Dove Ads

The other day I was having a heated argument with someone I just met regarding the Dove ads. The ads were not specifically what we were fighting over, it just sparked a debate about what the definition of beauty was.

He stated that the definition of beauty was too narrow and should be question and expanded. (*he basically LOVED the dove ads)

I on the other hand believed that, in the modern developed world, there is a definition of outer beauty that is universal. (*I basically think the dove ads are corney self confidence boosters)

I suppose the debate could go on...(and it did).. but there are a few solid things I strongly believe to be true when it comes to the definition of superficial beauty and why I think its universal. First off, I believe that unless you are living in a developing country, obese is not really considered attractive. I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact that larger people tend to be more sickly (ie: diabetes & heart diseases) or that clothes do not look as nice on them because they do not hang as well, but I know that to be true. And every plastic surgeon will tell you that numerous studies have been preformed where they showed that attractiveness has to do with the symmetry of then face. These studies showed (amongst many other things) how babies eyes generally stare longer at faces that have more symmetry. Also, big breast, long lashes, and thick lips all indicate fertility to our primitive urges and are most likely the reason why we think they are attractive. Those are only a few of the universal indicators for beauty that I believe that we as humans have ingrained in us from evolution and natural selection.

Do I believe that people can have individual tastes and preferences? Yes. Do I think they are wrong for having them? No. Do I think that racial diversity can not be considered beautiful? No, I think every race can embody these standards and can be considered beautiful.

Well, they guy I was talking to saw beauty as a personal preference, but I saw it as something
more definite. Something that people could define. And beauty to me.. its better than average. Or else why wouldn't you feel good when someone said "oh.. your so AVERAGE!"

I'm tired of seeing people who may have a ton of INNER beauty going off and saying they are so beautiful. I'm all for self-confidence, but come on.. isn't that a little too PC for you? Its like every little league baseball player getting a trophy, and every kid that gets a barely passing grade a pat on the back. I personally believe that American children have overinflated sense of selves. The parents and society are creating a generation of people who feel entitled and "better than average" .....when they are not! If your not what society defines as beauty.... its ok!!! You can still be smart, creative, witty... But don't fool yourself and call yourself beautiful! **I'm not talking inner beauty people!!!! I think a ton of supeficially beautiful people are truly ugly inside. But... people should call it like it is! So to these Dove ads I say... "give me a break"!