I found the ideas behind these advertisements very interesting. In society today, we are constantly exposed to objectification and sexualization of women to encourage men to buy products. Are actions such as these diminishing women and their rights? Is it wrong to use women's bodies to sell products, such as a beer? Are these commercials even, in a sense, violating women's civil liberties?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Objectification for a Cause
Today I was talking to someone about commercials and what makes certain ones memorable and appealing to consumers versus ones that don't exactly leave a huge impression. A huge portion of the advertising industry is involved with objectifying women. An example of this can be seen in a commercial for Kaiser beer: two men are on a beach and manipulate a beer bottle, which is controlling a young woman with minimal clothing on. It's difficult to explain, but to watch this promiscuous commercial, click here. I also found an image online of a St. Pauli beer commercial, making a connection between the woman ("drop dead" gorgeous) and the beer (just as "refreshing" as the sexy woman).
I found the ideas behind these advertisements very interesting. In society today, we are constantly exposed to objectification and sexualization of women to encourage men to buy products. Are actions such as these diminishing women and their rights? Is it wrong to use women's bodies to sell products, such as a beer? Are these commercials even, in a sense, violating women's civil liberties?
I found the ideas behind these advertisements very interesting. In society today, we are constantly exposed to objectification and sexualization of women to encourage men to buy products. Are actions such as these diminishing women and their rights? Is it wrong to use women's bodies to sell products, such as a beer? Are these commercials even, in a sense, violating women's civil liberties?
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I think this idea is really interesting Donna. Sex sells. Every marketing team knows that. Who would buy a beer if the commercial contained a middle-aged man drinking a cold one on his porch?
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't find the objectification of women in these commercials offending because I know how effective they are in advertising, and I get it. The only time I find it offensive is when an advertisement tries to use the 'too-manly-for-women' approach- like the recent Dr. Pepper "It's not for women" ads. I only get offended when commercials try to undermine the mental capabilities of women rather than the physical. I know hot women are good at advertising things. But it doesn’t mean we’re stupid or less capable than men.
(Dr. Pepper ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iuG1OpnHP8)