We had a short discussion about Farrah's mention of having conference calls at midnight.
I agree that this is ridiculous, and should not be allowed. I do remember, though, being at Richards Group last year for agency day and asking how many hours a week they work. The young girl that had been working there for about 3 or 4 years paused and said that it varies. She explained that the Richards Group looks for people who are hard working and do what needs to be done to get the job done. She never gave an idea of an average work week. I felt like by asking how many hours they average, I was impplying (or they were assuming) that I'm not a hard worker and wouldn't be willing to "get the job done."
How do we appropriately find this balance. How could Farrah tell her boss that it's not ok for him to call her at midnight. She's been working there less than 2 years. Has she proved that she is a hard worker? When can we have this discussion? Can we set this up when we are first hired, so there is no confusion? Or do we have to let our bosses call us at midnight a few times, prove we are hard working and then draw some lines?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
my beef with the Pope...
I can’t help but think the Pope’s efforts to ‘apologize’ are a bit lame. There has been tons of coverage, but we haven’t seen the Pope’s face, or heard from his mouth.
The story: “Speaking in Germany on Tuesday, the Pope quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things.”
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/)
The major message that has been sent out has been that he was quoting someone else’s words, not declaring Islam evil himself. Well, if I ever pull out a quote to read in a speech I’m giving, it’s not usually something that I disagree with, it’s a perspective that I want to share with my audience. I’m thinking the Pope has some apologizing to do, in person.
_______________________________________
More quotes from http://news.bbc.co.uk/:
Benedict said "I quote" twice to stress the words were not his and added that violence was "incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul".
"The Holy Father is very sorry that some passages of his speech may have sounded offensive to the sensibilities of Muslim believers," the statement said.
But Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood said the statement did not go far enough and called on the pontiff to apologize in person.
_______________________________________
I agree with the above statement from the Brotherhood, we need to see the Pope’s face. He’s not putting out a humble, apologetic message by hiding behind his officials. I suppose it’s possible that he hasn’t shown his face for safety reasons, but I’m sure he can make a video inside Vatican City, and send it out to news outlets easily.
“The Vatican has also rejected the interpretation of the pontiff's remarks as an attack on Islam, and has said he intended no offence.”
Well, we are all human. We don’t intend to offend people, but in our selfishness, we often do. And when we do, we should apologize, with our mouths and from our hearts. I’d appreciate it if the Pope would be an example of this to us.
It’s not even that I think his statement was outrageously off track, or immoral – the point is that it offended loads of people – people that are bombing churches and holding screaming protests. The point is that he is a public figure, a very important one; he should be telling us more than “they weren’t my words,” or “it was misinterpreted.”
The story: “Speaking in Germany on Tuesday, the Pope quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things.”
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/)
The major message that has been sent out has been that he was quoting someone else’s words, not declaring Islam evil himself. Well, if I ever pull out a quote to read in a speech I’m giving, it’s not usually something that I disagree with, it’s a perspective that I want to share with my audience. I’m thinking the Pope has some apologizing to do, in person.
_______________________________________
More quotes from http://news.bbc.co.uk/:
Benedict said "I quote" twice to stress the words were not his and added that violence was "incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul".
"The Holy Father is very sorry that some passages of his speech may have sounded offensive to the sensibilities of Muslim believers," the statement said.
But Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood said the statement did not go far enough and called on the pontiff to apologize in person.
_______________________________________
I agree with the above statement from the Brotherhood, we need to see the Pope’s face. He’s not putting out a humble, apologetic message by hiding behind his officials. I suppose it’s possible that he hasn’t shown his face for safety reasons, but I’m sure he can make a video inside Vatican City, and send it out to news outlets easily.
“The Vatican has also rejected the interpretation of the pontiff's remarks as an attack on Islam, and has said he intended no offence.”
Well, we are all human. We don’t intend to offend people, but in our selfishness, we often do. And when we do, we should apologize, with our mouths and from our hearts. I’d appreciate it if the Pope would be an example of this to us.
