Ads We Could Probably Do Without
Taking ADvantage
Ads We Could Probably Do Without
Compiled by
Richard F. Taflinger
PARENTAL WARNING: You may find some of these images less
than acceptable for viewing by your children. I suggest explaining to
them why they're wrong.
This page has been accessed 
since 28 May 1996.
These are ads from a variety of places, found by my students or
myself. I've included a little commentary with each.
Notice how difficult it
is to figure out what the product is. But then, the visual should stop a
reader in rher tracks and hold rher attention for awhile -- maybe long
enough to locate the sponsor.
The stereotypical dumb blonde. In fact, this
one is so dumb she can't even spell correctly when she speaks! What does
she have to do with foam insulation? Absolutely nothing! She's simply
there to stop the reader in his tracks, and perhaps wonder at the double
entendre. A prime example of sexist advertising. DON'T DO THIS!!!
Another prime
example of
sexist advertising. Don't you just love the subtlty of the double
entendre?
To hell with a subtle
appeal to sex -- let's toss in a little bondage!
In most clothing ads, there
is at least
a suggestion of cloth. Perhaps the felt is sufficient. At least the
reader will stop and ogle (or is that goggle?) long enough for the product
name to sink in.
At least the Versace name is obvious.
One is not entirely certain what this is an ad for (the logo is in the
upper left corner (yes, that little white blotch)), or even if it's an ad
at all.
This one should get a little
attention, don't you think? There's nothing like having a beautiful woman
licking one's boots to raise one's sense of the intrinsic worth of women
-- and of course sell the boots that would cause such a reaction in
women. N'est-ce pas?
Lest you begin to think that
only women
are demeaned in using sex in advertising, there is a school of advertising
that says men's bodies, brains and self-esteem are legitimate targets to
attack, exploit and belittle (no pun intended).
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You can reach me by e-mail at: richt@turbonet.com