When thinking about posting this blog, the research became an issue. As realization struck, I thought this topic needs no research other than the reader's own. I thought, all I need to do get the ball rolling. Now before you continue reading watch this, I recommend you watch this. (about 30 min long) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1993368502337678412. It's called Killing Us Softly 3. This video carries an essence of provoking thought. As any person watches tv, they are bombarded by these images and ideas. My theme for this post creates awareness for all about ads. The negative sexual images they present. Such ads are axe, body soaps, make up, etc.
The Axe/body spray for men creates a foundation for what I'm presenting. Axe commercials show off these muscular (at least fit) men spraying Axe on themselves. As a result their sexual attractiveness to the ladies increases a hundred fold. The guy from the commercial walks a foot away from the "submissive" (and apparently horny) woman. Enticed, the woman wraps her arms around the guy and caresses him. Seem far fetched? Well it should. The image this ad presents tells men they have to be fit, and need to smell good. The commercial persuades, subliminally, that women should be submissive and turned on by the smell of Axe. Just 2 minutes from this commercial shapes thoughts in the subconscious realm.
Axe creates their commercial for men. So, it's time to shift gears to companies aimed at the female market. Make up/cosmetic products provides an excellent foundation for this series of thoughts. Imagine an ad for any female make up company. Think of what the woman may look like. Does she have blemishes? How old does she look? Does her skin seem to radiate? Make up companies trick women into thinking that this women in the ad is what all women should look like. The ad women has no blemishes, looks young and radiant, all thanks to digital editing by the way. More times than not, she'll have the submissive look in her eyes. Or the typical American house wife smile. Ladies, can you tell me you don't wish to look like those women in the ads?
A person might say that ads do not affect them. The answer to that, they probably are (without realizing it). In order to not be affected by ads, that person must ignore them. Otherwise that person might as well stop watching tv, go on the internet, listen to the radio or drive down the street. A person needs to drive out into the middle of nowhere to escape these ads. Nature rocks. However, most people don't have the time to go out to the middle of nowhere.
Why am I attempting to educate you, the general public? To break down some of these negative thoughts about women being submissive, a certain body type, etc. In hopes that men can be seen other than the muscle bound, cocky, dominant, etc. In order for a person to avoid such thoughts, they must make an effort to do so. They must know what they are seeing. Make an effort to stand against these thoughts. Realize the messages the American society attempts to drill in the people's heads. Ad's say more than you realize.
I don't know if these examples can be considered "subliminal," as it is a pretty straight forward message. I think that a lot of the gender stereotypes that you mentioned are quite noticiable. While I don't deny that these ads are perpetuating standard gender roles, I don't think this is done so in a negative way. I also think the ads are exploiting the already existing desire to fit the "gender perfect" mold rather than creating the mold itself.
I would have to disagree with them not being subliminal. According to the dictionary, subliminal means :"existing or operating below the threshold of consciousness; being or employing stimuli insufficiently intense to produce a discrete sensation but often being or designed to be intense enough to influence the mental processes or the behavior of the individual: a subliminal stimulus; subliminal advertising." (From Dictionary.com) I firmly believe it's at a sub conscious level that if it does not create, it affirms and makes concrete pre-existing stereotypes and thoughts in a person's head. Thoughts of what a normal male and female should be defined as. I believe through process of repetition, it does shape how a person will think about certain subjects and more importantly, themselves. I also find that it is in a negative way that people are affected. The mold says men need to not talk about how the feel. That men are pussies if they cry. The mold also says women should submit to men, and they need to look certain ways. I believe that's wrong. It's okay for men to be caring, sensitive etc. Just as it's okay for a woman to be strong, not necessarily shaped like a super model, etc. Also it's note worthy to mention that advertising is designed to create desire for the product, and if that means playing off of stereotypes then by all means they'll do it. Even if it makes women and men think they need to fit a certain mold (and that they are weird if they don't).
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"As for me, all I know is that I know nothing."-Socrates
"Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to
contemplate."- Saint Thomas Aquinas
I guess these messages could be subliminal but I believe they are more sociological because of gender roles. Well then again...yeah they could be subliminal because that deals with psychology as well.
I do watch these commericals but ignore them. Especially the make up ones. All mascara is the same. They don't give you "maximum volume" they give you volume that you would get from any other mascara.
I hate commercials most times because woman are always the one cleaning house. Can't a man do it also? or would that be to unmascline for them?
I guess it is because I am not a tomboy but I am not a girly girl either. I like gory movies, I like to get dirty, and lift heavy stuff, but I also like to try to look cute.
subliminal messages can really only capture someone if they aren't a strong enough person. Sure some will catch other stronger people, but they are suppose to. I think people should just do what I do laugh it off.
Come to the darkside....we have cookies ;)
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/50086-%E2%80%9Ctaxi-darkside%E2%80%9D-u...