It’s not even that I think his statement was outrageously off track, or immoral – the point is that it offended loads of people – people that are bombing churches and holding screaming protests. The point is that he is a public figure, a very important one; he should be telling us more than “they weren’t my words,” or “it was misinterpreted.”
Saturday, September 16, 2006
understanding law
What important chapters. As chapter two opens up, it is made clear that in the field of public relations, professionals need to know and understand the law in order to avoid suits.
There are two different types of speech that a corporation operates by: commercial and corporate. Commercial speech is information directed toward selling a product or service. Corporate speech is information released by a company informing the public of their political or social values or opinions. Corporate speech has many similar protections to individuals protected by the First Amendment. However, some restrictions are placed on corporate speech in because corporations have much more power than individuals and therefore could overshadow the individual. Commercial speech has less protection under the First Amendment, because this speech is designed for profit. There have been different periods since commercial speech became more protected – swerving from protecting the business to protecting the consumer. Protection for commercial speech has expanded since, and the Central Hudson test is available to advertisers wanting to remain under First Amendment protection.
Corporate speech receives much more protection that commercial speech, and as public relations professionals we should know and understand First Amendment protection so that we may avoid trouble. This is important for anyone in our industry. We don’t want to be on the front page of major publications, looking like idiots.
There are two different types of speech that a corporation operates by: commercial and corporate. Commercial speech is information directed toward selling a product or service. Corporate speech is information released by a company informing the public of their political or social values or opinions. Corporate speech has many similar protections to individuals protected by the First Amendment. However, some restrictions are placed on corporate speech in because corporations have much more power than individuals and therefore could overshadow the individual. Commercial speech has less protection under the First Amendment, because this speech is designed for profit. There have been different periods since commercial speech became more protected – swerving from protecting the business to protecting the consumer. Protection for commercial speech has expanded since, and the Central Hudson test is available to advertisers wanting to remain under First Amendment protection.
Corporate speech receives much more protection that commercial speech, and as public relations professionals we should know and understand First Amendment protection so that we may avoid trouble. This is important for anyone in our industry. We don’t want to be on the front page of major publications, looking like idiots.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Finally, I am blogging…
Utilitarianism = the greatest “good” for the greatest number of people. I feel like this is a little bogus because, like the book explains “it reduces all morality to a concern with consequences and views humans as a means rather than as ends in themselves.” This idea is much too general and leaves no room for the uniqueness that is the human race. I think of retail stores whose motto is often “the customer is always right…” If this view of ethics were applied to retail PR, medical PR, entertainment PR, etc. we would not have very happy customers. I don’t think life is so busy that we should generalize entire populations and fail to recognize the opinions and needs of different individuals.
Communitarianism = in PR means that the organization is encouraged to be a responsible member of its community/communities. Though this sounds great, there are problems that could arise here too. A certain community could be promoting a belief, or concept that is not in alignment with the ethics of the organization. The book gives the example of the Dalkon Sheild – a case where neither utilitarianism nor communitarianism can fully be applied. Utilitarianism maybe take care of the majority, but would cause harm to the minority. Communitarianism would have required a recall, leaving women free from harm being treated unfairly.
I think neither of these approaches should be the focus of any PR organization. We should take the time, as professionals and as humans, to consider individuals and communities both.
Tying this in with PRSA: I feel like PRSA’s code leans more towards communitarianism. Most of their words generalize and seem to apply to groups, however they also state that they are considerate of the individual. “We are faithful to those we represent, while honoring our obligation to serve the public interest.” They end with this: “we respect all opinions.” It seems that PRSA understands that neither of these ethical concepts could exhaustively express their desire to promote good ethical public relations. They exist on a continuum, moving back and forth between caring for the community, the client, and the individual – always upholding good ethics and being loyal and honest.
I would hope that PR professionals pull from both utilitarianism and communitarianism – working to honestly serve their communities, attempting to uphold good ethics for the greatest number of people, while also giving attention to the minority who could go unnoticed otherwise.
