Comments on: Sisters Supporting Sisters: Procter and Gamble Unveils “My Black is Beautiful” Initiative

By: zeda perkins

zeda perkins — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:45:37 +0000

I think this is absolutley wonderful. I am planning my first orientation in a couple of weeks to introduce the women I have invited to the conversation group so that I can answer any questions any participants may have and lay the ground rules for upcoming meetings

By: Rhoda Moore

Rhoda Moore — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:48:24 +0000

For years I have watched commercials and TV shows and felt like the images of black women were usually unflattering. I applaud this movement and would like to say thanks to those who are behind it. It’s about time the media realizes the beauty in black women just as it does when it comes to all other women.

By: Mes Deux Cents

Mes Deux Cents — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:19:39 +0000

It sounds like a great concept.- I just checked the website and the first thing I noticed was BET was being promoted. Why? BET is a major part of the problem along with other Viacom media outlets like Paramount “Who’s Your Caddy’ Pictures and VH1.

I agree with Maxine, this is just marketing by two White companies Essence Magazine (owned by Time Inc.) and P&G.

I think the real movement to take our images back has been going on in the blogisphere for quite some time now.

By: Maxine

Maxine — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:29:03 +0000

I agree with the statements above – this just looks like a ploy to increase sales for P&G to act like they really care about why “My Black is beautiful”. Black women know they are beautiful – it’s the non-blacks who don’t know – start a campaign to target them. None the less – thanks for the site and trying to pacify your black consumers. We see marketing & sales strategies a mile away.

By: tremaine

tremaine — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:48:30 +0000

This is a good idea and a great way to encourage people of color to branch out and give opinions of ourselves, as well as continually uplift ourselves too. I am also in total agreement w/ Lena and Chloe. This is a stepping stone to what could be even bigger and should be; but if we truly want to change the images that are portrayed, a lot more will have to take place.

By: Mlle Smith

Mlle Smith — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:25:26 +0000

While this is a great initiative on the part of Proctor and Gamble, I do agree with Chloe, that they are, in a sense, “preaching to the choir”. Though there are definitely many among us that actually NEED to be “preached to”, they could also bring about change by bringing this message to others, as well – not just the Black community.

I find it ironic that Essence Magazine was involved in this study, seeing as they allowed their beauty director, Mikki Taylor, to appear regularly as a “judge” on Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School…a show that clearly exploits and perpetuates negative, stereotypical depictions of Black women.

By: Lena

Lena — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:35:09 +0000

I’m torn on this. I tend to think like Chloe above. Frankly, if P&G wants to have an impact on negative media images, a good place to start would be denying advertising dollars to media outlets that routinely disseminate those images, or at least flexing their economic muscle to encourage more empowering images. It’s all good to have a tour and Website for us, but changes also need to be made in the boardrooms of television networks and publishing companies.

By: crystal

crystal — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:37:49 +0000

I was thinking about doing an event series like this at my school. The concept was to get sistas together to talk about the state of our community and most importantly, what we can do to demand respect from music artists, the media and anyone else who tries to degrade us from day to day. I still plan on doing these events and appreciate Proctor and Gamble giving me a backdrop for those discussions. i’m really feeling the manifesto and will post it on my mirror to read each morning.

By: Chloe

Chloe — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:51:16 +0000

Black womens self esteem isn’t created in a vacuum. We are inundated with negative images and stereotypes that are generated by white controlled media outlets. If P&G really cared about the mental health of black women, they’d try to effect change within these white dominated media industries and dissuade them from disseminating derogatory messages. The responsibility to correct the wrongs lies with them, not with us. P&G needs to engage Madison Avenue first and us second. Take the solution directly to the source.

By: autumn

autumn — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:36:33 +0000

This is long overdue! I’m glad to see a company like Proctor and Gamble care enough to create something like this. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Hopefully it won’t be a good idea that just fizzles away and then disappears. Keep us posted on the events coming up. I’ll definitely be there with bells on!