After reading some of the articles provided in class, my eyes began to open to all of the sexism in media, especially in advertising. I believe it was the article entitled “Beauty and the beast of advertising,” really made me take a second look at commercials that I hadn’t even thought of. These people (people in the advertising industry) really do believe we are in the palms of their hands and in many ways they are right. They tell us what to think of ourselves. Media tells us what we need, not because we need it, but because if we have it, others will envy us and for a moment, we will have power. What geniuses! What a pity.
The most astounding fact was how even in history, in paintings, there are moments when women are being manipulated. John Berger’s book, “The Ways of Seeing,” was such an eye opener, how women were painted not just as art, but to be looked at. It was the fact that we prepare ourselves to be seen by men; when I go shopping, I no longer think about what I like, I think about and envision myself dressed how my boyfriend would like. This notion boggled by mind because it was so true and I thought no one knew about it! I’ve been so brainwashed. I’ve been bamboozled!
As I began to work with a certain organization, helping to put together a youth leadership conference for next year, I began to pay closer attention to advertising geared towards young women. I realized that the conference was in no way appealing to my demographic (18-24 year-old Christian, educated, urban females), but why? Because there was no need; we want to be cool, we want to be wanted so we will go where the guys are, such a sad fact. So I have decided to do something about that… Now I’m in the brainstorming phase. I will keep you updated.
The only advertising that I actually like is Dove’s beauty campaign. I wish it wasn’t the only one, but its great. This by far is my favorite advertisement of theirs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FowHP01j-Oo
I wish there were more ads that were like this, so I'm going to do research and create one for my specific demographic. I've found some inspiration in "The Merchants of Cool." That's what I need to do for my demographic. Its time we had more positive reinforcement for us. I'm thinking of mixing a taste of an organization/movement like "The Revolve Tour"and Dove's beauty and campaign. Something that reaches Christian girls everywhere...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXW9Cm__B4g
I know, I know what you are thinking, but as a young Christian woman, we have even more to face, not only do we dislike the ads that are sexist against us, we also feel that we can't relate to so many other things like sex before marriage, see through clothing, etc. We need something specific, something that we can relate to and feel comfortable with. I will make it... I will.
:)
ReplyDeleteI love this.