Communitarianism = in PR means that the organization is encouraged to be a responsible member of its community/communities. Though this sounds great, there are problems that could arise here too. A certain community could be promoting a belief, or concept that is not in alignment with the ethics of the organization. The book gives the example of the Dalkon Sheild – a case where neither utilitarianism nor communitarianism can fully be applied. Utilitarianism maybe take care of the majority, but would cause harm to the minority. Communitarianism would have required a recall, leaving women free from harm being treated unfairly.
I think neither of these approaches should be the focus of any PR organization. We should take the time, as professionals and as humans, to consider individuals and communities both.
Tying this in with PRSA: I feel like PRSA’s code leans more towards communitarianism. Most of their words generalize and seem to apply to groups, however they also state that they are considerate of the individual. “We are faithful to those we represent, while honoring our obligation to serve the public interest.” They end with this: “we respect all opinions.” It seems that PRSA understands that neither of these ethical concepts could exhaustively express their desire to promote good ethical public relations. They exist on a continuum, moving back and forth between caring for the community, the client, and the individual – always upholding good ethics and being loyal and honest.
I would hope that PR professionals pull from both utilitarianism and communitarianism – working to honestly serve their communities, attempting to uphold good ethics for the greatest number of people, while also giving attention to the minority who could go unnoticed otherwise.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
code of ethics
The CIPR Code of Conduct
CIPR has revamped its code, and it is well, long. Overall, the code promotes solid, honest work. Also emphasized is confidentiality, and teamwork (under Competency: "collaborating on projects", and under Maintaining Professional Standards: "offering work experience to students").
Included in this particular code is a full explanation of how to report offenses to the code. My personal opinion is that the code should be more clear and concise. Some parts of the code are ambiguous. Under Maintaining Professional Standards, they encourage their members to evaluate the practice of public relations, and to share information about good practice by discussing what can be done better. This, to me, is the meat of the conduct.
International Association of Business CommunicatorsCode of Ethics for Professional Communicators
This code identifies the basic principles of a code of conduct - legal adherence and ethical practices, but then go deeper by encouraging good taste and mutual understanding. Their code has a global tone, discussing cultural awareness and sensitivity. The 12 articles are extensive and challenge members to participate in honest and candid communication, to admit faults quickly, to refuse to participate when the situation is unethical, and finally to communicate honestly not only outwardly but with themselves. This code did a better job of making me think.
Public Relations Society of America Member Code of Ethics 2000
This is the only site whose Code of Ethics was plainly visible on the home page. The statement that the link takes you to is very short. There is a link to download the code of ethics, which is 20 pages printed. The statement says that "emphasis on enforcement has been eliminated." Hmm... CIPR and PRSA seems to have some funny business with members breaking the code...
Their code begins with a letter from the Board of Directors, which is personal. Also included are contact information, and the organizations Preamble. There is encouragement to practice public relations ethically, but also to know why that is important. The code is in place to enhance public relations and to build more respect for the profession. They challenge members to practice honestly, advance their industry through expertise, and to be held accountable for actions. The code ends with guidelines, examples, a contact person for questions, and a pledge.
CIPR has revamped its code, and it is well, long. Overall, the code promotes solid, honest work. Also emphasized is confidentiality, and teamwork (under Competency: "collaborating on projects", and under Maintaining Professional Standards: "offering work experience to students").
Included in this particular code is a full explanation of how to report offenses to the code. My personal opinion is that the code should be more clear and concise. Some parts of the code are ambiguous. Under Maintaining Professional Standards, they encourage their members to evaluate the practice of public relations, and to share information about good practice by discussing what can be done better. This, to me, is the meat of the conduct.
International Association of Business CommunicatorsCode of Ethics for Professional Communicators
This code identifies the basic principles of a code of conduct - legal adherence and ethical practices, but then go deeper by encouraging good taste and mutual understanding. Their code has a global tone, discussing cultural awareness and sensitivity. The 12 articles are extensive and challenge members to participate in honest and candid communication, to admit faults quickly, to refuse to participate when the situation is unethical, and finally to communicate honestly not only outwardly but with themselves. This code did a better job of making me think.
