In class we've been discussing a lot of ads for clothing companies. I've noticed that all the ads have nude men or women in them and aren't really showing any clothing what so ever in the ads.
It is amazing to me how in todays world how sex sells. why? I mean I understand sex appeal.. that is something I think all man or woman want to have and I'm guilty of it too. why is it in this day-in-age we tolerate a group of men, for example, pinning down a women by a pool appealing to wear clothing. Why are these clothing companies able to sell clothing that has ads that look like the women are going to be raped. What about women and men looking stoned of their rocker because they are addicted to 'fashion' when clearly the ad shows them sniffing a dress with cocaine next to it.
Aren't we all trying to keep drugs out of our home and rape and murder off our streets. What are we telling our children about fashion if they are seeing these images in the magazines and billboards.
Don't get me wrong, sex sell. but is it worth our standards and morals. I have to say I'm not offended by these images, I'm appalled. Should I be offended or have we become so desensitized to this kind of thing it doesn't matter any more?
Just some thought, take them as you will.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
So much of today's world is based on physical appearance, its actually quite shallow to be honest. If everyone is striving to impress and to live a higher life and we see ads that are only promoting: sex, violence, drugs and prejudice of races and gender, what do you think that the generations of our day will turn towards? (I hope I used my colon right after today's class.)
ReplyDeleteAlso going along with what you said about what we are showing with the fashion industry. I almost feel like just because there is a high fashion label on these ads, they make them okay. For example, the ads that Heather talked about. If the rape ad didn't have Dolce and Gabbana plastered on the front, it would be an absolutely disturbing picture. Almost anyone that viewed it, would have feelings of offense towards the photo.
Keep in mind, you guys...not everybody has the same ideas and values that we do, here in Happy Valley. It may not be as prevalent here, but in most other places...sex definitely sells. I mean, if you've seen Axe body spray in stores, I'm sure you noticed that you can buy 2-packs of them now, and they include a mini can of another scent, as a bonus. Well, in England, those same packs of Axe don't come with a bonus mini can. They come with a condom.
ReplyDeleteIn Mexico (and other countries as well, i'm sure), commercials totally revolve around sex. You'd see a model who's all but naked, moaning, and shifting...running her hands through her hair, and in the last 2 seconds of the ad, she pulls up a Pepsi, or something. In Amsterdam, you'd see a nude lesbian couple making out in a commercial for orange juice, of all things.
If you can somehow associate sex with your product in any way, you're likely to sell a LOT more, than you would if you were merely creative with your ad.
Now, as for the rape ads, and the like...i just think the companies are more or less competing with each other. They have to push the limit just a little more than their competitors. And i honestly think that a lot of women (using the Dolce and Gabbana pool rape ad as an example) would not even really notice that the woman looks like she's about to be gang raped. They would be paying attention to the fact that she attracted lots of hot men. And that's what the majority of women would want. They want to look hot. They want to attract the sexy men. Not gang rapists, sure. But like i said, they're not really paying attention to that part.
Guys are kind of the same way. We men, and i openly admit this, are sex addicts. It's the way we're built. So if we see a commercial with a gorgeous woman wearing almost nothing, holding a Pepsi can, you can be sure, we're going to want a Pepsi. Not necessarily for the drink, but for the woman holding the drink. Now granted, most of us have enough control to not go out and buy a bunch of 12-packs of pepsi, just because a beautiful woman is holding one (i hope..). But it will definitely get our attention. And that's exactly what these companies are going for; to grab our attention and associate their product, whatever it may be, with beauty...sex...and ultimately intense pleasure. That's what makes everything sell, these days.
Maybe this doesn't have so much to do with our morals or values, but perhaps it's our primal instinct to want or like these things. The point being is it works. So no matter how much any of you complain about it, sex in ads will always be there. It is not just men that will keep it going either. There are plenty of women who want to be that sex symbol as well. So like it or not, the point is that no matter what you do there will always be people who put basic instincts above being civil.
ReplyDeleteI agree everyone is surrounded by advertisements that desperately compete for our attention. Everywhere we look we find ourselves attracted to images of sex, attractive men and women that are supposed to somehow make us want to purchase products they sale. and yeah this strategy works and is popular. It’s normal thou to be curious about sex.
ReplyDelete