Advocating for Authenticity and Inclusivity in Beauty Standards: She Disrupts, Response to Dove's Recent Pledge #AI

In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and beauty standards, Dove has pledged never to use artificial intelligence (AI) to represent real people in its advertising. This commitment, aligned with the brand’s long-running “Real Beauty” platform celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a commendable step towards fostering authenticity and inclusivity. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, I believe this move by Dove has the potential to reshape the beauty industry, but it also invites a deeper conversation about genuine representation and the role of technology in perpetuating or dismantling unrealistic beauty standards.

Critical Points of Dove’s Pledge

Dove’s new ad campaign, “The Code,” addresses the unrealistic beauty standards often perpetuated by AI-generated images. By emphasising the importance of diversity and inclusivity, Dove aims to showcase real women in its advertising, acknowledging the inevitability of AI’s presence in online content. This stance is a conscious effort to promote a healthier understanding of beauty, reducing the pressure on individuals, particularly women, to conform to unattainable ideals.

The Need for Authentic Representation

In my book, She Disrupts: A Black Woman's Journey in STEM and AI Industries, I discuss the profound impact of AI and technology on society, particularly on marginalised groups. One of the key takeaways from my work is the need for more excellent representation and equity in all facets of life, including advertising. The misuse of AI to create unrealistic images can significantly harm individuals’ self-esteem and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Dove’s commitment to authenticity is a step in the right direction, but it must be part of a broader effort to ensure that no one is left behind.

Addressing Criticisms and Context

Despite Dove's pledge, critics have noted inconsistencies in the brand’s practices. Historically, Dove has faced scrutiny for using heavily edited images and promoting skin-lightening products, which contradict their commitment to authenticity. Additionally, while Dove’s pledge explicitly targets the representation of real people, it does not address the use of AI in altering their appearance. This distinction is crucial, as manipulating images using AI can still perpetuate unrealistic standards.

A pivotal example of progress in this area comes from Nigeria, which has taken bold steps to combat the pervasive issue of skin lightening. Recognising the profound health risks and the perpetuation of harmful beauty standards associated with these products, Nigeria has implemented stringent regulations to curb the sale and use of skin-lightening products.

Facts Illustrating Nigeria's Efforts:

1. Regulatory Actions: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has banned several harmful skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids. These substances are known to cause severe skin damage, including cancer, kidney damage, and other health issues.
2. Public Health Campaigns: Nigeria has launched public health campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of skin-lightening products. These campaigns aim to shift societal perceptions and promote the beauty of natural skin tones.
3. Cultural Shifts: Nigeria's growing cultural movement celebrates darker skin tones and rejects the colonial legacy of colourism. Influential figures and celebrities use their platforms to advocate for self-love and acceptance, contributing to a broader societal change.

Nigeria’s proactive stance against skin lightening offers valuable lessons for Dove and the broader beauty industry. While Dove’s pledge focuses on representing real people without the use of AI, it is equally important to address the deeper, systemic issues related to beauty standards. Dove can draw inspiration from Nigeria’s efforts to create a more holistic approach to authenticity and inclusivity.

Lessons from She Disrupts

She Disrupts explores AI's benefits and potential dangers, particularly its impact on Black women if left unregulated. My book highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black women in tech, advocating for greater representation and equity. One of the core messages is the importance of diverse and authentic representation in all media forms. By ensuring that real people are accurately represented without the distortion of AI, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

How Dove Can Benefit from Genuine Inclusivity

Dove’s efforts to not use AI to represent real people can serve as a powerful call to action for the entire industry. Here are several ways Dove can enhance its commitment to inclusivity and authenticity:

1. Dove should lead by example, ensuring that all images used in its campaigns are free from excessive editing and manipulation. By being transparent about its processes, Dove can build trust with its audience.
2. Dove should continue highlighting diverse beauty standards, including different body types, skin tones, ages, and abilities. This can be achieved by working with models and influencers from various backgrounds, particularly the global majority of women, and sharing their authentic stories.
3. In addition to advertising, Dove can invest in educational campaigns that teach consumers about the impact of AI and unrealistic beauty standards. This aligns with the broader mission of promoting a healthier understanding of beauty.
4. Dove can partner with Academy Achievers and advocate for diversity and inclusion, amplifying historically marginalised voices. Collaborations with initiatives that empower women and girls in STEM, like the #BeMeDigitalInclusion program, can further solidify their commitment to inclusivity.
5. Dove should regularly assess its practices and be open to feedback. This involves acknowledging past mistakes and making concerted efforts to align all aspects of its brand with its commitment to authenticity.

Conclusion

Dove’s pledge to avoid using AI to represent real people in its advertising is a commendable step towards promoting authentic and inclusive beauty standards. However, the brand’s past practices and the broader industry’s reliance on AI highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach. By drawing on the insights from She Disrupts and advocating for genuine representation, Dove can create a more equitable and inclusive beauty industry.

Ultimately, Dove’s efforts should inspire the entire industry to prioritise diversity, inclusivity, and realistic representations of beauty. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated regardless of their background.

#RealBeauty #DiversityMatters #InclusiveBeauty #AIandEthics #SheDisrupts

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