This video, though a little dated, is very factual and sheds light on the methods that the media and advertisement gurus use to distort, stereotype, and dehumanize women while manipulating people into buying their products. This video explains how ads sell concepts, normalcy, and tell us who we should be. I was deeply disturbed by some of the facts regarding how ads create a disgusting climate that shifts attitudes, especially those towards woman and children. I am a father of three little girls and some of the images and explanations regarding the ads were deeply disturbing. I have been affected in a great way by this video and will be sure to take more precaution when viewing and deciphering advertisements of all degrees. Nonetheless, I do believe this video’s dating reveals itself as she explains, in the beginning, the depiction of nuclear families, non-handicapped persons, and people of Caucasian ethnicity being the norm for advertisements. I appreciate the video, but we have made extreme advances since this video in the realm of advertising for diversity concerning race, family dynamics, and even physical capabilities. However, I do believe differential gender representation still cripples many people perceptions and mold many minds into thinking what the media and advertisements sell. Also, regarding the status of our advertising norms since this video, I must say it seems like sex and subjection of women is clearly still prevalent and used to capitalize on selling, manipulation, and capitalization. Below is a representative screenshot that depicts five ads that support the claims in the video. I chose five statements Kilbourne Jean spoke of in the video and simply Googled the title and chose an appropriate photo that came up, regarding the verbiage.

The first photo is a depiction of Ideal Female Beauty. This photo depicts a woman split in half by what she looks like naturally, and what the “ideal female” should look like. This is clearly the culture’s norm and pushes females to buy products that will aid them in looking similar. The norm is based on flawlessness and seemingly impossible.

The second photo is arguably an objectifying photo that uses a sexual innuendo and is very distasteful. This photo is degrading and supposedly humorous, yet it simultaneously sends out a powerful sexual message, all while denying it.

The third photo is a depiction of a typical professional woman. The caption reads: Look like a girl, Act like a lady, Think like a man, Work like a boss. This message states that woman should look like girls, yet act like ladies, and think like a man as if female thinking is not valued. This is warped, devaluing, and divisive.

The fourth photo reads: Cheat on your girlfriend, not your workout. This ad is disgustingly devaluing toward women and is sending a message to men that the gym is more important, more valuable, and has more long-term worth than a relationship with a woman.

The fifth photo sends multiple messages. Not only is the text a play on race as it reads: Bold new look (the African American woman, rather than a white woman), but the photo itself sends the message that not only is she a thing, but she is a thing for sale. This ad showcases that woman’s bodies and products are interchangeable.

Credible source: Covergirl – Featuring Katy Perry

This source is credible for several reasons. The Covergirl name itself is exceptionally well-known in the makeup industry and is sold almost anywhere. Secondly, the ad features iconic pop-star, Katie Perry, who is well-received and a credible music sensation in the United States and abroad. This ad offers the notion that the communicators (those who designed it) are knowledgeable in the art of advertising. The layout is modern, clean, and conveys precisely what people are attracted to. Furthermore, this ad features a spin on the relevant hashtag platform in the verbiage of #instaGLAMYOURSELF, which is an eWOM (electronic word-of-mouth). This also adds another level of trustworthiness which proves this ad to be a powerhouse in the communicator’s credibility.

Not Credible source: Smarter than Botox

At first glance, one can conclude this ad is clearly not credible. This picture features the quick pop-up, thumbnail-sized, inconvenience ad-feel that bombards your daily internet searching. The ad clearly states on the side: simulated imagery, which is a tell-tell sign of inconclusive results concerning the effectiveness of the product. The ad also looks to be photoshopped and has the “click-bait” vibe with the large – click here TRY IT FREE – rectangle on the bottom right and the clickable area just below the product name. The only thing I find potentially credible is the after the product name. Nonetheless, if I were looking for skincare in this realm, I would avoid this product, just due to the ad and the ineffective communication it offers.

Attractive source: Anytime Fitness

I found this ad to be attractive, yet not wholly valid. Initially, seeing someone in excellent shape on a gym advertisement can be either intimidating or reassuring. Intimidating for someone who is not familiar with the fitness world and is apprehensive to dive into that atmosphere, and reassuring for those who are seasoned in the industry and are looking for a gym that has all they need to achieve their goals. For those that may be apprehensive, seeing someone in seemingly perfect shape may discourage them or give them false expectations, which may lead to a short-lived fitness experience. I found this aspect to be ineffective in attracting all types of people. On a positive note, the ad showcases the man in half business attire and half shirt off (fitness attire), which attracts those who may consider their lives too busy for a gym membership. This aspect of the ad communicated to people that, though your life may be busy, we’re here when you need us. This 24-hour experience is sometimes the only option for some and is highly appealing to those with extreme schedules.

The below representative photo depicts my work as I gathered information for each ad in separate windows. This allowed me to focus on each individually while ensuring there was continuity throughout.