TARGET WOMEN: LESSONS 2009

For more Sarah Haskins, see Current: Target Women.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PSAs ONLY GIVE HALF THE STORY

Women are almost always shown as the victims in domestic violence public service announcements. But in reality, more than 1/3 of the victims are male. Read More.

THE TROUBLE WITH ANTI-AGING ADS

If they haven’t made you feel ugly yet, just give it time. Read More.

THE HARD SELL

Ads that exploit phallic imagery to grab attention. (Mildly NSFW) Read More.

SAVE THE BOOBS, ETC.

Competing with over-sexed ads for burgers and body sprays, these PSA’s grab attention by focusing more on the breasts, and less on the cancer. Read More.

CONTRASTING GENDERED PRODUCTS

It’s Sociology 101. Pink and blue birthday cards. Then toy trucks for him and Barbie dolls for her. Well into adulthood, we’re force-fed ideas about basic gender roles, and what constitutes femininity and masculinity on the most superficial of levels. Read More.

WHAT’S SEX GOT TO DO WITH IT?

When ads go out on a limb to link their products with sex. Read More.

PETA’S “SAVE THE WHALES” BILLBOARD

Advancing the rights of one group, at the expense of another. Read More.

MARRIAGE FOR SALE

Exploiting the institution for a profit. Read More.

GAY-VERTISING ON THE D.L.

Gay-friendly ads are out there – you just have to search for them. Read More.

PETA: Humanizing Animals, Animalizing Humans

Advancing the rights of one group at the expense of another. Read More.

THE “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” COMPLEX

Capitalizing on fantasy and ignorance. Read More.

CARL’S JR: Catholic Hamburger Porn?

The media dubbed Carl’s Jr.’s campaign “Hamburger Porn,” linking sex and burgers like never before. Read More.

SEXIST MAGAZINE ADS

Examining some modern magazine ads that spread warped messages, particularly regarding women. Read More.