Review of the 2006 Super Bowl Dove Commercial

In a time when we have television networks being fined for over-the-top sex advertisements and unfortunate costume malfunctions, it is a breath of fresh air to find altruistic commercials like the Dove: Self Esteem commercial played during the 2006 Super Bowl. Before I continue, take a look for yourself.

As a consumer, I am impressed with Dove's uplifting commercial for the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. We are all quite aware that advertisements are meant to sell a product, but watching Dove's self-esteem commercial lets us forget that for a moment. Dove's commercial allows us to concentrate on nobler causes, such as helping one another to overcome low self-esteem, develop self-love and develop love for others.

The Dove: Self Esteem commercial begins with beautiful, unsmiling, young girls who all seem to have low self-esteem. Thoughts like "hates her freckles", "thinks she's ugly", "wishes she were blonde", and "afraid she's fat" are sprinkled throughout the beginning of the commercial to represent the way many young girls see themselves. This creative approach draws the audience in while opening up their hearts in preparation for Dove's message.

The lyrics from the song "True Colors", "Show me a smile then, don't be unhappy. Can't remember when I last saw you laughing. If this world makes you crazy and you've taken all you can bear, you call me up, because you know I'll be there." play throughout the beginning of the commercial, adding a beautiful, yet melancholy atmosphere. Dove's use of the song, "True Colors", encourages the audience to empathize with the young girls in the commercial as well as all young girls who are experiencing such low self-esteem.

Midway through the Dove: Self-Esteem commercial, you see the message "let's change their minds". This powerful message marks a change in the mood of Dove's commercial and allows the audience to feel more hopeful. Immediately following that message, the tempo of the song, "True Colors", picks up and we are quickly introduced to smiling and dancing young girls. We, the audience, know these young girls now feel much better about themselves.