Australian comic Adam Hills is not one to mince his words: "Don't buy women's magazines ... They are designed to make you feel bad about yourself so that you buy the s*** that they advertise." … [Read more...]
Debenhams Department Store: Bona Fide Diversity
March 2, 2010 By
Debenhams for Diversity by Ben Barry at AnyBody Last week, the UK department Debenhams launched an advertising campaign for their Principles fashion line that features models of a variety of sizes, backgrounds, and abilities. The print advert features a petite 5'4 model, a size 16 model, a size 10 model, and a wheel-chair using … [Read more...]
Dove: Redefining Male Beauty
February 23, 2010 By
By Sharon Haywood Is male beauty found in ripped abs and bulging biceps? Is a man deemed attractive by the car he drives? Or by how much money he earns? If you look at commercials geared toward men as an indicator, you would have to deduce that square jawlines, snazzy sport cars, and a thick wallet equate with masculine … [Read more...]
Dove and Diversity: Not Just for Women
February 3, 2010 By
By Sharon Haywood Ads for cars, beer, and action movies typically dominate the costly airtime during Super Bowl. But during The Big Game of 2006, it wasn't another Bud Light commercial that captivated viewers. Instead, the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty reached an estimated 90.7 million football fans via a 45-second spot that … [Read more...]
Is Airbrushing On Its Way Out?
January 25, 2010 By
By Sharon Haywood In March 2009, Kim Kardashian's cellulite made headlines. The paparazzi didn't snap an illicit photo of her sunning poolside, but rather, Complex, a men's lifestyle magazine accidentally published an unaltered photo of the reality star. For those who work in the entertainment industry, it had always been common … [Read more...]
Warning Labels on Photoshopped Models? “Oui” Say the French
September 23, 2009 By
About seven years ago, I led an intense media literacy course for a group of amazing Bay area teens. As part of the course, students created art and media pieces that illustrated how they felt about unrealistic portrayals of men and women in the media. I was blown away when a pair of fourteen year-olds, Shari and Shila, produced … [Read more...]
Save Your Boobs, Unless They’re Saggy
September 18, 2009 By
Update: Jezebel and The LA Times have posted two new stories also shaming the "Save the Boobs" campaign.Just came across this psa "Save the Boobs" for ReThink Breast Cancer. In an effort to reach a hip, young, media savvy audience about the impact of breast cancer on young women, this campaign does nothing to lift the conversation … [Read more...]
The Sexpot Strikes Again
August 22, 2009 By
So it looks like Miley Cyrus has taken to the stripper pole. And this is a surprise? Like Britney and Christina Aguilera before her, it?s clear that as she outgrows her tweens and moves into young adulthood, Miley?s handlers are trying to get the Mickey Mouse Monkey off of her back. I?m all for this transition happening. For it?s … [Read more...]
Pixie Dust: The Opium of Young Masses
April 16, 2009 By
Disney, Casino Capitalism and the Exploitation of Young Boys: Beyond the Politics of Innocence Great article from Truthout.org on Disney's role in creating consumers out of our kids. Here's a taste... Since children's identities have to be actively directed toward the role of consumers, knowledge, information, entertainment … [Read more...]
