Social media is slowly consuming our lives with the increasing popularity of users on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and countless others social media platforms. With so many horror stories out there about the negative effects of social media, it’s nice to know that some people use it for good.
#AerieREAL
Aerie, American Eagles lingerie and swimsuit sister store, launched a photoshop free campaign in 2014. Since then they’ve expanded the campaign which has both been criticized and praised.
I first came across this hashtag on Instagram from Rachel Brathen. Brathen is an author, an international yoga teacher and a new partner with Aerie. On her Instagram she announced, “I’m excited to share that I’ve partnered with Aerie to create a movement of acceptance and self-love on a global level. Too many young women (and men!) suffer from eating disorders and it’s time we change that. The time is now! How are you practicing self-love? How are you working to change judgment to acceptance? Share your own posts describing how you love your amazing body. For every #AerieREAL hashtag posted $1 will be donated to NEDA, a non-profit that supports those affected by eating disorders. Let’s use social media to create social change and see how much money we can raise.”
According to Refinery29, all the images in the #AerieREAL ads have celebrated women with varying physiques, sans any digital manipulation. Emma Roberts starred in an ad last year telling Refinery29, “It’s important for me to be a part of this [campaign], because I see how hard it is for girls my sister’s age, with social media and feeling like they need to look a certain way.”
This past February, Aerie announced that the new #AerieREAL role model would be Iskra Lawrence. Aerie believes that she is a champion for body positivity and acceptance. Lawrence commented saying, “Aerie shares my values in uplifting women, building their confidence and embracing unique qualities that make us all beautiful.”
Body positivity is something that everybody especially adolescent girls struggle with. This campaign should be known by every shopper out there because unlike other clothing brands that photoshop their models and set unrealistic expectations for girls to meet, Aerie is promoting the acceptance of our bodies instead.
By practicing self-love, embracing our bodies and uplifting others we can all help make this world a better place.
With just one post with the hashtag, you can raise $1 and potentially save a person’s life.
