Be Ugly in 2007

We just love Ugly Betty. ABC is partnering with Girls Inc., a non-profit that spurs girls to be strong, smart, and bold, in a new campaign called "Be Ugly 07." The intention behind the campaign is to help set a positive example for young girls to appreciate their own unique beauty and to "Be real, be smart, be passionate, be true to yourself and be ugly."

Girls Inc. president Joyce Roche says the campaign "allows us to counter the messages girls get that they've got to be perfect, be a certain size, look a certain way." Bravo!

To help promote the Be Ugly in 07 campaign, America Ferrera, star of Ugly Betty, is on the cover of February's CosmoGirl magazine (on stands now.) There is also a song to liven up things called, "The Beauty in Ugly" by  Jason Mraz. You can get the song at iTunes. As well, there is a "Be Ugly" t-shirt for $24.95 which comes with a Free "Empower" ring. Net proceeds of the t-shirt sales will go to Girls inc.

I think this whole campaign is just absolutely fun and fabulous. I am thrilled that ABC, a huge media machine, is throwing their muscle behind something that is designed to help girls and young women feel good about things that have nothing to do with looking like an ideal of physical perfection. Again, round of applause!