Sexism and violence in advertising

[KarmaContestant]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Most people are not young, white males. They are certainly not my reality. Advertising allows us to envision an idealized reality in which bodyfat percentages are in the single digits and skin is clear, unwrinkled and poreless. I don't think there is anything wrong with using idealized images; it gives people something to aspire to, which really is at the root of spending: this notion that buying Product X will somehow make me among the beautiful/skinny/rich/smart. I don't think you will get many guys to buy athletic shoes if their ads feature only "real guys" with beer guts wearing saggy pants and flannel shirts.

I just think it all represents a decline in Western culture that's been going on for a long time. It's all sex and violence now, with a little humor thrown in for the products that sex can't sell, like Insurance - but give it 10 years and ladies in bras who proudly declare they can't cook will be selling homeowners policies.