Public Relations Society of America Member Code of Ethics 2000
This is the only site whose Code of Ethics was plainly visible on the home page. The statement that the link takes you to is very short. There is a link to download the code of ethics, which is 20 pages printed. The statement says that "emphasis on enforcement has been eliminated." Hmm... CIPR and PRSA seems to have some funny business with members breaking the code...
Their code begins with a letter from the Board of Directors, which is personal. Also included are contact information, and the organizations Preamble. There is encouragement to practice public relations ethically, but also to know why that is important. The code is in place to enhance public relations and to build more respect for the profession. They challenge members to practice honestly, advance their industry through expertise, and to be held accountable for actions. The code ends with guidelines, examples, a contact person for questions, and a pledge.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
why do i do this?
Meeting tomorrow to talk about final project, and still can't seem to pick one. I am just iffy on this whole racism in west Texas project, because I feel I can't do much more than analyze a handful of articles, and I don't really know how deep I can dig. It's all so surface level, and I'm leaning away from it.
Other ideas: lack on minorities in prime time television... particularly The Bachelor. It's the only show I watch, yeah, I know, it's ridiculous. I never watch any tv, and neither do my roommates, but every Wednesday, we set the vcr to record the bachelor. We're usually a couple weeks behind, but it doesn't seem to ruin anything for us because we're not getting updated in the media. So thats something I could possibly dig deep into. Who knows?
Another area I am venturing into is the show Gilmore Girls. I haven't seen any episodes since high school. In high school the theme of the show was different than most other shows airing, a relationship between a single mom & her daughter. Innocent relationships, and the daughter, the main charater is very intelligent & stands up for what she believes in. Well, I saw a season premiere commercial & found out that the boy she dated a couple seasons ago got married, and he comes into town & the SLEEP TOGETHER...ADULTRY! Craziness, this show has rolled into the cookie cutter image that all these stupid shows want to fit. sex sex sex. Who knows, this is where I'm at. I will keep posting about this, I will make a decision VERY SOON & post my findings & interest.
Too much media for me, I'm so deprived, and combining that with someone who is severely indecisive is a dangerous thing...
thanks, kasey
Other ideas: lack on minorities in prime time television... particularly The Bachelor. It's the only show I watch, yeah, I know, it's ridiculous. I never watch any tv, and neither do my roommates, but every Wednesday, we set the vcr to record the bachelor. We're usually a couple weeks behind, but it doesn't seem to ruin anything for us because we're not getting updated in the media. So thats something I could possibly dig deep into. Who knows?
Another area I am venturing into is the show Gilmore Girls. I haven't seen any episodes since high school. In high school the theme of the show was different than most other shows airing, a relationship between a single mom & her daughter. Innocent relationships, and the daughter, the main charater is very intelligent & stands up for what she believes in. Well, I saw a season premiere commercial & found out that the boy she dated a couple seasons ago got married, and he comes into town & the SLEEP TOGETHER...ADULTRY! Craziness, this show has rolled into the cookie cutter image that all these stupid shows want to fit. sex sex sex. Who knows, this is where I'm at. I will keep posting about this, I will make a decision VERY SOON & post my findings & interest.
Too much media for me, I'm so deprived, and combining that with someone who is severely indecisive is a dangerous thing...
thanks, kasey
Sunday, November 07, 2004
possibly a final project? west tx drama...
Here is the story. Snyder, TX - small West Texas town... in 1998, a black boy from Sweetwater drowned in Towle Park Pond when "drinking" with a group of people. People remember the story as: a bunch of kids got drunk, and 2 tried to swim across the pond, Moses accidently drowned...
