2 thoughts on “Learning about Advertisement & Representation/Identity

  • October 14, 2019 at 3:49 am
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    Fantastically visual Shruti, and some real analytical insights:
    * Do you agree with Kilbourne? How do you see advertising influencing identity?
    * In Rezkallah’s Hardee’s satire, what specific gender roles are being subverted? Why is the girl still in pink?

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    • November 2, 2019 at 6:14 am
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      I definitely agree with Kilbourne. Advertisements tend to follow us wherever we go, all around the world, and have the power to subconsciously influence both us and ultimately our decisions. They influence our identity by shaping the ideals we begin to aspire to achieve, which in turn become a part of our identity. Unfortunately, these are ideals are formed as a result of effective marketing whose primary purpose is profits. Furthermore, the majority of these standards set in society are impossible to conform to without devastating consequences (which could affect our mental or/and physical health). This affects everyone – both men and women.

      In Rezkallah’s Hardee’s satire, the separate spheres of the traditional gender roles are being subverted. However, inverting the spheres of women and men, and thus the roles they embody, does not have to affect their tastes in colour or fashion sense. The little girl wearing pink dress could send the message that a woman can still ‘wear the pants’ in the relationship and look feminine whilst doing it. And this doesn’t or shouldn’t make her role any less official/valid than a man in her position.

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