Questions to Consider: * How is the woman in this image presented? * What body parts are most emphasized in this image? * What product is this image selling? * Who is the intended audience? What We Think: This image is problematic because the woman is posed provocatively, with the intention of being a passive… Continue Reading →
Gallery of Offenders: An Appalling (lack of) Apparel
Questions to Consider: * What product is this ad selling? * Why would American Apparel use a semi-nude model to sell clothes? * Who is this ad’s intended audience? What We Think: “Oh, hi! You caught me completely by surprise as I lay here topless, staring vacantly into the camera. But while we’re here,… Continue Reading →
Gallery of Offenders: Diesel tells all to “Be Stupid.”
Questions to Consider: * What is this ad saying about women? About men? * What kind of action or attitude is this ad encouraging? * What product is this ad selling? What We Think: In this ad, Diesel is encouraging women to take actions that would gain them the title of “having the balls.” I… Continue Reading →
Gallery of Offenders: Treating animals ethically, but what about women?
Questions to Consider: * What is this ad trying to convey? * Who is this ad’s intended audience? * What does a woman’s body have to do with the ethical treatment of animals? What We Think: They may be called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, but it’s hard to remember the last… Continue Reading →
Christina Hendricks’ curves should never be Photoshopped
Poems should be written about “Mad Men” star Christina Hendricks’ curves. No, really. The actress has one of those unbelievably beautiful bodies that only Botticelli could have dreamed up. The show’s costume department must have a field day dressing her up in vintage styles that showcase breasts, hips, and butt (all of which she has… Continue Reading →
Skin-lightening for Indian men? Vaseline has a Facebook app for that.
Judging by Hollywood (and “Jersey Shore”), many Americans covet nothing more than the perfect tan. Imagine a Facebook application that allowed these tanning enthusiasts to tint their pasty profile pictures with a faux bronze glow. No big deal? Now imagine a similar app inviting Indian men to lighten their skin. If you just uncomfortably shifted… Continue Reading →
Charlotte, NC: Home of manly men who eat bacon cupcakes
Looking for somewhere to vacation this summer? How about Charlotte, North Carolina, recently named “America’s Manliest City”? I’m sure it’s a lovely place, but the title drives me crazy. The Manliest City Competition, created by snack company Combos, is a great example of how our society uses labels like “manliness” and “girliness” to define acceptable… Continue Reading →
MAC and Rodarte give makeup an ugly name with their Juarez line
Whether it’s a case of thinking way too far outside the box, or a cheap attempt to shock and awe makeup junkies, MAC Cosmetics has managed to seriously cross the line. Collaborating with high-fashion label Rodarte, MAC recently unveiled plans to release a makeup collection in September based on life in the border town of… Continue Reading →
Pamela Anderson displays her parts for PETA
Was PETA neglected as a child? Was it deprived of attention as a young, burgeoning organization? Why else would poor PETA feel the need to keep crying out for help by flaunting its half-naked celebrity supporters in compromising, often-sexist positions? To save the animals? Nah… Once again, the ever-demure, painfully shy Pamela Anderson is causing… Continue Reading →