My brother (Ike) just transferred to Snyder High, he was well-known, athletic, cute... one of the seniors, Andy Parker (the other kid who swam across the pond) decided to get some attention. Andy stole the tool box out of the back of Ike's truck, where Ike kept his spare tire, his backpack, everything... so he was determined to get it back. He found out it was Andy, Ike told Andy he was going to fight him if he had to (Ike is a stupid boy for wanting to fight, he is also a strong boy) Andy told Ike this exact thing: "I drowned that nigger from Sweetwater & got away with it, I think I can handle this." My dad was very upset about this & decided to find out what happened. He was friends with the town judge & got info. from him. Andy's family was a prominent political & financial one in town. The chief of police dealing with this case (who I understand tried to investigate further) was fired soon after.
The story goes, from the judge, that Moses was in the water, Andy was wet sitting by the pond crying, and other kids were further back watching. It was late at night & the police came & took everyone home but Andy. Andy said they were racing to the other side, and something happened... he didnt realize & went on. It was then too late. They pulled Moses' body out of the water, and for some reason put it back until a few hours later. Once they pulled his body back out, there was no way to tell if there was in fact alcohol in his system. (?)
I'm not venturing to say anything more happened, or make any accusations. If I believed that more than what is shown happened, I woud probaby say that Andy might have jokingly pushed Moses, something playful, resulting in an accident, hence the need to put the body back in the water & make all the witnesses go home. I don't really know.
I would like to analyze articles from the Snyder, Sweetwater, Abilene, Lubbock, and surrounding newspapers. Sweetwater has a higher African American population than Snyder, I'd like to see the "spin" each paper might take. I've looked, and found only one article in a paper from Pecos, TX. Nothing in the archives of Snyder Daily News Online, or Sweetwater Reporter Online. I could find them, but I can't find them all from here in Denton.
Is this a good final project idea? Should I do this? Is this bad of me to stir up? Can I look at things other than Racism...
who knows...let me know!
My brother (Ike) just transferred to Snyder High, he was well-known, athletic, cute... one of the seniors, Andy Parker (the other kid who swam across the pond) decided to get some attention. Andy stole the tool box out of the back of Ike's truck, where Ike kept his spare tire, his backpack, everything... so he was determined to get it back. He found out it was Andy, Ike told Andy he was going to fight him if he had to (Ike is a stupid boy for wanting to fight, he is also a strong boy) Andy told Ike this exact thing: "I drowned that nigger from Sweetwater & got away with it, I think I can handle this." My dad was very upset about this & decided to find out what happened. He was friends with the town judge & got info. from him. Andy's family was a prominent political & financial one in town. The chief of police dealing with this case (who I understand tried to investigate further) was fired soon after.
The story goes, from the judge, that Moses was in the water, Andy was wet sitting by the pond crying, and other kids were further back watching. It was late at night & the police came & took everyone home but Andy. Andy said they were racing to the other side, and something happened... he didnt realize & went on. It was then too late. They pulled Moses' body out of the water, and for some reason put it back until a few hours later. Once they pulled his body back out, there was no way to tell if there was in fact alcohol in his system. (?)
I'm not venturing to say anything more happened, or make any accusations. If I believed that more than what is shown happened, I woud probaby say that Andy might have jokingly pushed Moses, something playful, resulting in an accident, hence the need to put the body back in the water & make all the witnesses go home. I don't really know.
I would like to analyze articles from the Snyder, Sweetwater, Abilene, Lubbock, and surrounding newspapers. Sweetwater has a higher African American population than Snyder, I'd like to see the "spin" each paper might take. I've looked, and found only one article in a paper from Pecos, TX. Nothing in the archives of Snyder Daily News Online, or Sweetwater Reporter Online. I could find them, but I can't find them all from here in Denton.
Is this a good final project idea? Should I do this? Is this bad of me to stir up? Can I look at things other than Racism...
who knows...let me know!
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
a true reflection?
