? Use of words like "unsettling" should have been his first clue that, hey, maybe I might insult some people by saying these things. Also, his discussion (in defense of what he said) about dating some model didn't really strike me as proving a point, other than he wanted to show off that he could bag a model.
The discussion over whether or not ads should be limited to "really attractive people" is an interesting one. Some part of me agrees, I mean, if you have to be assaulted with ads all the time, at least let there be some really choice eye candy in there. But of course this means that we are constantly assailed with an unrealistic expectation of beauty. So, I do appreciate the idea of using real people in ads, especially for some products where it actually makes sense. The Dove firming cream for example: who would believe that a supermodel needs to tighten up their cellulite? In some ways I think we're all sick of seeing these "perfect" people all the time--men included. No doubt if we saw ads featuring people that better fit our own "less than perfect" bodies, we'd be happier people and have a more positive self-image.
Of course, having said this, I'm not going to applaud Dove. Although some part of their corporate entity may want to help improve young women's self image they are, still, a corporation. Companies have to make money, and they will advertise in whatever way makes the most sense.
An additional upshot of a move toward using real people in ads would be the potential disappearance of the question, "Does my butt look big in this?" Cause all you'd have to do is look up at the 40 foot billboard and decide for yourself. :)
Kato stole all my good comment content.
Interestingly, "Chunky" has mostly positive connotations.
Celebrities have stupid opinions, just like the rest of us.
You just won't find my opinions on the news, unfortunately.
I just find it amazing that 'regular' (non-plus sized) dresses only fit about 20% of women.
It's a supermodel's job to look good, that's why they can afford to spend 6 hours a day working out, afford personal chefs and personal trainers.
Unless you can devote 99% of your time to your body, the average woman doesn't really have much of a chance to get that model body.
After all, models don't spend 8 hours a day sitting at a desk working, then have to go home and take care of the kids.
The whole 'real beauty' thing applies to men as well. If I could afford a personal trainer, chef and stylist...I'm pretty sure in about a year I'd be some pretty tasty beefcake.
I prefer 'real' women...and would just like to point out that a lot of models look decidedly average once all the makeup, smoke and mirrors are taken away
Now I really want Siskel to come back (if that was possible).
It's horrible to read what Roeper foolishly decided to write down in one of the country's biggest newspapers.
Roeper is an idiot!
Get a load of this doll:
http://www.core77.com/corehome/2005/07/fat.html
I really think there should be some variety in advertising, as there is in life. Thin blondes with silicone perfect boobs do not make me want to buy a product, and certainly do not make me think said product will make my body or my life in any way resemble theirs. Life is about choices, and with advertising, we just aren't getting much.
Paulius - Thanks for bringing up some excellent points I really hadn't heard from anyone else in response to this issue.
Siskel is missed, Chunky Monkey is great, Roeper is an obnoxious buffoon, that doll is kinda creepy, and thanks for stopping by papacool!
your blog is pretty funny. Thanks!
Post a Comment
<< Home