Decades after the feminist movement, society still judges females on the basis of physical appearance. Women are often their own harshest critics, the result of being bombarded from girlhood with messages telling them they need to pluck this, straighten that and conceal those. It is a reality that will probably never be fully eradicated.
Black women as a group particularly feel the effects of these messages on their self-image. A poll of black women’s attitudes conducted by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Essence magazine reported 71 percent of respondents stating that the media portrays black women worse than other racial groups. In an age where image and appearance seem to be everything, P&G and black women’s advocates have teamed up to use the power of image for self-empowerment and expanding the standards of beauty in our society.
At the 2007 BET Awards, P&G unveiled the “My Black is Beautiful” campaign, designed to celebrate the inner and outer beauty of black women. While consumers often associate P&G with housekeeping products, it is also the parent company of the CoverGirl®, Pantene® and Olay® family of cosmetics, hair care and skin care products, respectively. The campaign homepage at www.myblackisbeautiful.com lists an extensive fact sheet for these brands, focusing on products that enhance black women’s unique skin and hair features.
“My Black is Beautiful” initiatives are making rounds throughout the country, including an appearance at the recent National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Las Vegas and the ongoing awarding of action grants to benefit community-based organizations. Future campaign plans include a conversation tour and releasing a related discussion guide to facilitate grassroots activities in various cities. So keep on the lookout, and tell a friend to do so as well. “My Black is Beautiful” may be coming your way in the near future.