I would really like to know what anyone thinks about this! In my advertising class, we get into how nasty & raunchy advertising can be sometimes. The defense is, in some aspects, that advertising doesn't create an audience, they appeal to an existing one. They might exaggerate, over do themselves a little, but they've got to start somewhere... Sex is everywhere. Everywhere. All around us. I'm not in any way implying that the media/advertising are a clear representation of who we are, but I am wondering - who are we? Do we give just enough to get started & let the media run wild with the rest? Take a look around, in some cases, what you see in all media isn't so different from what is seen at our jobs, in our schools, in our shopping malls, in our homes.
where can any of us go?
Wow. It has been quite some time. I have been meaning to write about this for a while now! About three weeks ago, maybe longer, we talked in class about where women can go & "be women." Some women would answer Cosmopolatin Magazine. I think that a man considering Maxim Magazine, or The Man's Show on television, is about as backwards as women going to Cosmo. It was funny how in class it was sort of accepted that, yeah, Maxim is for men, Cosmo isn't so great for us, where can we go? I failed to comment, my thoughts take time to process & I don't speak sometimes unless I can clearly convey myself. Well, I went away from class thinking, "Please, don't let us settle, Maxim is NOT where men can go & be men!" Or the Playboy mansion. Ughh...not what I think of when I think of a man. I think of a true man as one who can practice self-control, who is respectful of all people, who can be a loving leader, who treats people equally, who seeks serving others as opposed to filling his own pleasures. This is not reflected in Maxim magazine in any way. I don't want to think of Cosmo as a place where I can go & thrive as a woman, because it's simply not true. Same case for men & Maxim magazine.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
finally... a topic
I think I have decided on a topic, on the Saturday before it is due! Not so great, but I'll run with it anyway. I initially thought I would use the web for my first critical analysis. I really do not read any media outside of the web (I read news online, and other than that I am pretty much out of the loop). I've decided now that the web is a little broad, for a small project, magazines would be the best medium to use.
I thought I would compare ads in secular publications as opposed to Christian publications, but I quickly decided that there would be a major difference & I didn't know what parallels I would find. As far as mainstream, well-known magazines, I can't think of what I could compare. I could look at Cosmo, a sex-driven publication (in my mind), and then look into Relevent (focuses on God, You, and Progressive Culture), but these magazines have such different target markets. Sure I would find differences, but I thought this wouldn't be a very interesting study. Hmm...
I really couldn't think of what I wanted to dig deep into, something that interests me & something that goes along with one of the chapters we've read. After visiting many magazine stores & spending a couple hours in Barnes & Noble & online, I think I am going to look at women's magazines compared to the "teen" publication of the same magazine. Like: Elle, & Elle girl, Cosmo & Cosmo girl, People & Teen People, etc. I am going to look at how the women are portrayed differently in the magazines, if they are. I am going to see if there is more "sex" in the women's magazines as opposed to the teen publication. I am going to look at the advertisments & see if in women's magazines there is more sexuality. I am also hoping to find out of in women's magazines there are more suggestive ads, maybe hidden messages. I surely hope that magazines geared toward women, sexually active women, are filled with much different content then ones aimed at younger girls. Everyone seems to think that kids are growing up faster today, so I'm excited to see what advertisers are putting out there! Ok, I'm just rambling. Now I will go & find out! Off to search!
I thought I would compare ads in secular publications as opposed to Christian publications, but I quickly decided that there would be a major difference & I didn't know what parallels I would find. As far as mainstream, well-known magazines, I can't think of what I could compare. I could look at Cosmo, a sex-driven publication (in my mind), and then look into Relevent (focuses on God, You, and Progressive Culture), but these magazines have such different target markets. Sure I would find differences, but I thought this wouldn't be a very interesting study. Hmm...
