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Saturday, September 20, 2008

It'll make him happier, I promise...almost


As we've been discussing advertisements in class, I never realized how, according to today's standards, advertisements nearly 60 and 50 years ago were so sexist.

I've noticed a common similarity among advertisements, particularly those in the 1950s. The media (marketers) specifically appealed to women by means of making them think of pleasing their husband. For example, this pictured advertisement uses something as simple as a meat thermometer to make sure dinner's cooked correctly for him.

Now, compare that to a similar item advertised on the Web. It states, "Using a Cooking or Meat Thermometer. Have you ever cut into a roast or a turkey to see if it has finished cooking? Have you ever paid what seemed like a fortune for a beautiful steak and have it come off the grill overcooked and dry? You DEFINITELY need to use a cooking or meat thermometer!"

What a change in the marketing media! While some may argue that maybe the media hasn't done enough to close the sexist gap, I believe today's ads create a more individual, empowering buyer attitude. Now, the media understands this concept of individualism. Instead of trying to please one or two persons, the buyer is expected to satisfy his own expectations.

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