QUESTION
There is a film (Killing us softly 4) about advertising image of women https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk4Va3RywVI&feature=youtu.be needs to be watched.
then, Write an essay (700-800 words long) addressing the following:
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Analyzing Jean Kilbourne’s Perspective on Women in Advertising.How would you describe Jean Kilbourne’s point of view of women in advertising, overall? Can you think of other ways to look at the role of women in advertising that might contradict her central argument?
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- How would you describe Jean Kilbourne’s point of view of women in advertising, overall?
- Can you think of other ways to look at the role of women in advertising that might contradict her central argument?
- What sort of reasoning might lead to a defense of how women are portrayed in advertising? What’s your own take?
Your essay needs to be supported with the learnings about the definition of sex and gender from an anthropological perspective. You can include your personal opinion, however most of your answer needs to be supported by an anthropological theoretical perspective about gender.
ANSWER
Analyzing Jean Kilbourne’s Perspective on Women in Advertising
Introduction
The film “Killing Us Softly 4” by Jean Kilbourne provides a thought-provoking examination of the portrayal of women in advertising. Kilbourne’s central argument revolves around the harmful effects of the advertising industry’s objectification and commodification of women. This essay will delve into Kilbourne’s perspective, explore alternative viewpoints on the role of women in advertising, and present a balanced analysis of the reasoning behind the portrayal of women in advertisements.
Jean Kilbourne’s Point of View
Jean Kilbourne’s perspective on women in advertising can be characterized as critical and insightful. She argues that advertising perpetuates harmful stereotypes, objectification, and unrealistic beauty standards for women. Kilbourne emphasizes that these portrayals negatively impact women’s self-esteem, body image, and mental health. She highlights the pervasive use of sexualized imagery and the dehumanization of women as mere objects of desire. Kilbourne believes that these representations contribute to the larger issue of gender inequality and the oppression of women in society.
Alternative Perspectives
While Kilbourne’s analysis sheds light on the negative aspects of women’s portrayal in advertising, it is important to consider alternative viewpoints that may challenge her central argument. Some perspectives may argue that women willingly participate in the creation and consumption of these advertisements, suggesting agency and choice in their representation. Additionally, proponents of this viewpoint may argue that advertisements reflect societal norms and preferences rather than solely shaping them. They may contend that women in advertisements are empowered, confident, and embrace their sexuality, challenging the notion of victimhood portrayed by Kilbourne.
Defense of Women’s Portrayal in Advertising
To defend the portrayal of women in advertising, one might argue that advertisements are meant to capture attention and promote products effectively. Advertisers may contend that using attractive and aspirational visuals helps create positive associations with their brand, thus driving consumer engagement and sales. From this perspective, it can be argued that advertisements merely reflect market demands and consumer preferences. Moreover, proponents of this viewpoint may suggest that advertisements provide an opportunity for women to showcase their talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills in the competitive advertising industry.
Personal Perspective
While Kilbourne’s critique raises valid concerns about the objectification and commodification of women in advertising, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of this issue. As a consumer and critical thinker, I believe that advertisements should strive for a more balanced representation of women that goes beyond narrow beauty standards. Advertisements should focus on portraying women as multifaceted individuals with diverse talents, strengths, and aspirations. By embracing inclusivity, diversity, and authentic representation, advertisers can promote positive societal change and contribute to the empowerment of women.
Conclusion
Jean Kilbourne’s perspective on women in advertising presents a compelling argument that highlights the negative impact of objectification and unrealistic beauty standards. However, alternative viewpoints suggest that women’s portrayal in advertising can be a result of societal norms and individual agency. The defense of how women are depicted in advertisements often revolves around market demands and effectiveness in capturing consumer attention. Ultimately, a more balanced approach that promotes inclusivity and authenticity is necessary to counteract harmful stereotypes and empower women.