I really couldn't think of what I wanted to dig deep into, something that interests me & something that goes along with one of the chapters we've read. After visiting many magazine stores & spending a couple hours in Barnes & Noble & online, I think I am going to look at women's magazines compared to the "teen" publication of the same magazine. Like: Elle, & Elle girl, Cosmo & Cosmo girl, People & Teen People, etc. I am going to look at how the women are portrayed differently in the magazines, if they are. I am going to see if there is more "sex" in the women's magazines as opposed to the teen publication. I am going to look at the advertisments & see if in women's magazines there is more sexuality. I am also hoping to find out of in women's magazines there are more suggestive ads, maybe hidden messages. I surely hope that magazines geared toward women, sexually active women, are filled with much different content then ones aimed at younger girls. Everyone seems to think that kids are growing up faster today, so I'm excited to see what advertisers are putting out there! Ok, I'm just rambling. Now I will go & find out! Off to search!
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
chapter nine
Kilbourne got me to think about women in advertising. I agree with many of Kilbourne's opinions. Young women are used as objects, and no real intimacy is ever displayed. I don't think real intimacy should be on display. Why isn't sex something that America keeps private? Is that even possible? Media's representation of sex is fleeting, careless, pure fantasy, and void of all committment.
Sheesh. Kilbourne throws some reality at us. Models in "sexy" advertisments really don't even look at eachother. They don't. That is crazy. No human personality is ever shown. We see an image of a "perfect" body and interaction that is purely physical between sex objects. They look upset, or confused. They make sex seem rough, temporal, and only self gratifying. I hope that is not what sex is all about. Sex isn't about two people sharing themselves, it isn't about love, or committment. It's gross & self-centered.
Television is something I don't spend to much time watching. I don't have time for it, and I don't make time for it (with the exception of the olympics). And I thought I was unaffected by these kinds of advertisments, but I am obviously affected in that I am partially desensitized by these images. I don't think about the long term effects. I have not truly understood how sex is viewed as a result of advertising. I've never even thought about some of this.
I can think of a couple of companies that advertise clothing in a postive way, in ways that I enjoy. The Gap for instance, colorful people are portrayed having fun with eachother. It seems wholesome. The "perfect" body image is still present, but this model has personality, looks happy, and seems to be having fun!
http://www.gap.com/asp/shops/gap/sjp.asp?wdid=2678&tlocation=20&inst=1
In these ads the models don't look at eachtoher. They look very serious, bored, dark, and fake. There seems to be no emotion. It's just all about sex.
http://www.candies.com/ - this girl just got out of highschool
http://www.guess.com/Advertising/ - click on the vanity fair link
http://www.vuitton.com/ - it's just dark
http://www.maximonline.com/girls_of_maxim/ - yeah, what else do we expect from maxim?
Sheesh. Kilbourne throws some reality at us. Models in "sexy" advertisments really don't even look at eachother. They don't. That is crazy. No human personality is ever shown. We see an image of a "perfect" body and interaction that is purely physical between sex objects. They look upset, or confused. They make sex seem rough, temporal, and only self gratifying. I hope that is not what sex is all about. Sex isn't about two people sharing themselves, it isn't about love, or committment. It's gross & self-centered.
Television is something I don't spend to much time watching. I don't have time for it, and I don't make time for it (with the exception of the olympics). And I thought I was unaffected by these kinds of advertisments, but I am obviously affected in that I am partially desensitized by these images. I don't think about the long term effects. I have not truly understood how sex is viewed as a result of advertising. I've never even thought about some of this.
I can think of a couple of companies that advertise clothing in a postive way, in ways that I enjoy. The Gap for instance, colorful people are portrayed having fun with eachother. It seems wholesome. The "perfect" body image is still present, but this model has personality, looks happy, and seems to be having fun!
http://www.gap.com/asp/shops/gap/sjp.asp?wdid=2678&tlocation=20&inst=1
In these ads the models don't look at eachtoher. They look very serious, bored, dark, and fake. There seems to be no emotion. It's just all about sex.
http://www.candies.com/ - this girl just got out of highschool
http://www.guess.com/Advertising/ - click on the vanity fair link
http://www.vuitton.com/ - it's just dark
http://www.maximonline.com/girls_of_maxim/ - yeah, what else do we expect from maxim?
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
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