| Javert Rovinski |
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An interesting observation about ads...
2003/01/13 06:01 PM |
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First, this isn't a complaint, not an observation. I'm not that sensitive, I just find this intriguing.
Obviously, all characters in commercials are simple, one-dimensional characters.
Now, both men and women are portrayed as sex objects and have been for quite some time [The best examples that pop to mind are cologne commercials (both sides), and beer commercials (sports ones at least always have female cheerleaders)].
However... only men are portrayed as stupid. It's intriguing, isn't it? When someone pointed this out to me, I at first didn't believe it.... but I can think of plenty of commercials where men are portrayed as idiots (cupid.com comes to mind).
Conversely, I can't think of a single example where a woman is portrayed as slow.
It's interesting, innit? I'm not sure what the hell it means, but I'm intrigued.
And if you can think of any counter-examples, please post.
| BunRab |
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Re: An interesting observation about ads...
2003/01/13 06:54 PM |
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You don't think women are portrayed as stupid? Women have been portrayed as idiots who will buy anything just to look good or make their husbands come home each evening. They are portrayed as people who believe that if you use the right shampoo, your life will be perfect. That's clearly treating them as stupid, to me.
| kimmer |
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Re: An interesting observation about ads...
2003/01/13 07:49 PM |
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I worked in advertising for many years, and it's the swinging of the pendulum. Yes, there are still some "women bashing" ads around; but for the most part the ads are "male bashers". Seems to be the in thing these days.
For many, many years ... the ads were almost exclusively "women bashing". I'm glad that's changed, but I don't care for the "male bashing" ads either. Obviously it works or they would change their ads; but I'd rather see advertisers mover away from BASHING anyone.
Best response ... watch how and for what you spend your bucks; and write to advertisers and tell them how you feel. Advertisers know that for every single, well written letter of complaint, there are at least 10 others people who feel the same way. They do pay attention.